A hernia is a painful condition that usually requires medical attention. Before understanding the causes of a hernia, however, it is important to learn what a hernia actually is. There are, in fact, several different types, and they are all caused by different things.

The Different Types of Hernias:

1. Inguinal hernia, which can be indirect or direct. About 75% of all abdominal hernias are inguinal. They are also more common in men. Direct and indirect hernias both happen where the thigh joins the torso, which is the inguinal crease. Indirect inguinal hernias happen in the testicular pathway created while an embryo develops. Usually, it closes before a baby is born, but it can protrude into a newborn's scrotum. They are common in babies, therefore, although they can also happen later. Direct inguinal hernias, by contrast, are in the abdominal wall rather than the scrotum. They are also more common in the elderly, who have weaker abdominal walls.

2. Femoral hernia, which is a bulge just under the inguinal crease, in the thigh's center. This is a rare type of hernia and almost solely happens in women. The risk of the hernia becoming strangulated and irreducible is quite high as well.

3. Umbilical hernia, which is a reasonably common type of hernia. Between 10% and 30% of all hernias are these type. They are often spotted when a baby is born and make the bellybutton look like it protrudes. Depending on how big it is, it can be left alone to close by the time the child is two. If the hernia is 3/4 of an inch or more, however, surgery may be needed between the ages of two and four. This hernia can also return as people age and their abdominal wall weakens. Besides happening in the elderly, it is also common in women who have had children and get to middle age.

4. Incisional hernia, which can happen after someone has had surgery on the abdomen, which causes this wall to weaken. Between 2% and 10% of people who have abdominal surgery will develop a hernia, sometimes even years after they had the procedure. Furthermore, in between 20% and 45% of cases, the hernia will return.

Some very rare hernias include the epigastric hernia, the obturator hernia, and the spigelian hernia.

The Causes of a Hernia:

The causes of a hernia vary depending on the type. Some are present at birth, others happen later because of weakening in the abdominal wall. Any area that is weakened can become vulnerable to a hernia. Additionally, there are a number of conditions that can increase the risk of someone developing a hernia. These include:

1. Obesity

2. Intense abdominal straining

3. Heavy lifting

4. Chronic coughs, which are common in smokers

5. Straining during urination or bowel movements

6. Pregnancy

7. Chronic lung disease

8. Genetics

9. Fluid retention in the abdominal cavity

Hernias are incredibly painful and usually will require medical attention, with the exception of the small umbilical hernia. If you have any of the above risk factors, it is important to visit a physician as soon as you notice any bulges.