How common are hernias?
Hernias are common in both adults and children. Men are much more likely to get them than women.
Researchers think that about 4.5 million people have an inguinal hernia (a hernia in the groin) at any one time.1 But hernias may be even more common than this, because not everyone with a hernia sees their doctor.2
- Each year around 770,000 people have surgery to repair a hernia.3
- Between 8 and 9 out of 10 hernias happen to men.4
- Older people are more likely to get a hernia. In one study, around 1 in 100 men under 45 got a hernia. This compares with between 3 and 5 out of 100 men over 45.4
- About 5 out of 100 children get inguinal hernias.5 Some babies, especially boys, are born with a weakness in the muscles in their abdomen. This can lead to a hernia, usually before the child is 1 year old. About 1 in 50 boys get a hernia. It's more common in babies born too early.
Sources for the information on this page:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Digestive diseases statistics. December 2005. Available at http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/statistics.htm (accessed on 29 May 2008).
- Holzheimer RG. Inguinal hernia: classification, diagnosis and treatment. European Journal of Medical Research. 2005; 10: 121-134. 15851379
- Rutkow IM. Demographic and socioeconomic aspects of hernia repair in the United States in 2003. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2003; 83: 1045-1051. 14533902
- Harford W, Jeyarajah R. Abdominal hernias and their complications including gastric volvulus. In: Feldman M, Friedman L, Sleisenger L, et al. Gastrointestinal and liver disease: patholophysiology/diagnosis/management. 7th edition. Saunders, St Louis, U.S.A.; 2002.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus medical encylopedia: hernia. January 2006. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000960.htm (accessed on 29 May 2008).
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice.
Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
