A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue, often causing discomfort or noticeable bulging. While hernias are common and can affect anyone, the symptoms of a hernia for women often present differently compared to men due to variations in anatomy and the types of hernias most commonly experienced.
There are many types of hernias, such as inguinal, femoral, umbilical, and hiatal, each with distinct symptoms. In some cases, women may have subtler signs, making hernias harder to recognise, while men often experience more classic symptoms.
Common Types of Hernias in Women and Men
Different types of hernias can be experienced by both men and women. In general, men tend to develop more groin hernias and women have an increased risk of abdominal hernias. Recognising the different hernias in women and men can help with early identification and appropriate treatment.
Inguinal Hernias
Inguinal hernias occur when tissue, such as part of your intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in your lower abdominal wall or groin. They are more common in men, due to the natural weakness in their groin area caused by the descent of the testes during development.
Male symptoms include a noticeable bulge in the groin and pain during lifting, coughing, or standing. Symptoms of this abdominal hernia in women include subtle pain or discomfort in the groin that is often mistaken for gynecological issues or hip problems, with a less noticeable bulge.
Femoral Hernias
Femoral hernias happen when tissue pushes through the femoral canal near your thigh. They are more common in women, particularly after pregnancy, due to a wider pelvic structure.
Femoral hernia symptoms in men can include a bulge near the thigh and groin area but this is rare and discomfort during physical activity. In women the hernia is often smaller and harder to detect, leading to a higher risk of complications like strangulation.
Umbilical and Epigastric Hernias
Epigastric and umbilical hernias are both abdominal wall hernias that occur when tissue or organs push through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. Epigastric hernias occur in the upper abdomen, while umbilical hernias occur at the belly button.
Umbilical hernias are more common in women, especially after pregnancy, due to increased abdominal pressure. Epigastric hernias are more common in men and are often linked to physical strain or higher abdominal pressure.
In men, umbilical hernias usually present as a visible bulge near the belly button with mild discomfort, especially during physical activity. In women, they also present near the naval and are often tender and more noticeable with strain or activity, especially post-pregnancy.
Symptoms of epigastric hernias in men are small, painful lumps between the navel and chest, which may grow with exertion. Women tend to experience mild discomfort in the upper abdominal region with epigastric hernias and they are often harder to detect.
Hiatus Hernias
A hiatus hernia happens when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. It is more common in women, especially over age 50 or those who are overweight.
Hiatus hernia symptoms in men include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain, typically associated with larger hernias. In women symptoms are often milder and may be mistaken for indigestion or acid reflux.
What are the Most Common Hernia Symptoms in Women?
Hernia symptoms in women depend on the type of hernia they have. Women’s hernia symptoms can sometimes be under or misdiagnosed. This is because hernias in women are frequently deeper in their body and a bulge is less noticeable than in men.
Also, hernia symptoms including pelvic pain may initially be thought to be due to gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, cysts or fibroids. This can be compounded by the fact that hernias are less common in women.
Femoral Hernia Symptoms in Women
Femoral hernia symptoms may not be noticeable in women. If they are they can include:
- a small bulge in the inner upper part of a woman’s thigh or groin. The lump may disappear when lying down and can often be pushed back in
- sometimes lower groin pain that radiates down the front of the leg and pain during heavy coughing
- stomach pain, nausea or vomiting. Urgent medical advice is required for these femoral hernia symptoms as they may indicate an incarcerated hernia. Femoral hernias are much more likely to cause an emergency situation.
Umbilical and Epigastric Hernia Symptoms in Women
Umbilical and epigastric hernia symptoms in a female include:
- a bulge in the navel or upper abdomen
- a dull ache through to severe pain especially when coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects
- bloating or constipation.
Incisional Hernia Symptoms in Women
Incisional hernia symptoms in women include:
- a small lump or swelling near or along surgical scars in the abdomen that can happen months or years after an abdominal operation
- the lump appears when coughing or straining, and then goes away again
- over time the lump can get bigger and cause pain.
Hiatal Hernia Symptoms in Women
Symptoms of hiatal hernia in women may not be noticeable, If they are they include:
- heartburn and acid-reflux
- bad breath
- bloating
- nausea and being sick
- difficulty and pain swallowing.
Indirect Inguinal Hernia Symptoms in Women
In women, symptoms of an indirect inguinal hernia can include:
- a swelling or lump in the groin that may be painful
- the lump often appears when you lift something or strain and then disappears when you lie down.
What are the Most Common Hernia Symptoms in Men?
The most common symptom of a hernia in men is a bulge in the groin area. You can find out more about how to tell if you have a hernia here.
Inguinal Hernia Symptoms in Men
Inguinal hernias are the most frequently occurring type of hernias in men. It’s a man’s reproductive anatomy that leads to their susceptibility to inguinal hernias and the fact that their testicles descend from their abdomen through the inguinal canal during their fetal development. Their abdominal wall then closes up but it can leave a man with a weak spot or opening in their abdominal wall where a hernia can protrude through. The weak spot is usually in the inguinal canal where the spermatic cord enters the scrotum. Their abdominal wall can also weaken with age.
