Thank you for your question. Well the soft bulge can be a hernia , but it can also be lipoma (harmless fat collection) . The way to differentiate between a subcutaneous structure or a hernia is by keep your finger on top of the bulge and voluntarily coughing. If you feel a sensation on your finger or increase in bulge size then it is definitely an hernia and by looking at the site it can be named as inguinal hernia.If it doesn t then in can just be a lipoma which is nothing to worry. Hernia also usually reduces on its own especially lying down. Abdominal hernia are a common phenomenon. They have a tendency to develop more in females, old age , after surgery , abdominal wall weakness or simply after long term heavy weight lifting If its not painful then it doesn t need immediate medical attention . A hernia belt or Hernia Truss can be worn in order to keep it in.But in case pain develops at any time then danger of Obstructed hernia develops and needs urgent medical attention in order to save the gut loop from strangulation .