Hernias are common, especially in men, but symptoms vary widely. All hernias have the potential to be dangerous, but some more than others. The risk of serious complications is associated with the severity of symptoms, but even non-symptomatic hernias can sometimes cause sudden trouble. Assessment by a hernia specialist can help you avoid serious illness and emergency surgery.
What Is a Hernia?
Our abdominal organs are protected by a complex, muscular abdominal wall. The layers of muscle are connected by fibrous tissue called fascia. Certain conditions can stretch and weaken the fascia, leading to tearing that creates holes, through which organs (usually bowel) can slide in and out. Those holes in the fascia of the abdominal wall are hernia defects and they usually occur in specific areas of the abdomen.
Hernias are commonly named according to their location, with groin (inguinal) and belly button (umbilical) hernias being most common.
What Are the Symptoms of a Hernia?
Usually the first sign you have a hernia is a visible lump or bulge. The bulge develops because of the hole and the bulging tissue under the skin is usually intestine (large, or more commonly small bowel). Most hernias are reducible, meaning that the lump (intestine) can be pushed back in. The act of pushing the intestine back into the abdomen, through the hernia defect, may feel like a pop or a squishy sensation. Things that increase pressure within the abdominal cavity, like coughing, heavy lifting, or straining to go to the bathroom, may cause the bowel to pop or squish back out. The pain that comes with these maneuvers is extremely variable. The bulge may be sore or ache. If the hernia bulge pushes on sensitive structures within the abdominal wall, especially nerves, the associated pain may be severe, sharp, and radiate to the thigh, the groin, the back, or elsewhere nearby.
Signs of Inguinal Hernia in Men
- A bulge above the groin crease, on one side or the other.
- As a groin hernia enlarges over time, it may extend into the scrotum
- Pain in the testicle, or elsewhere in the scrotum
- Ache, sharp pain, or nerve pain at or near the hernia bulge
- Worsening of symptoms when the hernia bulge is bigger
- Worsening of pain with heavy lifting, pushing, or straining
- Tugging sensation in the scrotum
Groin Hernias in Women
- Similar symptoms to men with several differences
- Much less common than groin hernias in men
- More likely than hernias in men to have complications
- Femoral hernias are more common than in men
- Pain and bulge can extend to labia
There are two types of inguinal hernia, depending on subtle differences in location. Direct hernias are slightly closer to the midline and can occur on the right or the left side. Indirect hernias are slightly further from the midline on either side.
Femoral hernias are situated just below the two inguinal locations on either side. While the anatomy and associated complication risk is different (femoral hernias are the most dangerous and indirect inguinal hernias carry more risk than direct inguinal hernias), these three hernia types are all considered “groin hernias.”
In the past, surgeons managed these three hernia types differently. Modern surgical repairs usually involve procedures that address all three groin hernia locations, regardless of the presenting hernia type, making the diagnosis of groin hernia type less important.
- Small umbilical hernias in newborn babies usually resolve without surgery (one of the very few examples hernias that do this)
- Umbilical hernias in adults are commonly associated with a diastasis recti – a condition where the abdominal muscles have separated away from the midline.
- This separation of the rectus abdominis muscles from the midline (diastasis recti) causes the fascia in the midline to stretch wide and thin, making it weak
- A diastasis recti is usually noticed when lying down and seeing a long midline bulge while sitting up.
- Women commonly develop umbilical hernias with diastasis recti after pregnancy, especially with twins.
- Men commonly develop umbilical hernias after weight gain with central obesity (pot belly).
- Umbilical hernias have the same implications and risks of groin hernias (pain, bowel incarceration, strangulation, etc)
- Umbilical hernias can sometimes occur in adults, even without the classic associated diastasis recti.
- Like groin hernias, pain without being able to reduce the bulge (bowel), is a surgical emergency.
- Other signs of strangulation (like with groin hernias), include nausea, vomiting, worsening red or purple skin discoloration, and bloating.
When to See a Hernia Specialist
If you suspect you have a hernia, it is best to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Watchful waiting is often appropriate, especially for small, non symptomatic umbilical hernias. Some hernias are much higher risk of complications and require prompt surgery. It’s always a good idea to see a hernia specialist to determine your risk. A proper assessment by an expert will allow you to make the best informed decision for your optimal health. .
Hernia Surgery at SEM Surgical
If you’re experiencing signs of a hernia, early evaluation is key. Most hernias won’t heal on their own—and delaying care can lead to serious complications. At SEM Surgical, we specialize in hernia surgery, offering advanced techniques to treat all types of hernias, including inguinal, umbilical, and ventral hernias.
Our experienced surgical team in Royal Oak, MI provides personalized care and state-of-the-art procedures to ensure safe and effective hernia repair surgery. Whether you need surgery right away, in the future, or not at all,, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Call SEM Surgical at (248) 985-8060 to schedule your consultation and learn more about your options for expert hernia surgery and long-lasting relief.
Sources:
Inguinal hernia – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
