A hernia is a medical condition in which part of the small intestine protrudes through a weak area of the abdominal wall. Hernias are classified according to their location. A hernia that occurs in the upper part of the thigh below the groin where the femoral artery and femoral vein pass is referred to as a femoral hernia. Femoral hernias occur four times more often in women than in men, due to women's wider pelvic regions. Femoral hernias may cause a variety of symptoms and health concerns.
Lump or Bulge
A lump or bulge is a classic symptom of any form of hernia, due to the intestine protruding through the weakened abdominal wall. In femoral hernias, the lump or bulge will normally be the size of a grape and located in the upper thigh below the groin. This protrusion will grow in size and become more pronounced as the hernia progresses. The femoral hernia will not repair on its own and surgical intervention will be necessary in order to treat it.
Pain
Pain is also a classic symptom of femoral hernias. As with any hernia, localized pain at the site of the hernia is common. Depending on the size and progression of the hernia, the pain can be classified as dull, sharp or throbbing.
Women may experience a different kind of pain than men. For women, sexual intercourse can be painful with a burning sensation near the entrance of the vagina.
Nausea/Vomiting
If the hernia progress to the point in which the intestine becomes caught in the hernia, the flow of food through the intestine may become obstructed. This condition is called an incarcerated femoral hernia. With this condition, the food contents become "backed up" and begins to move in the opposite direction, causing nausea and vomiting.
Constipation
Constipation is also a symptom of an incarcerated femoral hernia. As stated above, flow of food contents of the intestine may become obstructed. This can also cause constipation due to food contents not being able to pass through the intestinal tract.
Urinary Problems
Femoral hernias can also lead to some problems with the urinary tract. Some of these problems include increased frequency of urination, increased susceptibility to bladder infections, painful or burning urination, and bladder stones.
