Inguinal

Inguinal

The intestines or fat from the abdomen expand through the lower abdominal wall into the inguinal, or groyne, area, causing an inguinal hernia.

Inguinal hernias are divided into two types:

Indirect inguinal hernias: These hernias are caused by a congenital birth defect in the abdominal wall (present at birth).

Adult males are more likely to have direct inguinal hernias than females. These are most commonly caused by a long-term weakening in the abdominal wall muscles, as well as straining or heavy lifting.