Inguinal Ligament

What is the inguinal ligament?

The inguinal ligament is a set of two narrow bands in the inguinal area of your body (your groin). Your groin is the fold where the bottom of your abdomen meets your inner thighs.

The inguinal ligament connects the oblique muscles in your abdomen to your pelvis. The oblique muscles wrap the sides of your body, from your ribs to your pelvis. Your pelvis is the part of the skeleton that connects your trunk (upper body) to your legs (lower body).

The inguinal ligament is also called the groin ligament, Poupart’s ligament or Fallopian ligament.

What’s the purpose of the inguinal ligament?

The inguinal ligament has several important jobs:

• Anchor your oblique muscles, abdomen and pelvis
• Provide your hips with flexibility
• Support the soft tissues in your groin area
• Support nerves and blood vessels as they pass through your groin to your legs.

Where is the inguinal ligament?

The inguinal ligament is in your pelvis. It’s actually two symmetrical bands. Each one starts at the anterior superior iliac spine (toward the back of the wing-like bones of your pelvis). The ligaments then run in and down at an angle to the pubic tubercle — that’s at the bottom center of your pelvis, very deep in your groin.

At the bottom of the inguinal ligament is the inguinal ring and the inguinal canal. In men, the spermatic cord passes through these structures. In women, the round ligament of the uterus passes through. In both sexes, nerves and blood vessels pass through the inguinal canal.

What’s the inguinal ligament made of?

The inguinal ligament is made of connective tissue containing collagen, a protein that binds tissue together. It also has elastic fibers that are somewhat stretchy.

What conditions can affect the inguinal ligament?

Sometimes, part of your intestine or fat can push into your inguinal area. This condition is called an inguinal hernia. A hernia can occur in someone who:

• Was born with a defect in their abdomen.
• Develops weakness in their abdominal wall over time due to straining or heavy lifting.

What are the common signs of an inguinal hernia?

If you have an inguinal hernia, you'll most likely have these two symptoms:

• Lump or bulge in your groin area.
• Pain in your groin, especially when you lift, bend, strain or cough.

How common are inguinal hernias?

Inguinal hernias are common, particularly in men older than 40. About 25% of men will have an inguinal hernia at some point. Only about 2% of women develop the condition.

What treatment is available for inguinal hernia?

If you think you have an inguinal hernia, you should seek medical attention. It can cause serious problems if left untreated.

A healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They may order tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, to take pictures inside your abdomen and pelvis.

A healthcare provider may be able to push or massage a hernia and put the tissue back in place. But that correction is usually temporary. Surgery, called herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty, is the only cure.

How can I prevent inguinal hernia?

Not all inguinal hernias can be prevented, but you can do some things to lessen your risk:

• Exercise regularly without putting too much strain on your groin. For example, aerobics, light weightlifting and yoga
• Keep your abdomen strong by doing core exercises, like crunches
• Maintain a weight that's healthy for you

Avoid certain types of exercise that put extra pressure on your abdominal wall and bottom of your pelvis:

• Excessively intense exercise
• Jumping exercises
• Lifting very heavy weights
• Squats

Straining to poop can lead to an inguinal hernia. To prevent constipation and straining, drink plenty of water and get regular physical activity. You can also eat plenty of foods that are rich in fiber, including:

• Fruits — especially berries — apples with the skin, oranges and pears.
• Legumes, such as lentils, black beans, kidney beans, soybeans and chickpeas.
• Nuts, including almonds, peanuts and pecans.
• Oatmeal and bran flakes.
• Vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli and peas.
• Whole wheat bread and pasta instead of white, processed foods.

When should I seek medical attention?

An inguinal hernia can lead to serious problems, so you should seek medical attention if you experience:

• A lump or bulge in your groin area.
• Pain in your groin, especially when you lift, bend, strain or cough.