Scrotal Hernia

A hernia as we all know, is a bulge or protrusion which commonly develops in the abdominal regions. It occurs when the contents (intestinal or abdominal fatty tissue) enclosed in the thin membrane of the body cavity break through the membrane and bulge out. Scrotal hernia, also referred as inguinal hernia is hernia in the scrotal or groin area which occurs when the tissues pass through thin or weakened spots in the groin muscles.

The hernia causes enlargement of the scrotal sac and the protruded mass while standing or straining, it falls outside the lower abdomen, below the skin, and make its way into the scrotum. The condition needs immediate medical attention, if not treated in time the protrusion may balloon out to a size of an orange or even more.

Causes

The condition is more common in men than women and generally occurs as the result of heavy lifting, long persistent coughing, bending, straining, or any other activity that may over strain the groin muscles. Certain other factors that may increase the risks of having scrotal hernia include, family history, chronic constipation, heavy straining during bowel movements, obesity, etc. Scrotal hernia in children and infants is more common than in adults. The hernia may bulge when the child moves around, cries or do any other activity.

Symptoms

Initially, the symptoms may not show up. However, pain, discomfort (when a part of the intestine gets trapped in the hernia), or heavy feeling in the groin area are some of the common symptoms which may start appearing as the disease progresses. Bulging of the either side of the pubic bone, swelling around the testicles in men and a bulge in the large fold of skin (labia) surrounding the vagina in females are some other signs which may start showing up after a couple of weeks. Hence, the bulge may appear over a period of several weeks and months, can be very painful and may cause severe burning sensation. In case the hernia grows larger, the pain and discomfort may be relieved only when the person lies down. Eventually, the person may start suffering bowel obstruction and strangulation of bowel tissue which are two severe complications of scrotal hernia.

Treatment

In most cases, symptoms are not very noticeable and the hernia usually gets diagnosed by a doctor during a routine checkup. In case, a person has a small hernia, causing no symptoms, the condition is left to heal on its own. However, for larger hernia, causing severe pain or discomfort, the best method of treatment is to conduct a surgery. Instead of going to the age-old scrotal or inguinal hernia treatment option like truss (a bandage consisting of a pad and belt, worn to hold a hernia in place by pressure), which may not cure hernia, it is better to undergo a surgery for proper scrotal hernia repair. The surgery will provide complete healing and comfort, and will also benefit by strengthening the body wall.

Hence, if you have a family history of scrotal hernia, in order to avoid the risks of having it, you should maintain your body weight, make healthy dietary changes, avoid lifting heavy weights and quit smoking, as all these factors can trigger the possibilities of scrotal hernia. Also if you observe any of the aforementioned symptoms of pain or discomfort in the groin area, do not delay the treatment and immediately consult your doctor to elucidate the case.