Causes of Inguinal Hernias: An Overview Mountain Home AR
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Causes of Inguinal Hernias: An Overview
An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia, and it can affect adults or children. It's a protrusion of abdominal tissue or a part of the small intestine through a weakened part of the lower abdominal muscles.
There are two types of inguinal hernias--indirect and direct. Learn about the causes, treatment and prevention of these common health problems.
Indirect Inguinal Hernia
Causes: An indirect inguinal hernia occurs at birth--mostly in males--due to a problem that occurs during development.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in male babies the spermatic cord and testicles that form in the abdomen move down through the inguinal canal and enter the scrotum.
If the entrance to the inguinal canal does not close completely, it causes a weakness in the abdominal wall through which abdominal tissue or the small intestine can protrude. Premature infants are more at risk for indirect inguinal hernias because the inguinal canal is not fully developed.
Although less common in females, an inguinal hernia can result from a part of the small intestine or female organs protruding through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Also, the Mayo Clinic states that female children and adults are more susceptible to developing hernias in the femoral canal, an area near the inguinal canal through which the femoral artery, vein and nerve travel.
Direct Inguinal Hernia
Causes: These hernias, which occur only in males, result from the breakdown of connective tissue in the abdominal wall that comes with age. As a result, it's easier for fat or a part of the small intestine to protrude through the muscles in the groin...
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