While male babies are in their mother’s womb, their eggs are in their own wombs. The testicles descend from the baby’s belly into their bags in the last 2 months of pregnancy. This journey takes place through a canal. The testicles in the abdomen reach the sac from two channels formed separately in both groins. These channels normally close before birth. Thus, there is no connection between the inside and outside of the abdomen. However, if one or both of these channels do not close, then herniation occurs. If a relatively narrow duct opening is left, intra-abdominal fluid flows through these ducts into the groin and bag and inflates this place. This swelling increases when the child is awake and active. It decreases or disappears when the child sleeps and lies calmly. In medical language, the name of this disease is Hydrocele. It is popularly known as water hernia. If the open canal is wide, then a section of intestine protrudes from the abdomen with movements such as crying or straining, the groin or bag swells and the child feels discomfort. This is the inguinal hernia. About 4.4 out of every 100 boys develop an inguinal hernia. Hernias are more common in babies born prematurely or with low birth weight.
Hernia occurs in girls as well. Girls also have an inguinal canal. This channel may remain open. Inguinal hernia is less common in girls. In girls, the protruding organ is the ovaries.
Hernia occurs in girls as well. Girls also have an inguinal canal. This channel may remain open. Inguinal hernia is less common in girls. In girls, the protruding organ is the ovaries.
