What is a hernia? and what causes them? i am 57 and over the course of a year, a lump appeared on my left groin area. now its the size of a small burrito. doesn't cause pain unless i try to have sex. morning erections are not as regular, but still get the

A : A hernia is just a hole. When you get a hole or hernia in your abdominal wall musculature the abdominal contents or intestine can pass through this hole and get trapped. This is generally considered a surgical emergency and can be life threatening. Generally speaking all hernias should be looked at by a surgeon as soon as they appear. The smaller a hernia is, the easier it is to repair.

It : It does sound like you may have a large hernia that is starting to go down into your scrotum. Without an examination by a doctor it is hard to tell. Hernias are very common, most common in men, and are a weakness in the abdominal wall fibers that hold us together. Hernia causes are uncertain, and can be hereditary. The groin is a very common region to get a hernia. Hernias will not go away without surgical repair and can get larger over time. There may be a low cost clinic or free clinic in your area for an examination.

A defect: Where intra-abdominal contents pass through and cause a bulge. See a surgeon to advise for the majority require surgery to prevent further complications.

Dr Hoepfner agreed