A hernia is bulge in the groin or the stomach that results in an internal organ moving. Hernias can be painful depending on the location.
The most common hernia in a child is inguinal hernias. This type of hernia occurs in the genital area before birth and is more common in boys. In boys, the testicles start to develop in the abdomen and then move through the inguinal canal to the scrotum. For girls, the ovaries travel through the same canal to the pelvis area. When this happens, sometimes the abdominal wall is not yet closed and as a result, a piece of intestine may enter the canal. Inguinal hernias do not correct themselves and often require surgery.
If you notice a firm lump in the groin area, that tends to bulge or get larger when straining, it’s more than likely an inguinal hernia.
