Guide To The Causes, Risk Factors, And Complications Of An Inguinal Hernia

Age And Gender

Individuals of a certain age and gender are known to have a higher risk of developing an inguinal hernia than others. As an individual begins to age, muscle tone is lost and becomes weaker over time. Due to this natural part of aging, older adults and the elderly are more prone to developing an inguinal hernia than others. Due to the slight variation in the muscular structure of males in the pelvic region, men have a ten times greater chance of developing an inguinal hernia than a woman. It is estimated that out of every four men, one of them will experience an inguinal hernia at some point within their lifetime. Indirect inguinal hernias usually occur in infants and are typically diagnosed before the individual reaches one year old. In rare cases, an indirect inguinal hernia may not begin to show in an affected individual until they reach adulthood. Out of healthy newborns, it is estimated between one and five percent are affected by an inguinal hernia. Among premature infants, it is estimated around ten percent are affected. Direct inguinal hernias are relatively rare among children but are prevalent among adults and seniors.

Discover the complications linked to inguinal hernias next.