Health is truly the most important asset we have. No matter how busy life gets or how many responsibilities pile up, health is something we simply cannot afford to compromise. Yet, even with all the healthy choices we try to make, certain conditions have a way of slipping past our control.
Hernias are a perfect example. They don’t discriminate—babies, adults, the elderly, anyone can develop one. Some people are born with structural weaknesses, while others acquire them over years of strain, coughing, lifting, or even after previous surgeries.
Risk factors are wide-ranging: age, gender, family history, obesity, chronic straining—the list goes on. Studies suggest that more than a million people in India develop a hernia each year, which tells you how common this issue truly is.
A hernia essentially occurs when a small portion of tissue from inside the abdomen pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. About 75 percent of these occur in the inguinal canal, the area where the abdomen meets the thigh.
Men are 25 times more likely than women to develop an inguinal hernia, and sometimes the bulge may even extend into the scrotum. Other types—femoral, umbilical, epigastric—can affect both men and women, though not always with the same warning signs. And that’s where things get interesting. Let us find out from Dr Amita Jain, a senior general and laparoscopic surgeon and one of the best hernia specialist surgeons in Delhi and in India, shares how symptoms of hernia vary between women and men.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when organs or tissues protrude through weakened spots in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. This weakening or tearing of tissue allows intestines to push through muscles, creating a noticeable lump beneath the skin. If the muscles don’t close behind the protruding organ, it can lead to a dangerous condition called a strangulated hernia. The type of hernia depends on the location of the weakness, with inguinal, umbilical, femoral, and incisional hernias being common variants.
Types Of Hernias in Men and Women
An inguinal hernia is the most common type of abdominal hernia, and it occurs mainly in men. It forms when tissue pushes through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall, creating a soft bulge in the groin or scrotum. It usually appears on the right side. About 27% of men and 3% of women develop this type of hernia.
Femoral Hernia
A femoral hernia is more common in women because the female pelvis is wider. It occurs when tissue pushes through the femoral canal just below the groin.
An umbilical hernia occurs at the belly button. It is commonly seen in pregnant or postpartum women due to increased pressure inside the abdomen.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia happens when the upper part of the stomach moves up into the chest through the diaphragm. It affects both men and women, but it is slightly more common in women, especially those who are older, pregnant, or overweight.
Other Hernias
Incisional Hernia: An incisional hernia forms at the site of a previous abdominal surgery. It should not be confused with a ventral hernia, which can occur without prior surgery. Sometimes, the area of the incision may drain foul-smelling pus.
Epigastric Hernia: An epigastric hernia occurs when fatty tissue pushes through the abdominal wall above the belly button and below the rib cage. It can affect both men and women, but men are two to three times more likely to develop it.
Symptoms in Women Vs Men
Hernia symptoms can look very different in women and men. Women often experience more subtle signs—sometimes without any visible bulge—while men typically show more obvious swelling in the groin or scrotum. Because of this, hernias in women are more frequently missed or mistaken for gynaecological conditions like ovarian cysts, fibroids, or endometriosis.
Below is a clear breakdown of how symptoms appear by hernia type, separately for women and men.
Hernia Symptoms in Women
- A small bulge in the upper inner thigh or groin that may disappear when lying down
- Groin pain that may radiate down the front of the leg
- Pain during coughing or straining
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — these require urgent medical attention, as femoral hernias are more likely to become trapped or strangulated
Umbilical and Epigastric Hernias
- A bulge at the belly button or in the upper abdomen
- A dull ache that can intensify with coughing, sneezing, or lifting
- Bloating or constipation
Incisional Hernia
These develop along or near a previous surgical scar:
- A small lump or swelling at or near an abdominal scar, possibly appearing months or years after surgery.
- The lump often shows up with coughing or straining and disappears when lying down.
- Over time, the swelling may enlarge and become painful.
Hiatal Hernia
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Bad breath
- Bloating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Indirect Inguinal Hernia
Although less common in women than men:
A lump or swelling in the groin that may be painful.
The swelling often appears when lifting or straining and goes away when lying down.
Hernia Symptoms in Men
Inguinal Hernia
- A bulge in the groin that becomes more obvious when standing, lifting, coughing, or exercising
- Pain or discomfort in the groin, sometimes radiating down the inner thigh or into the scrotum
- Swelling or enlargement of the scrotum if the intestine descends into it
Femoral Hernia
Severe groin pain, nausea, or vomiting — often signalling a higher risk of complications.
Umbilical Hernia
Swelling or a noticeable bulge near the navel, especially during straining.
Hiatal Hernia
Heartburn, bloating, and chest discomfort similar to acid reflux.
Whether you’re a man or woman, hernias can show different signs. Nevertheless, they demand equal attention. Men often notice clearer groin bulges, while women may feel subtle or hidden discomfort.
One must be aware of these differences as it helps early detection, timely care, and safer outcomes for everyone. Let’s stay informed and prioritise our health daily. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor whenever you have doubts or discomfort of any sort.
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced senior surgeons who has conducted more than 1,00,000 successful surgeries, and has covered a wide spectrum of general and minimally invasive procedures. Dr Amita Jain is refered as the pioneer surgeon in the fields of Gallbladder stone removal surgery, appendix removal surgery, hernia repair surgery, Pilonidal Sinus treatments, varicose vein and piles surgery, fistula surgery and fissure surgeries.
With an outstanding career spanning over 29 years, Dr Amita Jain has earned her place among the top General and Laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and India, known for her precision, compassion, and consistent surgical excellence. She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned as a surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo.
Dr Amita Jain currently serves as the Head of Department and Senior Consultant for General, Laparoscopic and Trauma Surgery at Artemis Lite Hospital, Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi) and Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi).