Inguinal hernias, which occur when tissue bulges through the abdominal muscles and into the groin, are caused by:

• An opening in the passage from the abdomen to the genitals (called the inguinal canal) that should close before birth but does not.
• Abdominal muscles that are weakened by aging and the daily wear and tear of life.

Conditions that increase pressure within the abdominal cavity, such as frequent coughing or being overweight, may contribute to the development of hernias.

A femoral hernia, sometimes mistaken for an inguinal hernia, occurs when tissue bulges from the lower abdomen into the upper thigh, just below the groin crease. The cause of a femoral hernia is often difficult to determine.

If you do not have an inguinal hernia, see our information on other types of abdominal wall hernias. Other types of hernias in the belly include spigelian, incisional, umbilical or periumbilical, and epigastric.