Hernia Types and Treatment
You notice an odd-looking bulge in your abdomen that wasn’t there before. There’s a slight ache when you cough or laugh. Could it be a hernia?
It’s possible. Hernias affect around
10% of people at some point in their lifetime, and as many as
one million hernia repair surgeries happen in the U.S. each year.
Unfortunately, many people avoid seeking treatment, despite the fact that hernias won’t go away on their own and are likely to get worse over time. Without surgical repair, advanced hernias can lead to complications that are a medical emergency.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of hernias, their treatment options, and how to recognize potentially life-threatening complications.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia is a portion of an organ (i.e., the intestine) or fatty tissue that has protruded through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue responsible for holding it in place. In many hernia types, the protruding tissue can be felt as a bulge under the skin.
Some hernias are congenital (present at birth), whereas others develop over time due to anything that weakens the abdominal wall. This could be:
- Pressure from heavy lifting
- Straining during a bowel movement
- A chronic cough due to medical conditions like COPD
- Incomplete healing from abdominal surgery
If a hernia bulge can’t be pushed back into the abdominal wall, this is a sign that the hernia is “incarcerated,” meaning that your inner organs have become trapped within the opening.
If these trapped organs lose blood flow (“strangulation”), seek medical care immediately.
Typical Hernia Symptoms
For visible hernias (i.e., most hernia types other than a hiatal hernia which involves the stomach), the most obvious symptom is a bulge in the abdomen or groin. This bulge may only show up if you cough, laugh, or lift a heavy object.
There may or may not be pain. The lump itself may be slightly tender to the touch, or pain may come when you do anything that puts pressure on the area.
Symptoms of an Incarcerated or Strangulated Hernia
If your hernia is incarcerated, you won’t be able to push it back in. The following symptoms point to likely strangulation, and are considered a medical emergency:
- Dark red or purple discoloration of the hernia site
- Numbness in the hernia site
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or fever
- Inability to pass stool or gas
- Sudden, severe pain that won’t go away
Even just one of these symptoms is a cause for concern, and should prompt a visit to the ER. A strangulated hernia can cause portions of your bowel or other trapped tissue to die due to a lack of blood flow.
How Many Types of Hernias Are There?
There are numerous different types of hernias, generally categorized by where (and how) they occur. However, the seven most well-known types (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional, hiatal, epigastric, spigelian, and diaphragmatic) make up the vast majority.
- Inguinal Hernia – Much more common in men, an inguinal hernia occurs when tissue bulges outward through the inguinal canal in the groin area.
- Femoral Hernia – More common in women, a femoral hernia shows up either just below the groin or in the upper thigh area when tissue protrudes through the femoral canal.
- Umbilical Hernia – Often seen in infants, but sometimes also in adults (often due to pregnancy or obesity), an umbilical hernia happens near the belly button.
- Incisional Hernia – This type develops at the location of a previous surgical incision, often due to incomplete healing or infection near the site.
- Hiatal Hernia (Diaphragmatic Hernia) – Occurs when the top of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, possibly resulting in acid reflux symptoms. There are four types: sliding, paraesophageal, combination, and rare Type IV.
- Epigastric Hernia – A protrusion of fatty tissue through the abdominal wall in the upper abdomen between the sternum and the belly button. Often small and painless.
- Spigelian Hernia – A rarer hernia type that occurs along the edge of the rectus abdominis muscle.
Common Hernia Types in Men
Hernias predominantly impact men, with nearly a quarter of men expected to develop one in their lifetime (versus 2% of women). The male reproductive anatomy leaves gaps in the groin muscles that can weaken over time.
- Inguinal Hernias – When the testes descend during fetal development, a pathway is left that can develop into a hernia. Inguinal hernias account for around 70% of all hernia repairs in men.
- Hiatal Hernias – In this type, the top of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm hiatus into the chest cavity. Although it can affect anyone, risk rises sharply after age 50.
Common Hernia Types in Women
In women, hernias are often smaller and less obvious visually. Pain rather than a visible bulge may be the main symptom.
- Femoral Hernias – More common in women due to a wider pelvis and femoral canal.
- Umbilical Hernias – Women who have been pregnant or are overweight face higher risk of this hernia near the belly button.
- Hiatal Hernias – Slightly more prevalent in women; aging remains the strongest factor.
Treatment Options for Hernias
Not all hernias require immediate surgery. If a hernia is small, painless, and reducible (meaning it can be pushed back into place), your doctor may recommend watchful waiting. This approach involves avoiding heavy lifting, managing any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers, and sometimes wearing a supportive truss belt to hold the hernia in place during daily activity. While this won’t cure the hernia, it may help prevent worsening symptoms in the short term—particularly for patients who are not ideal candidates for surgery.
Surgical Repair for Hernias
In most cases, surgery is the best way to fix a hernia. The goal is to move the bulging tissue back where it belongs and strengthen the weak spot in the muscle wall. Your surgeon may use a special surgical mesh to reduce the risk of the hernia coming back.
There are a few types of surgery:
- Open Surgery: A single larger cut is made to reach the hernia. The doctor repairs the area and may place mesh for added support.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: This method uses a few small cuts and a camera to guide the repair. It usually means less pain and faster recovery than open surgery.
Surgery is generally recommended if the hernia is painful, getting bigger, or at risk of complications like being trapped (incarcerated) or cutting off blood flow (strangulated). These complications are serious and require immediate treatment.
Preventing Hernia Recurrence After Surgery
Postoperative measures to reduce recurrence include maintaining a healthy weight, managing chronic coughs, and practicing proper lifting mechanics (bend at the knees, not at the waist).
What Type of Doctor Treats Hernias?
Diagnosis often begins with your primary care physician. Treatment is typically managed by a general surgeon. Depending on the hernia’s location, you may also see a urologist (for urinary tract involvement) or a thoracic surgeon (for hiatal hernias).
Referral to a specialist ensures the most appropriate surgical approach and follow‑up care.
Granville Health Center: North Carolina Hernia Treatment & Surgery
Because hernias are common, many surgeons focus their practice on hernia repair.
GHS’s doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating all hernia types, guiding you back to normal life quickly and safely.
If you suspect a hernia, even without severe symptoms,
consult with a GHS hernia doctor today. Early evaluation and timely treatment are key to avoiding complications.
