What type of inguinal hernia is most commonly seen in males?

The most common type of inguinal hernia observed in males is the indirect inguinal hernia. This type occurs due to the failure of the processus vaginalis to close, which allows abdominal contents to protrude through the inguinal canal. The inguinal canal is a passageway that runs from the abdomen to the groin and houses important structures including the spermatic cord in males.

Indirect inguinal hernias are typically found in young males and often occur at a point where the inguinal canal is weak. Because these hernias follow the path of descent of the testes during fetal development, they are more prevalent in males compared to females.

In contrast, direct inguinal hernias occur due to a weakness in the abdominal wall rather than through the inguinal canal itself. While they are also found in men, they are not as common as indirect hernias. Femoral hernias are more frequent in females due to the anatomical differences in the pelvis and are located below the inguinal ligament, making them distinct from inguinal hernias. Umbilical hernias, which can occur in both sexes, typically occur around the navel and are not categorized as inguinal hernias.