Your abdominal wall surrounds and protects your internal organs. It’s made up of strong muscle and connective tissue, but sometimes, a gap develops and the contents behind your abdomen begin to push outward.
This gap is called a hernia. Hernias are commonly considered a men’s health issue — after all, men are eight times more likely to develop inguinal (groin) hernias than women.
But did you know that women get hernias too? In fact, some hernias occur more often in women than men. No matter your gender, it’s important to recognize the signs of a hernia so you can get the treatment you need.
Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS, and our team at North Tarrant Health Providers specialize in hernia diagnosis and repair. Read on to learn about some of the most common hernias affecting women.
There are six main types of hernias. They vary based on their location in the body, and some types of hernias are more common than others.
The most common type of hernia is the inguinal hernia, but it primarily affects men. Women are more susceptible to a few other hernia types, including:
A femoral hernia is a type of groin hernia that primarily affects women. Femoral hernias form when abdominal tissue emerges through a weak spot in the groin or inner thigh.
Femoral hernias typically feel like small or medium sized lumps on one side of the groin. Men can get femoral hernias, but they’re more common in women because the female pelvis tends to be wider, to accommodate childbirth.
An umbilical hernia is a hernia in your belly button area. This type of hernia develops when abdominal tissue pushes into your navel and creates a visible bulge.
This type of hernia is particularly common in women who are pregnant or have had multiple pregnancies. Pregnancy stretches your abdominal wall, and the process may create a weak spot around your belly button that allows abdominal tissue to poke through.
Hiatal hernias develop in your upper abdomen. If you have a hiatal hernia, part of your stomach protrudes through a weak spot in your diaphragm muscle and enters your chest.
Unlike other types of hernia, hiatal hernias don’t create a visible bulge beneanth your skin. In many cases, the only symptom is acid reflux (heartburn).
Women have a slightly higher risk for hiatal hernias, particularly as they get older. Your risk of hiatal hernia may also be greater if you’re overweight or obese.
Hernias are characterized by soft tissue pushing through your abdominal wall. Many types of hernias create a soft, visible bulge in your skin that can be gently pushed back in.
Small hernias may not have any other noticeable symptoms. Larger hernias can be uncomfortable, causing tenderness or pain with activity.
If you have a hernia, it won’t heal on its own. Some small hernias don’t need treatment right away, but Dr. Sambandam may recommend hernia surgery to repair your abdominal wall and protect your health. He can repair most types of hernias using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.
A hernia may become a medical emergency if it gets twisted or strangulated, cutting off blood supply to the tissue. In these cases, surgery is necessary to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.
Do you think you might have a hernia? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sambandam and our team. Call our Fort Worth, Texas office at 817-904-4165 or request your first appointment online now.
