Hernias in Women: Why Symptoms Can Be Easy to Miss
Hernias in Women: Why Symptoms Can Be Easy to Miss
Hernias, especially in the groin, are often thought of as a “men’s health issue.” But women can get hernias too. Their symptoms may be less obvious, which can make a hernia harder to recognize and diagnose.
“Women frequently go undiagnosed, or the diagnosis is missed because their symptoms aren’t as obvious,” says Joanna Grudziak, MD, a general surgeon at University of Utah Health. “A lot of women will go for months or even years with vague pelvic pain or pelvic pressure, and they won’t get the diagnosis of a hernia because that bulge is not present.”
What Is a Hernia—and How Are They Diagnosed?
A hernia occurs when there’s an opening in the abdominal wall, allowing bodily tissues, mostly fat, to push through.
Common types of hernias include:
- Umbilical hernias: Around the navel
- Inguinal hernias: In the groin
- Incisional hernias: At the site of a surgical incision
Doctors usually diagnose a hernia by asking about symptoms and doing a physical exam. Sometimes an ultrasound or CT scan is needed because hernias in women are harder to see.
Hernia symptoms can look different in women and men. Men may have a noticeable bulge, groin or testicular pain, or pain that spreads to the inner thigh or lower abdomen.
Women may experience:
- Vague pelvic pain
- Pelvic pressure
- Occasional groin discomfort
- A bulge (less common than in men)
Because these symptoms overlap with gynecologic conditions, women are often misdiagnosed with issues such as ovarian torsion, ovarian abscess, pelvic floor dysfunction, or endometriosis.
Why Can Hernias Develop During Pregnancy?
As the baby grows, the abdomen stretches and the belly button becomes a natural weak spot. This increased pressure can reveal an umbilical hernia.
Surgical repair is not recommended until at least six months postpartum, when the abdominal wall has settled back into place. Repairing too early also increases the risk of recurrence.
Surgical options include:
- Mesh repair: A small piece of surgical mesh is placed over the weak spot to provide support and prevent future hernias. This option is not recommended for women with umbilical hernias who plan for more children because permanent meshes cannot expand with the growing abdomen.
- Sutures: Sometimes sutures are recommended if the umbilical hernia is small and the patient plans to have more children.
For women who have both a hernia and diastasis recti, Grudziak often recommends repairing both at the same time. The procedure typically includes repairing the hernia with a mesh and then bringing the abdominal muscles back together to restore strength and support.
Don’t Ignore Ongoing Pelvic or Groin Pain
If you’re dealing with ongoing pelvic pain or pressure, it’s important to talk with a health care provider and get a medical evaluation. Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward finding relief.
University of Utah Health surgeons care for patients with common and complex hernias, including recurrent hernias and cases that may require specialists from different areas of medicine.
“Surgeons and specialists at University of Utah Health are highly experienced in treating complex cases, recurrent hernias, and patients who need multidisciplinary care,” Grudziak says. “I also want to emphasize the value of an academic medical center—one that embraces innovation, trusts its surgeons to make the right calls, and gives patients access to the highest level of expertise.”
For women with a hernia, treatment isn’t one size fits all. The right approach depends on the type of hernia, your symptoms, your health, and whether you plan to become pregnant in the future. With an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan built around your needs, you can find the right care that works best for you.
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