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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're far more likely to develop an inguinal hernia if you're male. Nearly 10 times more men than women have inguinal hernias, and the vast majority of newborns and children with inguinal hernias are boys.
Other risk factors include:
- Family history. Your risk of inguinal hernia increases if you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with the condition.
- Certain medical conditions. Having cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening disorder that causes severe lung damage and often a chronic cough, makes it more likely you'll develop an inguinal hernia.
- Chronic cough. A chronic cough, such as occurs from smoking, increases your risk of inguinal hernia.
- Chronic constipation. This leads to straining during bowel movements — a common cause of inguinal hernias.
- Excess weight. Being moderately to severely overweight can put extra pressure on your abdomen.
- Pregnancy. This can both weaken the abdominal muscles and cause increased pressure inside your abdomen.
- Certain occupations. Having a job that requires standing for long periods or doing heavy physical labor increases your risk of developing an inguinal hernia.
- Premature birth. Infants who are born sooner than normal are more likely to have inguinal hernias.
- History of hernias. If you've had one inguinal hernia, it's much more likely that you'll eventually develop another — usually on the opposite side.
References
- Brooks DC. Classification and development of groin hernias. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Inguinal hernia. National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/inguinalhernia/index.htm. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Brooks DC. Treatment of groin hernias. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Inguinal hernia. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec21/ch238/ch238j.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Patient information for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair from SAGES. Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). http://www.sages.org/publication/id/PI06/. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Ramsook C, et al. Overview of inguinal hernia in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
