Hernia Symptoms in Women

Hernias are less common in women, have different symptoms than in men, and are often misdiagnosed.

A hernia occurs when an internal structure pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall—the muscles and tissue covering the front of your torso. More common in the groin (inguinal hernia) or upper thigh (femoral hernia), a hernia can develop anywhere from the ribcage to the upper thigh.

Lower abdominal and pelvic hernias present differently in women than men, who typically have a visible bulge. Instead, female hernias tend to be smaller, deeper, and less noticeable. Hernias can also cause chronic pelvic pressure or pain that can be mistaken for gynecological problems.

This article discusses hernias in women. It details female hernia symptoms and how hernias in women are diagnosed. It also explains the risk factors for hernia in women, how female hernias are treated, and ways to get relief.

What Does a Hernia Feel Like for a Woman?

Hernias in women tend to be smaller and deeper than male hernias and often do not have a telltale bulge. Instead, female hernias can cause chronic, deep pelvic pain and occasional sharp, stabbing pain that comes on quickly and lingers.

Hernia pain tends to worsen with exercise, coughing, laughing, or straining to defecate. Female hernia pain can be described as:

• Aching
• Burning
• Dull
• Pinching
• Sharp
• Shooting

Inguinal hernia pain is usually felt at or above the groin and may radiate to the hip, lower back, vulva, or thigh. Many women find hernia pain increases during their period.

Hernia pain can also be exacerbated by any activity that puts extra pressure on the pelvic floor, such as:

• Bending
• Getting in or out of bed or a car 
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Sexual intercourse and orgasms
  

Signs of an Emergency

Hernias in the pelvic area are at risk of becoming an incarcerated hernia with a piece of the intestine stuck inside. If this gets trapped (strangulated), it can cause tissue death. Strangulated hernias are a medical emergency.

Symptoms of a strangulated hernia include:

• The hernia bulge not shrinking when you lie down
• Deep red or purple tissues

Other troubling symptoms that warrant prompt medical attention include:

• Worsening pain
• Nausea
• Difficulty with bowel movements
• Bloating
• Fever
• A racing heart

If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room.

A Word From Verywell

If you are concerned you have a hernia, it's important to seek evaluation by a healthcare provider experienced in caring for patients with hernia-related diseases.

— JAY N. YEPURI, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD

Types of Hernias in Women

Hernias can occur anywhere on the abdominal wall. They may be caused by a sports injury, tissue weakness, or internal pressure, such as during pregnancy.

In women, hernias in the lower abdomen or groin are typically indirect inguinal hernias. The inguinal canal is a tunnel through multiple layers of muscles and facia that the thin round ligament threads through. 

Other groin and pelvic hernias include direct inguinal hernia, femoral hernia (top of inner thigh), and obturator hernia (front upper thigh rare). 

Other common hernias in women are:

• Incisional hernia (at the site of a surgical incision)
• Umbilical hernia (around your belly button)
• Ventral hernia (abdominal midline)

Less common hernias in women include: 

• Hiatal hernia (diaphragm)
  
• Perineal hernia (pelvic floor)
  

Incisional Ventral Hernia

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing a hernia include: 

• Allergies with chronic sneezing
• A chronic cough 
• Collagen defects or connective tissue disorders 
• Frequent constipation
• History of abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Obesity

For people with a uterus, pregnancy and repeated pregnancies are linked to an increased risk of hernia. Types of hernias that are more common in pregnancy include:

• Umbilical hernia
• Ventral hernia
• Inguinal hernia

Umbilical hernias are the most common. But only about 0.08% of pregnant people get them.

How Are Hernias Diagnosed in Females?

A hernia diagnosis is generally made with a physical exam and possibly imaging studies. Try to be precise in describing your symptoms, where the pain is located, and any activities that exacerbate it.

To check for a hernia, your healthcare provider will feel for a hernia while you sit, stand, or cough. They may order imaging, such as:

• Ultrasound
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Endoscopy (a camera on a flexible tube used to see inside your esophagus and stomach)

Common Misdiagnoses

Female hernia symptoms can be vague, which research shows often points healthcare providers in the wrong direction. Hernias are commonly misdiagnosed as:

• Endometriosis
• Cysts in the reproductive organs
• Fibroid tumors
  

Hernia Treatment

A small hernia that doesn't cause problems or pain will commonly be treated with a wait-and-see approach. A hernia often worsens over time and may eventually require surgery.

At-home treatments for a hernia include:

• Compression wraps
• Ice
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Rest

Medical treatments for a hernia usually start with conservative measures, including rest, pain medication, and physical therapy. Physical therapists often use myofascial release techniques to ease muscle spasms that contribute to hernia pain.

Surgery may be needed to repair the weak area of the abdominal wall and relieve hernia symptoms.

Hernia repair surgery is typically performed as a laparoscopic surgery. Most people heal quickly from this surgery. You may be back to your regular activities in a week or two.

Summary

Hernias are weak areas of the abdominal wall. The weakness lets organs protrude through it. In females, hernias are often smaller and deeper without a noticeable lump. However, hernia symptoms also mimic gynecological issues, so misdiagnoses are common.

Be specific about your pain and what makes it worse. Describing your symptom history, a physical exam, and imaging tests can get you diagnosed correctly.

Treatment usually involves pain medicine, physical therapy, or surgery.