Hernias can happen to anyone, no matter how fit they are, but commonly affect more men than women. A hernia occurs when soft tissue (usually the intestine) bulges through a weak spot or tear in your lower abdomen. This bulge is especially painful when you cough or lift heavy objects.
Most hernias occur in middle-aged or older men, and they are usually caused by strenuous physical activity, especially lifting heavy objects. However, hernias can also occur as a result of the heavy coughing that accompanies heavy smoking or an extended illness.
Most people who develop a hernia can sense the bulge where the intestine is protruding. Other signs that you may have a hernia include:

• Groin pain or discomfort, especially when bending, lifting or coughing.
• A dragging sensation in the groin area.
• Swelling around the scrotum and testicles (if the intestine is protruding into the scrotum)

Hernias themselves aren't dangerous, but they are painful and should not be ignored. In fact, most doctors recommend a simple surgery to repair them. Your father might have had a more complicated surgery that involved a large cut across the abdomen, but nowadays many hernia operations are done laparoscopically. This procedure involves several small incisions rather than one big one. That means that you can go home the same day and get back to your usual activities within a few days. Unfortunately, if you have a very large hernia you may need more extensive surgery.
As with some other health conditions, prevention is the best medicine for a hernia. You can reduce your risk of developing one by maintaining a healthy weight, lifting heavy objects with care and good form (that includes lifting weights) and not smoking.