Inguinal abdominal hernia symptoms in men include:
- a bulge in the groin that comes and goes based on whether or not they are standing, lifting, exercising or coughing.
- pain in the bulge that can radiate down the inner thigh or into the scrotum.
- swollen and enlarged scrotum as the protruding intestine can descend into a man’s scrotum.
Hernia Risk Factors for Men and Women
The main risk factors for a hernia include:
- being male
- being older as muscles weaken
- being white
- having a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has a history of hernias
- having a chronic cough, such as from smoking
- having chronic constipation due to straining during bowel movements
- being pregnant as it can weaken abdominal muscles and cause more pressure inside the abdomen
- having previously had abdominal or pelvic surgery including hernia repair leaving the area weak
- heavy lifting.
Read our blog on hernia risk factors and how to reduce them for more information.
Is Hernia Treatment the Same for Men and Women?
Surgery is the only way to treat a hernia and nearly all hernias can be surgically repaired. The exact hernia treatment is dependent on the type of hernia a man or woman has. Hernia treatment is generally the same for men and women and that is to repair the hernia either using laparoscopic or open surgery techniques.
Find out more about what type of hernia requires surgery and the benefits of hernia repair.
When treating women with inguinal hernias, a doctor is less likely to use a mesh for extra support as their hernia opening can be completely closed with sutures without the added worry of keeping part of the opening to allow blood flow to the testicles.
Hernia Diagnosis and Treatment at Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay Health Care, we understand the importance of patients knowing about symptoms of a hernia in men and women to help identify them and to get the appropriate treatment.
We offer convenient appointments with expert hernia specialists across the UK to ensure you don’t have to wait for a hernia diagnosis and its treatment.
Our experienced consultants regularly see men and women with hernia symptoms and provide a prompt and reliable diagnoses. Should treatment be required, you can trust our highly skilled surgeons, who routinely and efficiently perform hernia surgery to alleviate discomfort and prevent the chance of complications.
With Ramsay Health Care, you’ll receive:
- Fast access to experienced hernia specialists.
- A seamless diagnosis process.
- Expert surgical care delivered with precision and expertise.
- Excellent aftercare.
Find out more about hernia treatment at Ramsay or contact us today to book an appointment. Let us help you get back to feeling better.
Hernia Symptoms FAQs
How do I check myself for a hernia?
You can check for a hernia by looking for a bulge or lump in the affected area, especially when you strain or cough. You can also feel for any abnormalities or protrusions.
Steps to check for a hernia
- Stand in front of a mirror and look for any bulges or lumps
- Gently feel the area for any abnormalities or protrusions
- Lie down and gently press on the area for any lumps or bumps
- Note any pain, discomfort, or other symptoms.
What to look for
- A bulge or lump in the abdomen or groin
- A bulge that appears when you strain, lift, laugh, or cough
- A bulge that goes back in at other times
- A feeling of pressure, a dull ache, or pinching
- Pain that worsens with certain activities.
What can be mistaken for a hernia in a male?
A hernia in a male can be mistaken for a number of other conditions. These include:
- Groin strains - can cause a feeling of pressure or a tugging sensation in the groin area, similar to a hernia.
- Lipomas – are fatty, non-cancerous tumours that grow under the skin. They can look similar to hernia lumps, but they can be moved slightly when pressure is applied.
- Hematomas - can appear as a lump under the skin, similar to a hernia. However, hematomas are often the result of an injury or impact and are accompanied by bruising. A hematoma will also disappear on its own, whereas a hernia will not.
- Gastrointestinal disorders - including heartburn, acid reflux, or altered bowel movements may cause pain, cramping, and discomfort.
- Appendicitis – where inflammation of the appendix may cause tenderness in the lower right abdomen with a sudden increase to strong, intense pain.
- Kidney stones – these hard mineral-rich pebble-like pieces form in the kidneys and may cause severe pain, frequent urination or blood in the urine.
- Ovarian issues – such as cysts (fluid-filled sacs) or torsions (twisting of an ovary) may cause lower abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness.
- Hydrocele - a buildup of fluid around the testicle may cause swelling and discomfort.
- Varicocele - a swelling of scrotum veins that may cause discomfort and a visible bulge.
- Enlarged lymph nodes - in the groin may cause swelling and discomfort in this area.
What can be mistaken for a hernia in a female?
In a female, a hernia can be mistaken for other conditions as it is often deeper in the body and less noticeable than in men.
Conditions that can be mistaken for a hernia in a woman include:
- Gynaecological conditions of ovarian cysts, endometriosis and fibroids - can cause pelvic pain
- Hematomas - appear as a lump in the abdomen
- Lipomas - are benign lumps in the abdomen
- Tumours - are a rare cause of a lump in the abdomen.