Hernia Symptoms in Men vs Women: Know the Differences

Traditional medical wisdom tells us that men are more likely to get hernias than women. But that’s not the whole story. Both men and women can and do get hernias. Learn the common hernia symptoms across the gender spectrum so you can get the care you need.

Cross-Gender Hernia Symptoms

If you feel a painful, tender lump near your stomach or groin, and you can’t push it back, it may be a hernia. If the lump gets bigger when you cough, strain, or lift things, you most likely have a hernia.

These symptoms apply regardless of anatomy. If you notice a bulge, see a healthcare provider and get more information.

The hard part? Recognize these symptoms for what they are. If the bulge is not too large, it may be difficult to recognize as a hernia. And if it is located near the groin, it may be misdiagnosed as a urological or gynecological problem. That’s why knowing your gender-specific hernia symptoms can be helpful.

Hernia Symptoms in Women

Although men are more likely to get hernias overall, women have more risk factors for certain types of hernias.

“Women who have been pregnant are more at risk of developing an umbilical hernia because of the stretching of the tissue,” says Cullen Carter, MD, a surgeon at UVA Health.

Regarding groin hernias, women are more likely to get femoral hernias than inguinal hernias.

Carter said femoral hernias are difficult to recognize because the bulge is not very visible.

“The femoral hernia protrudes downwards, into the thigh. Sometimes there is a small lump there, but sometimes not, and a woman only feels pain in that area,” he said. “In those situations, we want to take a closer look at what happens with an ultrasound or CT scan.”

The scan can also help your provider differentiate between a femoral hernia and a pulled groin muscle. Symptoms of a pulled groin muscle are similar in women and men: pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and symptoms that get worse when you are physically active.

Sometimes, a femoral hernia can be confused with a gynecological problem. Many women are referred to a gynecologist before being referred to a hernia specialist.

If you’re trying to figure out which specialist to see, talk to your doctor and pay attention to your body. Does the pain feel more muscular, or more internal (like menstrual cramps)? Are you experiencing other symptoms (such as difficulty urinating, which may be a sign of a UTI)?

Although these questions are not easy to ask, they can help you think critically about the symptoms you are experiencing before contacting a specialist. If in doubt, share your concerns with your doctor and discuss them carefully.

Hernia Complications in Women

Women are less likely to suffer from hernias, but more likely to experience complications when they do.

“Because of their anatomy, women have more complications or problems with hernias, such as acute incarceration or strangulation,” says Aaron Sachs, MD, surgeon at UVA Health.

“Even if a hernia is not currently causing symptoms in a female patient, we usually recommend repair. In men, this is not always the case,” he said.

Hernia Symptoms in Men

In addition to being more likely to get hernias overall, men are more likely to get inguinal hernias than women.

“Because of their anatomy, men have a natural weak area in the abdominal wall, in the inguinal canal,” says Carter. “Women can get hernias there, but male gender is a risk factor.”

Doctors look for testicular torsion in men with hernia symptoms. Inguinal hernia and testicular torsion can have similar symptoms in men.

“For both sexes, asking questions can help you determine more clearly what’s going on and what treatment you need,” says Sachs.

Not Sure You Have a Hernia? Visit a Specialist

When you’re in pain, it can be difficult to think clearly. You’re not always clear on the source of your pain – but you know something hurts.

Luckily, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Whatever your gender, if you experience groin pain, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what’s going on and what type of treatment you need.