Inguinal Hernia

This type of hernia results in a bulge in the groin. It occurs due to a weakness in the lower abdominal muscles. It is associated with the inguinal canal through which blood vessels, nerves and the spermatic cord pass through to the scrotum.

This is the most common type of all hernias and seen more commonly among males.

When the hernia enlarges it can move from the groin in to the scrotum and this is called inguinoscrotal hernia.

When you have a hernia in one groin, there is a 33% chance that you can get a hernia in the opposite groin as well.

Femoral Hernia

This is seen as a swelling near the  groin and upper part of thigh. This is due to intra-abdominal contents pushing through the femoral canal situated below the inguinal ligament in the groin. This is common among females.

Epigastric Hernia

This is seen as a bulge occurring above the naval and below the breast bone in the midline of the upper abdomen. These hernias are usually small. It is possible to have more than one epigastric hernia at a time. These hernias may trap the contents within the sac (usually fat) and cause pain and tissue damage.

Umbilical Hernia

Umbilical hernia occurs when the opening in the abdominal wall that allows the umbilical cord to pass through fails to heal. Therefore you can have this hernia from birth. Even if this muscles heals it remains a weak area in the abdominal wall. Therefore if there is excessive pressure on the abdominal wall this area can open up and give rise to an umbilical hernia in later life. It is common among females.

Incisional Hernia

This is seen as a bulge occurring in relation to a previous surgical scar in the abdominal wall. It is due to weakness in the scar tissue. This is the second most common type of hernia after inguinal hernia.