Are Men at Higher Risk for Hernia Complications?

Hernias are a widespread problem, and infirmity knows no gender but appears to be more dangerous to men than to women. If you or someone close to you has ever had a hernia, you are likely aware of the pain and the possibility of other complications. But why are men most vulnerable to complications of a hernia? In this blog, we will discuss why this is so, examine the types of hernias that are more prevalent in men and provide some advice on how to avoid and manage them. If you are concerned about a hernia or just want more knowledge on the topic, we have what you need.

Understanding Hernias

A hernia is a condition where a piece of tissue, mostly part of the intestines, protrudes through a hole in the diaphragm muscle. The most typical site is the abdomen or groin region of the body. For most people, a hernia results in a swelling or a lump that is painful, especially when one is sneezing, laughing, bending or lifting something.

There are several types of hernias, including:

Inguinal Hernia: This type occurs in the groin area and is the most frequent form in men. It occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through the abdominal wall or the groin canal.
Umbilical Hernia: Usually seen in children especially newborns but can also be seen in adults. This type happens when a part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall around the umbilicus.
Hiatal Hernia: This is a condition whereby part of the stomach migrates through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity.
Incisional Hernia: A condition that may occur after an abdominal surgery when tissues protrude through a hole in the scar.

Although hernias are not normally life threatening, they can cause complications particularly if they are not treated.

Why Men Are at Higher Risk for Hernia Complications

Hernias are more common in men than in women, and more specifically, inguinal hernias. Why? This is all about anatomy, hormones, and the way people live their lives.

1. Anatomical Differences

Another cause of hernias, which make men more vulnerable to it, is because of their body structure. The male groin area is more vulnerable to weaknesses in the abdominal wall than the female’s area. In embryonic development, the testes of the male baby drop from the abdomen into the scrotum and leave a passageway which is known as the inguinal canal. This canal, as researchers have discovered, is obligatory for the development of the male reproductive system but is a natural vulnerability in adult males. Therefore, the intestines can exert pressure in this region and force a hernia at the inguinal region.

2. Hormonal Factors

The male hormone known as testosterone is also used in the building of muscles. It is the same story with having strong muscles because they can exert extra pressure on the abdominal wall leading to hernias. This is especially the case with men who lift weights or indulge in any other physical activity that puts pressure on the spine without correct form or adequate padding.

3. Lifestyle Factors

They engage in many activities that require use of their bodies and hence they put their bodies more into use than women do. Weight lifting, construction work or even bending and lifting frequently creates pressure on the intra-abdomen leading to hernias. Furthermore, men also do not seek medical help as often as they should, and this will result in the worsening of the complications.

Types of Hernias Common in Men

In men, the most frequent type of hernia is the inguinal hernia, in which the intestine or fatty tissue protrudes through the inguinal canal. As earlier pointed out, this type of hernia is common in men because of the nature of their anatomy.

Other hernias that affect men include:

Femoral Hernia: Although not as frequent as inguinal hernias, femoral hernias can develop in the thigh or the groin. They are more frequent in women, but men can get them as well, especially if they are obese or if they often lift weights.
Umbilical Hernia: Umbilical hernias can also be found in men although they are most common in children. In adults, they may be attributed to obesity or pregnancy in women.

Most hernias can be operated on but sometimes complications may occur, more so if the hernia is not operated on early enough.

Complications Associated with Hernias in Men

In case of failure to seek treatment, there are complications associated with an untreated hernia. Some of the most common issues that men with hernias face include:

1. Strangulation

This is one of the worst possible scenarios when it comes to a hernia. If the portion of the intestine that protrudes through the hernia is squeezed, it can stop getting blood and may become gangrenous. This is called strangulation and may result in tissue necrosis, infection and in the worst natural world septicemia. In most cases, the patient has to undergo surgery as soon as possible to avoid worsening of the situation.

2. Bowel Obstruction

If a hernia does not lead to critical problems, it can be a never-ending problem for a person.” The pains may be sharp when a man is lifting something, bending or doing any other strenuous activity. This can hamper one’s ability to perform routine activities, even simple ones.

3. Pain and Discomfort

4. Recurrent Hernias

Recurrent hernia is one of the dangers that may be experienced by men who have had the surgery done on them. This may be as a result of the pressure exerted on the abdominal wall during activities or lack of adherence to post-surgery instructions.

Preventing Hernia Complications in Men

While some risk factors, such as age or genetics, are out of our control, there are several steps men can take to reduce their risk of hernia complications:

Lift Properly: Lifting heavy objects should always be done in the correct manner. Avoid using your back when lifting, instead, use your knees and thighs. Do not bend or twist your spine and do not jerk your body.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity in particular can lead to increased intra-abdominal pressure which in turn, puts pressure on the abdominal wall thus leading to hernias. The main point regarding nutrition is to maintain a proper weight through proper dieting and exercise.
Strengthen Core Muscles: Exercising the muscles in your abdomen and lower back can strengthen the muscles that help hold in your intestines and prevent a hernia.
Seek Early Treatment: If you get a swelling in your belly or your groin area, or any pain or discomfort, don’t wait. If the disease is detected early enough and treated, then it may not progress to other complications later.

Treatment Options and Surgical Considerations

In most cases, hernias can only be treated through surgery. There are two primary types of hernia repair:

Open Surgery: This type of hernia repair entails the surgical cutting of the skin near the area of the hernia, the pushing of the protruding tissue back into the cavity and then suturing of the abdominal wall.
Laparoscopic Surgery: Another way of repairing the hernia is through minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon makes small incisions and uses a camera to help him in the procedure. This method again has shorter recovery time than some other methods but it may not be very effective in all cases.

No matter what type of surgery, recovery will involve relaxation and adherence to the doctor’s recommendations to avoid further injury.

The anatomical, hormonal and lifestyle factors put men at a higher risk of complications relating to hernia. For instance, inguinal hernias are prevalent among men, but if they are well prevented and treated early, most of the complications will not occur. If you are experiencing a hernia or think that you are, you should consult a doctor immediately. Hernias are common conditions that affect many people today, but at GEM Hospital, we offer you solutions to this problem to enable you to get back to your normal life as soon as possible.

If you’ve been having any symptoms related to a hernia, do not wait for the complications to develop. Contact GEM Hospital today and let our team help you get the best solution to treat and recover from your ailment.

Book your appointment today!