A hernia consists of an intestinal sac that protrudes through a hole or weak area in the abdominal wall and often descends into areas of the body close by. Hernias are named according to where they occur, and certain types of hernias are more common than others. Although most hernias manifest in bulging at the site and pain, the specific symptoms depend on the location and type of hernia.
Inguinal Hernia Symptoms
Inguinal hernias typically appear on either side of the pubic bone as a bulge in the groin, and they occur more frequently in men than in women, reports Medline Plus. The bulge becomes more pronounced with position changes, coughing, physical activity and straining during a bowel movement or while urinating. The symptoms are often experienced as a heavy or dragging sensation, especially when bending over or lifting. Men with inguinal hernias experience pain and swelling around the testicles as the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum. According to the Mayo Clinic, inguinal hernias sometimes don't cause any symptoms and are often detected during a routine medical exam.
Femoral Hernia Symptoms
Intestinal protrusion through a weakening in the abdominal wall near a thigh causes a femoral hernia. A femoral hernia appears as a bulge in the upper part of the thigh, just below the groin, where the femoral artery and vein pass. The bulge causes pain in the thigh or groin area and physical activities such as bending or lifting often exacerbate the pain. According to Medline Plus, femoral hernias occur more frequently in women than in men.
Umbilical Hernia Symptoms
An umbilical hernia appears as a bulge around the belly button. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that umbilical hernias are most common in infants and occur when the abdominal muscles don't close completely around the belly button while the baby is still in the womb, which results in the intestine protruding through the area around the belly button. Umbilical hernias are also associated with certain types of rare diseases. Umbilical hernias are usually painless and soft, appearing as a bulge over the belly button. The bulge becomes more pronounced during movement. Infants born with an umbilical hernia may not exhibit symptoms during infancy but often do later in life, reports Medline Plus.
Incisional Hernia
Incisional hernias occur in a scar after abdominal surgery and appear as a noticeable bulge at the incision site, states Medline Plus. Any physical activity such as heavy lifting or certain medical problems that increases pressure on the abdominal wall tissue and muscles may result in an incisional hernia.
