Do Hernias Only Affect Men?

Hernias are commonly believed to be a “man’s problem.” Because men are diagnosed with hernias more frequently, especially groin hernias, many people assume women are not affected. This misconception often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment in women, increasing the risk of complications.

So, do hernias only affect men? The clear answer is no. Hernias can affect both men and women, although the type, symptoms, and presentation may differ. At Samata Hospital, Dr. Ashish Dhadas, an experienced general and laparoscopic surgeon, treats hernias in both men and women using advanced, minimally invasive techniques.

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. This results in a bulge or swelling that may be visible or felt, especially during physical strain.

Hernias most commonly develop in the abdominal wall and groin region but can also occur near surgical scars or the upper abdomen.

Why Are Hernias More Common in Men?

Men are more frequently diagnosed with hernias due to anatomical and lifestyle factors.

Reasons Include:

A naturally weaker area in the groin due to the passage of the spermatic cord
Higher likelihood of inguinal hernias
Greater involvement in heavy physical activity
Higher prevalence of smoking and chronic cough

Because inguinal hernias are the most common type, and they occur more often in men, hernias are wrongly labelled as a male-only condition.

Can Women Get Hernias?

Yes, women can and do get hernias. However, they often experience:

Different types of hernias
Less obvious symptoms
Higher chances of misdiagnosis

This makes awareness especially important.

Types of Hernias in Women

1. Femoral Hernia

Femoral hernias are more common in women, especially after pregnancy.

Symptoms may include:

Pain or discomfort in the groin
A small, hard-to-notice lump
Pain worsening while standing or lifting

Femoral hernias have a higher risk of complications and often require early surgical treatment.

Inguinal Hernia in Women

Although more common in men, women can also develop inguinal hernias.

Symptoms include:

Groin pain
Discomfort during physical activity
Mild swelling that may come and go

Umbilical Hernia

Occurs near the belly button.

Common in:

Women after pregnancy
Individuals with obesity

Umbilical hernias may become more noticeable over time.

Incisional Hernia

Develops at the site of a previous surgical incision.

Risk factors include:

Multiple abdominal surgeries
Poor wound healing
Obesity

Hiatal Hernia

Occurs when part of the stomach moves into the chest cavity.

Symptoms include:

Acid reflux
Chest discomfort
Difficulty swallowing

This type affects both men and women equally.

Symptoms of Hernia in Women vs Men

Common Symptoms in Men

Visible groin bulge
Pain during lifting or coughing
Heaviness in the groin

Common Symptoms in Women

Dull pelvic or groin pain
Discomfort without visible bulge
Pain mistaken for gynecological issues

Because symptoms in women are often subtle, diagnosis may be delayed.

Why Hernias in Women Are Often Missed

Hernias in women are frequently misdiagnosed due to:

Smaller bulges
Deeper location of femoral hernias
Symptoms overlapping with gynecological or urinary conditions

Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of:

Strangulation
Intestinal obstruction
Emergency surgery

When Should Women Worry About a Hernia?

Women should seek medical evaluation if they experience:

Persistent groin or lower abdominal pain
Pain that worsens with standing or exertion
A lump that becomes painful
Sudden severe pain with nausea or vomiting

These may indicate a complicated hernia.

Hernia Diagnosis

At Samata Hospital, hernia diagnosis involves:

Clinical Examination

Physical assessment while standing and coughing
Evaluation of pain and swelling

Imaging Tests

Ultrasound
CT scan or MRI (especially helpful in women with unclear symptoms)

Accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment planning.

Hernia Treatment: Is Surgery Always Needed?

Can Hernias Heal on Their Own?

No. Hernias do not heal without treatment. Over time, they tend to grow and cause symptoms.

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgery is the only definitive treatment for hernias.

Modern techniques include:

Laparoscopic hernia surgery
Mesh repair
Minimal scarring
Faster recovery

Early surgical repair prevents complications and improves quality of life.

Why Early Hernia Treatment Is Important

Delaying hernia surgery can lead to:

Increased pain
Hernia enlargement
Intestinal obstruction
Strangulation (cut-off blood supply)

Women, in particular, are at higher risk of emergency complications with femoral hernias.

Why Choose Samata Hospital for Hernia Treatment?

Samata Hospital offers comprehensive hernia care with modern facilities and experienced surgeons.

Expertise of Dr. Ashish Dhadas

Dr. Ashish Dhadas is a skilled general and laparoscopic surgeon known for:

Accurate hernia diagnosis in both men and women
Expertise in minimally invasive hernia repair
Reduced post-operative pain
Faster return to daily activities

Each patient receives personalised care based on their hernia type and lifestyle needs.

Preventing Hernias: Is It Possible?

While not all hernias can be prevented, risk can be reduced by:

Maintaining healthy body weight
Avoiding heavy lifting
Treating chronic cough and constipation
Strengthening core muscles
Seeking early medical advice for groin pain

Final Thoughts: Hernias Are Not Just a Men’s Problem

Hernias do not affect only men. Women are equally at risk, and in some cases, may face more serious complications due to delayed diagnosis. Awareness, early evaluation, and timely treatment are key to preventing long-term problems.

At Samata Hospital, Dr. Ashish Dhadas provides expert hernia care for both men and women, ensuring safe treatment and optimal recovery.

“Also Read: Gallbladder Pain? Here’s When You Should Visit a Specialist in Dombivli“
➝https://www.samatahospital.com/gallbladder-pain-heres-when-you-should-visit-a-specialist-in-dombivli/