- What is a hernia?
- What are the signs & symptoms of a hernia?
- What causes a hernia?
- What are the different types of hernias?
- Who can get a hernia?
In the United States about 800,000 people per year undergo surgery to repair inguinal hernias (also called groin hernias) and another 500,000 undergo surgery to repair ventral hernias (abdominal hernias not in the groin area).
While it's difficult to predict when and where a hernia will occur, the lifetime risk of inguinal hernia for men is 27%. Direct inguinal hernias typically occur in men over 40. Men may also experience any type of ventral abdominal hernia, including incisional, epigastric, and umbilical.
Hernias occur less frequently in women, with the lifetime risk of inguinal hernia in women being 3%. Women are at greater risk than men for femoral hernias, or may require surgical repair for ventral abdominal hernias.
One type of ventral hernia, the umbilical hernia, can occur in infants and children. This can be the result of an abdominal wall defect that is present at birth. Children can also get an indirect inguinal hernia, causing a bulge that can be seen and felt.
How are hernias treated? Read about your options.
This website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a physician or other qualified health provider can diagnose and treat a hernia.