Do I Have a Hernia? Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

A hernia can start as something small: a slight bulge, a feeling of pressure, or discomfort that comes and goes. Some people notice symptoms when they lift, cough, exercise, or stand for long periods. Others discover a hernia during a routine exam. 

A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weakened area in the muscle wall. Hernias can occur in several places, including the groin, belly button, abdominal wall, or at the site of a previous surgical incision. 

Common signs of a hernia 

The most common symptom is a visible bulge. Depending on the type of hernia, the bulge may appear in the groin, scrotum, belly button, or abdomen. It may become more noticeable when you cough, strain, lift, or stand. It may flatten or seem to disappear when you lie down. 

Other symptoms may include: 

• Pain or pressure at the hernia site 
• Aching, pulling, or burning discomfort
• A heavy feeling in the groin or abdomen 
• Symptoms that worsen with activity 
• A bulge that is getting larger over time

Where hernias commonly occur 

A groin hernia, also called an inguinal or femoral hernia, may appear as a bulge in the groin or scrotum. An umbilical hernia occurs near the belly button. A ventral hernia occurs through a weak area in the abdominal wall and may develop above the belly button, near the stomach area, or at the site of a previous surgical incision. 

Because hernias can look and feel different depending on location, it is important to have symptoms evaluated by a clinician. 

Can a hernia go away on its own?

No. A hernia will not repair itself. Some small hernias that are not painful may be monitored, but surgery is the only way to repair the weakened area. 

That does not mean every hernia needs immediate surgery. Your surgeon will consider the type of hernia, your symptoms, your overall health, and whether the hernia is getting larger or interfering with your daily life. 

When should I see a surgeon? 

You should consider seeing a surgeon if you notice a bulge, pressure, pain, or discomfort that may be caused by a hernia. It is especially important to schedule an evaluation if the hernia is getting larger, becoming more painful, or limiting work, exercise, lifting, or daily activities.

A surgical consultation can help answer three important questions: 

1. Is this a hernia? 

2. Does it need to be repaired? 

3. What type of treatment is best for me? 

When is a hernia an emergency? 

Seek emergency medical care if you have sudden or severe pain, vomiting, fever, chills, a firm or tender bulge, or a bulge that cannot be pushed back in. These may be signs that tissue or intestine is trapped. A strangulated hernia, where blood supply is cut off, is a surgical emergency. 

Hernia evaluation at Emerson Health 

Emerson Health’s general surgeons evaluate and treat common hernias, including inguinal, umbilical, ventral, and incisional hernias. If you think you may have a hernia, scheduling an evaluation is the first step toward understanding your options.