An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin, and is the most common type of hernia. It is a protrusion of abdominal contents (fat or intestines) through a weakness in the abdominal wall muscles, and usually presents as a groin swelling.. In men, the swelling may extend downwards into the scrotum, near the testis.
Approximately 6% of all men will develop an inguinal hernia. Although a lot rarer in women, it is still the most common type of groin hernia in women. It can occur on either the right or the left side or even on both sides. Hernias can develop in all age groups: in childhood, adolescence, adulthood and in the elderly.
