Groin hernia: symptoms, examination and treatment
Groin hernia is the most common abdominal wall hernia. It is typically felt as a bulge in the groin and a dragging sensation that becomes clearer on exertion. Assessment decides whether waiting is reasonable or you should be assessed for surgery.
Written and medically reviewed by Bahir Hadi, specialist in surgery, PhD
What is a groin hernia?
A groin hernia is a bulge from the abdominal cavity through a weak spot in the abdominal wall in the groin. It shows up as a lump that often appears when you stand, cough or lift, and that many people can push back in. The hernia may contain fat or a loop of small bowel.
Groin hernias are far more common in men than in women. In women it is more often a femoral hernia, sitting slightly lower where the groin meets the thigh. 1
Typical symptoms
- A lump in the groin, clearest on exertion.
- Pressure, burning or a dragging discomfort that may radiate towards the scrotum or inner thigh.
- Discomfort when lifting, coughing, straining or standing for long days.
- In some people no symptoms at all, the hernia being found by chance.
Examination
The doctor looks at and feels the groin while you stand and cough. That is usually enough to make the diagnosis. With unclear findings an ultrasound scan may help, but it is not routine. Other causes of groin discomfort, such as tendon problems or hip disease, are considered at the same time. 1
Treatment and referral
A groin hernia does not close by itself. Whether it should be operated on depends on the symptoms. In men with a small hernia without symptoms it can often be watched. Women with a hernia in the groin should always be assessed with surgery in mind, because femoral hernias somewhat more often become trapped and cause bowel obstruction. 1
Surgery takes place in a surgical department or specialised setting, either open or with keyhole technique, often using a mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall. Results are usually good, but a smaller proportion develop lasting pain in the operated area. Discuss that with the surgeon before you decide. 1
Contact the clinic to clarify whether your referral belongs here.
Urgent signs
If the lump becomes hard, very tender and impossible to push back, or you develop vomiting, inability to pass gas, fever or rapidly increasing pain, it needs urgent assessment. Call 112 if you are severely affected, otherwise 1813 in the Capital Region or the out-of-hours doctor the same day.
What you can do yourself
- Keep stools soft so you avoid straining. See constipation.
- Split heavy lifts, and use your legs rather than your abdomen.
- Stopping smoking and losing weight improve the course around any operation.
- See abdominal wall hernia for an overview of the other types.
Sources
Contact and appointments
Online booking is not available. Please call the clinic or ask your GP for a referral, so we can find the right appointment.
If you are in health insurance group 1 and have a valid referral from your GP, the examinations and treatments covered by the clinic's public health agreement are covered by the Danish public health insurance, so you pay nothing for them yourself. If you are in health insurance group 2, there is usually a small co-payment under the health insurance rules. If you are paying yourself, contact the clinic for a price.
Call the clinic
+45 39 64 01 25
Phone hours
Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
Address
Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
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Contact information
- Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
- +45 39 64 01 25
- mail@kirurgen.dk
- Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
For referring physicians
Provider number: 215430