How Does an Inguinal Hernia Develop?
When the testicles begin to develop early in fetal life, they are near the kidneys, high up at the back of the abdomen. At about 17 weeks of fetal development, the testicles start to descend through the abdomen to the groin. By about 28 weeks, the third trimester of pregnancy, they pass down to the scrotum through the inguinal canal. As they pass into the scrotum, they leave an opening behind. In most cases, this inguinal canal will close by the time of birth. If the closure is defective, however, it remains a weak area that may later become a hernia. The most common type of inguinal hernia is the indirect inguinal hernia. It develops later in life from a defect present at birth. As tissues weaken with age, indirect inguinal hernias are most common in older men. The other type of groin hernia is the direct inguinal hernia. It is not caused by an inborn defect. Aging is an even stronger risk factor for this type of groin hernia. It is acquired over time as tissues weaken. Back to top Wh
