A hernia is a lump or bulge caused by tissue pushing through a weak spot in your muscle or tissue. It can be caused by heavy lifting, persistent coughing, excess weight, surgery, or natural weakness from birth.
Hernias don’t heal on their own. Doctors usually diagnose hernias with a physical exam and the only effective treatment is surgery.
What is a hernia?
A hernia happens when part of your body, like tissue or an organ, pushes through a weak spot in the muscles or tissue that normally hold everything in place. It often shows up as a lump or bulge, usually in your tummy or groin, and may be more noticeable when you cough, strain, or stand up.
Types of hernia
There are several different types of hernia. Each affects a specific area of your body and causes different symptoms.
Femoral hernia
A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through your femoral canal near the top of your thigh. It is more common in women and can cause a lump in your groin. Because complications are more likely, surgery is often recommended.
Inguinal hernia
This is the most common type of hernia, especially in men. An inguinal hernia happens when tissue or part of your bowel pushes through a weak spot in your lower abdominal wall into your groin. It often appears as a lump and it may get bigger when coughing or standing.
Umbilical hernia
This type of hernia occurs near your belly button when tissue pushes through your abdominal wall. It is common in babies but can also affect adults, especially after pregnancy or weight gain.
Hiatus hernia
A hiatus hernia happens when part of your stomach pushes up into your chest through the diaphragm. It can cause symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, or chest discomfort.
Other types of hernia
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Incisional hernia – develops at the site of a previous surgical scar.
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Epigastric hernia – occurs between your belly button and chest.
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Spigelian hernia – rare, occurs along the side of your abdominal wall.
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Obturator hernia – very rare, occurs in your pelvic wall and may cause thigh pain.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
Different types of hernia can cause slightly different symptoms. The most common sign is a lump or bulge that may appear and disappear at different times and which is often more noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining.
What does a hernia look like?
A hernia usually looks like a lump or bulge in your tummy or groin where there shouldn’t be one. Some hernias are visible all the time, while others only appear when you strain. In some cases, hernias may not be visible at all.
What does a hernia feel like?
A hernia can cause a dull ache or sharp pain, especially when lifting, coughing, or bending. Some hernias cause no pain at all. If you experience frequent or severe pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Are hernia symptoms in men different from hernia symptoms in women?
Yes, while many symptoms are similar, there are some differences:
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Men – are more likely to develop inguinal hernias because of the inguinal canal. Symptoms often include a groin bulge, discomfort, or heaviness that worsens with activity.
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Women - may experience femoral hernias more often, which can cause a lump in the upper thigh or groin and may be harder to detect. Women can also develop inguinal hernias, though less commonly than men.
For more information on hernia symptoms in men and women, see our blog on hernia symptoms in men vs women.
What is the cause of a hernia?
A hernia happens when there is a weakness or opening in your muscle or connective tissue that normally keeps your organs and tissue in place. This weak spot allows fat, bowel, or other tissue to push through, creating a lump or bulge.
Hernias can develop for several reasons:
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Present from birth – some people are born with a natural weakness in the abdominal wall.
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After surgery – scar tissue can leave the wall weaker, leading to an incisional hernia.
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Repetitive strain – heavy lifting, chronic coughing, constipation, or pregnancy can put pressure on your abdominal wall and cause a hernia over time.
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Ageing – muscles and connective tissues naturally weaken as you get older.
How is a hernia diagnosed?
Most hernias can be diagnosed by a doctor through a physical examination. They will:
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Examine the affected area – looking for a lump or bulge that may appear or disappear when you cough, strain, or stand.
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Assess the type of hernia – based on its location (groin, belly button, scar site, etc.).
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Check the contents – whether fat, bowel, or other tissue is protruding.
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Discuss symptoms – pain, discomfort, or changes in bowel/bladder habits.
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Review overall health – to decide on the safest treatment options.
Diagnostic tests may be needed in your hernia diagnosis and include:
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Herniagram – an X-ray using contrast dye to outline hernia defects (rarely used today).
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Ultrasound – uses sound waves to show soft tissue and hidden hernias.
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CT scan – provides detailed cross-sectional images to assess complex or recurrent hernias.
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MRI – uses magnetic imaging to detect small or hidden hernias, especially in your groin.
How is a hernia treated?
The main treatment for a hernia is hernia repair surgery, which repairs the weakness in your muscle or tissue wall. There are two main approaches:
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Open surgery – your surgeon makes a large cut near the hernia, returns the protruding tissue to its proper place, and strengthens the weakened area to help prevent it from coming back. It is often used for larger or incisional hernias and can take around 90 minutes to 3 hours depending on complexity. Recovery usually takes a little longer, with most people returning to normal activities in 4 to 6 weeks.
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Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery – your surgeon uses small cuts and a camera to repair the hernia from inside. Because it is less invasive, this procedure is usually quicker, often lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Recovery is typically faster, with many patients resuming light activities within 1 to 2 weeks.
Both methods are safe and effective, and your surgeon will recommend the best option depending on the type and size of your hernia, your health, and your recovery needs.
Learn more on our Hernia Surgery page.
How to prevent a hernia
While not all hernias can be prevented, you can lower your risk of a hernia by the following:
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Increase core strength - strong abdominal and pelvic muscles help support your body and reduce strain on your abdominal wall. Core-strengthening exercises such as planks or gentle Pilates can improve your stability and elasticity, lowering your risk of a hernia.
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Maintain a healthy weight - excess body weight puts constant pressure on your abdominal wall, weakening it over time. Keeping to a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise reduces this strain and helps prevent hernias.
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Use proper lifting techniques - heavy lifting is a common trigger for hernias. Always bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs rather than your waist. Avoid rushing, warm up before strenuous activity, and don’t lift loads that feel too heavy.
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Quit smoking - smoking contributes to chronic coughing, which increases abdominal pressure and can lead to hernia formation.
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Control chronic conditions - managing diabetes and respiratory issues reduces complications and strain on your abdominal wall.
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Prevent constipation - eating fibre-rich foods and staying hydrated avoids straining during bowel movements, which can weaken your muscles.
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Stay active - gentle, regular exercise keeps your muscles strong and reduces pressure from inactivity.
Hernia Treatment at Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay Health Care, patients are supported by a team of highly experienced surgeons and healthcare professionals who specialise in hernia repair. Ramsay hospitals combine modern facilities with a personalised approach, ensuring that every patient receives care tailored to their individual needs.
Choosing Ramsay means:
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Expertise you can trust – surgeons with extensive experience in both open and laparoscopic hernia repair.
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Fast access to treatment – short waiting times so you can get on with your life.
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Comprehensive support – from your first consultation through surgery and recovery, with dedicated aftercare.
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Comfort and safety – state-of-the-art theatres and a strong focus on patient wellbeing.
Whether you need a straightforward laparoscopic procedure or a more complex incisional repair, Ramsay provides high-quality care designed to help you recover quickly and confidently.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today and speak to our friendly team to book your consultation for your hernia symptoms. You can also search consultant availability and book online today.
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