Hernias Explained: Symptoms, Causes and When You Need Surgery

Whether you’re working out or moving boxes, it can be easy to push yourself a little too hard. While discomfort after straining your body is common, it could be a sign of something more.

Keep reading to learn more about hernias, including what causes them, the different types, when you need surgery, how we can help you heal and answers to commonly asked questions.

What Is a Hernia?

Hernias occur when part of an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall, which consists of the muscles or connective tissues that normally hold them in place. While most hernias develop in the abdomen or groin, they can also occur in other parts of the body, like the chest or diaphragm.

Types of Hernias

There are five main types of hernias based on their location:

• Femoral hernia: A bulge in the upper thigh, just below the groin; more common in women than men
• Hiatal hernia: Occurs when part of the stomach pushes into the chest
• Incisional hernia: Occurs when tissue protrudes through a previous incision in your abdomen
• Inguinal hernia: A bulge in your groin, usually at the top of the inner thigh; more common in men
• Umbilical hernia: A bulge around the belly button; mostly occurs when the muscle around the belly button does not close completely after birth

While knowing the different types of hernias is important, understanding what causes them and whether you’re at higher risk of developing one is an important step in protecting your health.

Hernia Causes and Risk Factors

The main cause of hernias is weakness or strain in your abdominal wall that allows an organ or other tissues to push through. Other common causes and risk factors of developing a hernia include:

• A family history of hernias
• A job that requires heavy lifting or high strain on the body
• Being older in age
• Being overweight or obese
• Chronic constipation and straining when using the bathroom
• Cystic fibrosis
• Having a chronic cough
• History of abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Pregnancy

No matter the cause of your hernia, recognizing its symptoms will help you seek prompt care when you need it most.

Hernia Symptoms: What to Watch For

Just as no two hernias look or feel identical, the same is true of their symptoms. Some hernias cause no physical symptoms, while others do. This is because signs of a hernia depend on several factors, including its type, size, location and the unique anatomy of each person.

Generally, common hernia symptoms include:

• A visible lump or bulge
• Digestive issues, like constipation
• Heavy and uncomfortable feeling in the gut, often when bending over
• Lump gets bigger after coughing, straining or standing up
• Lump or bulge disappears when you lie down
• Pain or aching sensation in the affected area, especially during exertion (like lifting heavy objects)

While smaller hernias can be monitored with a watchful eye and symptoms managed with medication, surgery is the only way to permanently repair them and prevent further complications.

When You Need Hernia Surgery

Knowing when you need hernia surgery is key to helping you find the pain relief you deserve. And in certain scenarios, emergency surgery is necessary to prevent further damage. You need immediate hernia surgery when:

• You can’t push your hernia back in
• You experience a sudden increase in pain that doesn’t get better
• You experience nausea or vomiting
• You’re unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement
• Your hernia becomes firm or sore
• Your hernia bulge turns red, purple or another color

We understand that surgery can sound overwhelming, but hernia repair surgery is a very routine procedure. The American Society of Anesthesiologists estimates that more than 1 million hernia surgeries are performed annually. And you can feel confident in your care, knowing that our trusted physicians are experts in both minimally invasive and robotic techniques that offer benefits such as smaller incisions, less pain and a faster recovery.

During hernia repair surgery, your doctor will reinforce the weakened area of your abdominal wall, usually with a surgical mesh, to prevent the hernia from returning. These procedures typically take 30 to 90 minutes.

While you may be able to return to light activity and desk work within a few days, it typically takes four to six weeks to fully heal. It’s vital that you avoid highly strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects as you heal.

Helping You Heal, Inside and Out

Living with a hernia can take a toll on your everyday life and keep you from doing the things you love — but your journey doesn’t end there. No matter your diagnosis, our expert physicians are here to help you heal in body, mind and spirit, so you can take your next step with less pain.

Learn more about our hernia care services and how we can help you prevent and treat them.