symptoms

Last reviewed 01/2018

The symptoms of an inguinal hernia may include:

  • discomfort or pain in groin:
    • when caused by straining, may be sudden in onset
    • may occur before a lump is noticed
    • frequently described as a 'dragging' sensation
    • may radiate to scrotum
    • often described as being worse in the daytime
    • increases with incarceration and strangulation

  • lump or mass in groin or scrotum:
    • frequently painless
    • if still reducible, appears and disappears in relation to position i.e. reduces on lying
    • may never disappear i.e. has progressed to incarceration; if never disappears and new onset of pain, strangulation must be assumed

  • abdominal pain: if colicky in nature, may be an indication of intestinal obstruction due to strangulation
  • vomiting }
  • abdominal distention } may indicate intestinal
  • absolute constipation } obstruction