I think I may have a hernia but I'm not completely sure

[chrisjohnson22]

I have a small lump in my groin probably about the size of a grape, it is painless and appeared out of nowhere about 2 weeks ago. It was there for about a week and then disappeared overnight. Literally the next day I was scheduled for an ultrasound to get it checked out and the doctor said there was no hernia there. About 5 days later it came back, it's been like 4 days now that I've had this lump. It hasn't really changed size the only thing is that I'm scared it could be something serious like a hernia because I'm currently in the process of joining the air force and that could eliminate me from joining. I know this might sound really confusing but I really need some advice.

[Button]

Chris:
An inguinal hernia may be what you are describing. If this is the case, know that an inguinal hernia is fairly common in young men and is easily repaired.

Inguinal hernias are a small tissue deficit that remains open from fetal development when the testicles normally descend from within the body cavity of a male embryo to the exterior of the body.

Consult with your primary care MD. He/she can easily identify an inguinal hernia and show/explain it in better detail. Repair is usually through a patch of mesh as an outpatient surgical procedure. An uncomplicated inguinal hernia would not disqualify you from active service.
Karen

[JerryNYC]

Chris, The lump you found is generally due to a small loop of intestine pushing out through a small tear in the abdominal wall. This can go in and out, which is why it disappeared and perhaps why it was not found upon ultrasound. Physicians can usually diagnose it by pressing on this area while you bend and cough. As Button mentioned, repair is pretty straightforward. I had an inguinal hernia repaired 2 years ago and was sent home later that day. Often surgeons will advise watchful waiting for a small hernia before they do surgical repair. However, in your case, you would almost likely be rejected by the Air Force if it is found during a pre-induction physical exam. And even if it is there but not detected during the exam, the physical stresses during basic training might well enlarge the hernia and you would end up with a medical discharge. So have it repaired before you try to enlist. You should probably wait for several months before you try to enlist because you want this area to heal completely before you begin basic training. One thing you forgot to mention. Do you have an ostomy? After all, this is an ostomy board. My guess is that if you have an ostomy you will be rejected from military service.