Men’s Health Month is a reminder to pay attention to your health and well-being. Although it may be easy to ignore early symptoms of an inguinal hernia, that doesn’t mean you should skip care.
An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, often part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the groin. While it can affect anyone, men are significantly more likely to develop one. About 25% of all males develop one, while only 2% of women do.
Our team at the Hernia Center at Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, in Jackson, Mississippi, shares five things that put a man at risk of developing an inguinal hernia.
Repeated strain increases pressure inside the abdomen, which can weaken the muscle over time. This includes heavy lifting without proper form, chronic constipation, or even persistent coughing.
Many men power through these situations without realizing the cumulative effect on their core and the possible contributions to a hernia.
As you age, muscle tissue naturally loses strength and elasticity, including in the abdominal wall. Even if you’ve been active your whole life, you can develop hernias as structural support changes over time.
Jobs or workouts that involve frequent lifting, pushing, or pulling can increase risk, especially without proper bracing or recovery. Don’t stop being active, but do be intentional about technique, breath, and core engagement.
If you’ve had a hernia before, your risk of developing another is higher. Genetics also plays a role. Some men are born with naturally weaker connective tissue, making them more susceptible even without obvious strain.
Carrying extra weight increases pressure on your abdominal wall. Over time, this added stress can contribute to the formation of a hernia. Even a small amount of weight loss can reduce this pressure and support overall core health.
Early signs aren’t always obvious. You might notice a small bulge in your groin, a feeling of heaviness, or discomfort when bending. These are all symptoms of a developing hernia.
Pain isn’t always present in the beginning, which is why many cases go untreated longer than they should.
Hernias don’t resolve on their own. Left untreated, they can enlarge and lead to complications that require more urgent care.
We offer modern surgical techniques for hernia repair, often minimally invasive and designed to get you back to normal activity quickly.
Remember that taking care of your health is not about waiting until something goes wrong. It’s about paying attention early, asking questions, and taking action when something feels off.
If you notice symptoms or know you have risk factors, a simple evaluation can provide peace of mind.
Call Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, today or use the online tool to reach out and schedule a visit.
