It’s important to catch a hernia before it causes problems. These signs will help you know what to look for.
Hernias are pretty common: Researchers estimate that about 27% of men will develop a hernia in their groin at some point in their lives. For women, that figure is about 3%.
What is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. The protruding tissue causes pressure and discomfort that typically worsens with physical activity. This pressure increases when you strain, making symptoms more noticeable.
It’s important to note that hernias don’t heal on their own with rest or supplements – another dangerous myth. While not all hernias require immediate surgery, proper medical evaluation is needed, says Kamran Samakar, MD, a bariatric surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC.
What are hernia symptoms?
If you experience any of the following symptoms or signs, you should see your doctor to be evaluated for a hernia.
Sign #1: There’s a bulge in your abdomen or groin.
The first sign of a hernia is the hernia itself — that is, the bulge created by the tissue or organ. You might not even notice it until you do something that increases the pressure within your abdomen, such as coughing, jumping, standing up or straining.
Sign #2: You have soreness or pain.
While some hernias cause no symptoms, most create mild discomfort that worsens with activity. You might feel:
- Burning or aching at the bulge site
- Heaviness or pressure in the affected area
- Pain during coughing or physical activity
Sign #3: You feel nauseated and may be constipated.
A hernia can progress to the point of strangulation, meaning the section of the organ or tissue protruding through the hole gets stuck and its blood supply is cut off. At this point, you may experience more severe symptoms, such as worsening pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting or the inability to move your bowels or pass gas. A strangulated hernia will quickly become life-threatening, requiring emergency surgery.
In women, hernias often manifest as subtle symptoms like pelvic pain or groin discomfort rather than a noticeable bulge, Dr. Samakar says. Women might also experience pain during menstruation or sexual intercourse, which can lead to hernias being mistaken for gynecological issues and delay diagnosis.
When to seek medical attention
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially a noticeable bulge, consult your doctor. If you experience sudden, severe pain, nausea, or vomiting, or notice that the hernia bulge becomes hard, red, or purple, seek immediate medical attention, Dr. Samakar says.
Types of hernias
Common types include:
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernias: Occur as rare birth defects requiring surgery
- Femoral hernias: Occur in the groin area, more common in women
- Hiatal hernias: Occur when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest
- Incisional hernias: Occur at the site of a previous abdominal surgery
- Inguinal hernias: Occur in the groin area, most common in men
- Umbilical hernias: Occur around the navel, common in newborns and adults
Also, although some people commonly refer to “sports hernias,” these are actually soft tissue injuries in athletes who perform sudden twisting movements, not true hernias, Dr. Samakar says.
What causes a hernia?
Several factors can increase your risk of developing a hernia:
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Chronic cough or constipation
- Family history of hernias
- Male sex (men are at higher risk for certain types of hernias, with inguinal hernias the most common)
- Obesity or being overweight
- Occupations involving heavy lifting
- Pregnancy and childbirth: Pregnancy increases hernia risk, especially around the navel, as the growing uterus puts pressure on the abdominal wall. Pregnant women should discuss any unusual bulges or pain with their health care provider.
- Previous abdominal surgery
- Smoking
How is a hernia diagnosed?
Most hernias are diagnosed through physical examination. Your doctor will check for bulges and ask you to stand and cough (which makes hernias more visible).
In some cases, additional diagnostic tools may be used:
- CT scan for detailed views
- MRI for sports hernias or complex cases
- Ultrasound for initial detection
How is a hernia treated?
Treatment depends on size and symptom severity.
For small, painless hernias, your doctor might recommend monitoring. However, studies show that almost 75% of patients choosing this approach need surgery within 10 years. During monitoring:
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Consider hernia belts for temporary relief (requires doctor supervision)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage chronic coughing or constipation
What are the options for hernia surgery?
Surgery is often the most effective treatment for hernias, especially if they’re causing pain or growing larger. Minimally invasive techniques now offer less postoperative pain and faster recovery. Dr. Samakar advises most patients to choose laparoscopic surgery if available as you can return to activities in two to four weeks on average, versus traditional hernia surgery, which has an average recovery rate of four to six weeks.
How can I prevent a hernia?
While not all hernias can be prevented, there are several ways to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise
- Manage chronic cough and constipation
- Quit smoking
- Strengthen core muscles with training
- Use correct lifting techniques
- Wear supportive clothing during activity
Remember, hernias don’t heal on their own and often worsen over time. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
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