To diagnose a hernia, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, examine you, ask about your medical history and will examine the bulge or swelling while you are standing up or lying down. Your doctor will check if the lump can be pushed in. If you have a hernia in your groin, your doctor may ask you to cough while s/he places a finger on the hernia to help diagnose a femoral or inguinal hernia. Once diagnosed, your doctor will usually recommend that you have it repaired.
Attribution: BUPA