A hernia occurs when an opening or weakness develops in areas of the body that are normally solid. The Kids Health website elaborates that the hernia is most likely to develop in the wall of a muscle, tissue or membrane that normally holds an organ in place. Symptoms of a hernia vary depending on the location but are generally the same for women as for men. Common locations include the abdomen and upper thigh area.
Bulging
Bulging is a visible symptom of a hernia that occurs when other organs or components of the body push through the weakness or opening of the tissues. A femoral hernia is more likely to occur in a woman than a man and results in a bulge in the upper part of the thigh but below the groin, states MedlinePlus. The Kids Health website points out that with an inguinal hernia, a woman may notice a bulge where the thigh meets the groin. An epigastric hernia can cause bulging through the belly button or the chest, but these are more common in men. When other sections of the stomach bulge it can be a sign of a different type of hernia, such as a hiatal hernia.
Reflux
One specific type of hernia, called a hiatal hernia, doesn't cause visible bulging. Instead, the Kids Health website points out that the muscle around the opening to the diaphragm becomes weak, allowing the stomach to bulge through the diaphragm. This causes indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux type symptoms. These effects lead to pain in the chest, sour taste in the mouth and stomach upset. MayoClinic.com points out that a small hiatal hernia may not produce any symptoms.
Pain
Dull or sharp pain can accompany the hernia. The pain can worsen when moving or lifting something heavy, this is especially true depending on the location of the hernia.
Dysfunction
Depending on the location of the hernia, a woman will experience dysfunction of the organs or body parts affected. For example, if the hernia occurs in the intestines, the result may be nausea, vomiting and constipation due to the slowing of blood flow, according to MedlinePlus.
