GENITOURINARY / KIDNEY :: Overview of Male Anatomy What is an
inguinal hernia? A hernia occurs when a section of intestine
protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. A soft
bulge is seen underneath the skin where the hernia has occurred.
A hernia that occurs in the groin area is called an inguinal
hernia. What causes an inguinal hernia? A hernia can develop in
the first few months after the baby is born because of a
weakness in the muscles of the abdomen. As a male fetus grows
and matures during pregnancy, the testicles develop in the
abdomen and then move down into the scrotum through an area
called the inguinal canal. Shortly after the baby is born, the
inguinal canal closes, preventing the testicles from moving back
into the abdomen. If this area does not close off completely, a
loop of intestine can move into the inguinal canal through the
weakened area of the lower abdominal wall and cause a hernia.
Although girls do not have testicles, they do have an inguinal
canal, so they can develop hern