A hernia is a common condition that can develop in various parts of the body, often causing discomfort or pain. It can occur when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue, creating a noticeable bulge. Hernia symptoms vary depending on the type and severity, but they typically include swelling, aching, or a visible lump that may worsen with strain. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for a hernia in the groin or other areas can help you manage the condition effectively.

A hernia occurs when internal tissue or an organ pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue that holds it in place. While hernias can develop anywhere in the body, they most commonly occur in the abdomen or groin. The main causes of a hernia include increased pressure in the abdominal cavity, muscle weakness, or a combination of both. Factors such as heavy lifting, persistent coughing, obesity, pregnancy, and aging can all contribute to the development of a hernia. Some people are born with weak abdominal muscles, making them more prone to hernias, while others develop them over time due to strain and wear on their bodies.

An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia and occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall near the groin. This weakness may be present at birth or develop over time due to repeated strain from activities like heavy lifting, chronic coughing, constipation (which leads to excessive straining), or prolonged standing. Inguinal hernias are more common in men because of natural openings in the groin that allow the testicles to descend before birth—if these openings do not fully close or weaken with age, a hernia can develop more easily. This type of hernia often appears as a bulge in the groin area, which may cause hernia pain, especially when coughing, bending, or lifting. While inguinal hernias do not always require immediate treatment, they can become painful or lead to complications like a strangulated hernia, in which case surgery may be necessary.

A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through the femoral canal, a small passage in the groin where blood vessels pass into the thigh. It is similar to an inguinal hernia but develops lower in the groin and is more common in women, particularly after pregnancy due to the natural widening of the pelvis. Factors like straining during childbirth, heavy lifting, chronic coughing, and muscle weakness from aging can contribute to its development. A femoral hernia often appears as a small lump near the upper thigh and may not always cause symptoms. However, it carries a higher risk of becoming strangulated, which can cut off blood flow to the intestines and lead to a medical emergency. Signs of a strangulated femoral hernia include sudden, severe pain, nausea, and vomiting, requiring urgent surgical intervention.

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weakened area near the belly button. This type of hernia is common in infants, as it develops when the abdominal wall does not fully close after birth. In most cases, it heals on its own as the muscles strengthen. However, umbilical hernias can also develop in adults, often due to obesity, multiple pregnancies, heavy lifting, excessive abdominal pressure, or conditions like cirrhosis that cause fluid buildup. They typically appear as a soft bulge near the navel and may cause mild discomfort. While umbilical hernias in infants usually resolve without treatment, adult cases are less likely to heal on their own and may require surgery if the hernia grows larger or causes symptoms like pain or digestive issues.

A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity due to a weakened diaphragm. This weakening can result from aging, increased abdominal pressure, obesity, genetic factors, frequent heavy lifting, chronic coughing, or vomiting. Unlike other hernias that cause a visible bulge, a hiatus hernia is internal and often leads to symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms can worsen after eating large meals or lying down. This condition is more common in older adults and those who are overweight. While small hiatus hernias may not require treatment, larger ones can cause significant discomfort and may need lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery if symptoms persist.

If you suspect you have a hernia, it’s important to seek medical advice. How do you know if you have a hernia? Look for signs such as a noticeable bulge, discomfort, or pain that worsens with activity. Many people also ask, "what does a hernia feel like?" Depending on the type, it may cause a dull ache, pressure, or sharp pain, especially when lifting, coughing, or straining. While some hernias, like small inguinal, femoral, umbilical, or hiatus hernias, may not cause immediate issues, they can grow over time and lead to complications. What does a hernia look like? It often appears as a bulge near the groin, belly button, or upper thigh, though hiatus hernias are internal and present with symptoms like acid reflux and difficulty swallowing.

If you think you have a hernia, see a GP as soon as possible. They can assess your condition and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist for possible surgical treatment. However, seek urgent medical attention at A&E if you experience sudden, severe pain, nausea or vomiting, difficulty passing stools or gas, or if the hernia becomes firm, tender, or cannot be pushed back in. These symptoms may indicate a strangulated hernia, where the blood supply to trapped tissue is cut off, or an obstructed bowel, where part of the intestine gets stuck in the hernia and blocks digestion. Both are medical emergencies and require immediate treatment to prevent serious complications.