What it is
An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin where the contents of the belly — usually fat or part of the small intestine — push through a weak area in the lower belly wall.[1]
In men, the spermatic cord (carrying the vas deferens and testicular vessels) passes through the inguinal canal just above the inguinal ligament. Hernias develop at this weak point, and in men the bulge can extend into the scrotum.[1][2]
Hernias that cannot be reduced may become incarcerated; strangulation cuts off the blood supply to the trapped tissue and is a surgical emergency. Diagnosis is usually clinical, with ultrasound, CT or MRI when unclear.[1]
See the groin: the inguinal ligament, and the vas deferens passing through the inguinal canal.
See it in 3DThe inguinal canal is a passage rather than a solid part, so it is shown by the inguinal ligament and the vas deferens that runs through it.
How common it is
Causes and risk factors
Things you can't change
- Being male: men are much more likely than women to develop one.[1]
Straining, lifting, coughing and long periods of standing can make symptoms worse.[1]
Symptoms worth reporting to a doctor
- A bulge in the groin or scrotum
- Discomfort, pain, heaviness or burning in the groin
- Symptoms that get worse with straining, lifting, coughing or standing for a long time, and ease when lying down
See a clinician about any new groin bulge.[1]
Get urgent care if…
How it's diagnosed
Types of treatment
- Surgical repair. Open or laparoscopic surgery, usually with mesh to strengthen the belly wall. Stuck or strangulated hernias need emergency surgery.[1]
- Watchful waiting. Men with few or no symptoms may be able to delay surgery safely, with regular check-ups and watching for changes.[1]
Which option fits depends on the details of each person’s situation. Your care team decides with you.
What you can do
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is this a hernia, and what kind?
- Do I need surgery now, or is watchful waiting safe for me?
- Open or laparoscopic repair — which suits me?
- How long is recovery, and when can I lift again?
Myth vs. fact
Related topics
Colorectal cancer
Cancer of the colon or rectum. Screening from age 45 can find it early — or prevent it by removing polyps before they turn into cancer.
Testicular cancer
A cancer of younger men — the average age at diagnosis is about 33. It's uncommon and usually very treatable. Know what's normal for you.
Sources
- NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Inguinal Hernia. Checked 23 October 2026.
- National Cancer Institute SEER Training Modules. Male Reproductive System. Checked 23 October 2026.
The owner of this website is not a doctor. Human Atlas provides educational anatomy information and does not diagnose, stage, or treat disease. Talk to a qualified clinician about anything concerning your own health.