Hernias in women may present differently, with subtler symptoms and a higher risk of being overlooked. Understanding these differences helps guide timely assessment and management.
Hernias are often associated with men, but women can develop hernias too:
When they do, the condition can look and feel quite different. In women, hernias are more likely to cause subtle symptoms, may occur in less obvious locations, and are sometimes harder to diagnose.
Because of these differences, hernias in women are more likely to be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions, such as muscle strain, hip problems or gynaecological pain.
Understanding how hernias affect women differently is important, as delayed diagnosis may increase the risk of complications.
This article explains the key differences in how hernias present in women, the types that are more commonly seen and when further assessment should be considered.
Are Hernias Less Common in Women?
Hernias are generally less common in women than in men, particularly inguinal hernias. However, a lower incidence does not mean the condition is less important or less risky.
In women, hernias are more likely to present without a visible lump and may cause vague or intermittent discomfort rather than a clear swelling.
Symptoms can be mild at first and are sometimes dismissed as muscle strain or everyday aches. As a result, hernias in women may go undetected for longer, increasing the likelihood of complications.
Common Types of Hernias in Women
Several types of hernia can affect women, but some deserve particular attention because of how they present and the risks involved.
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias occur in the groin and remain the most common type overall. In women, however, they often behave differently from those seen in men:
The hernia defect is usually smaller and a visible bulge may not be obvious. Instead, women may notice a dull ache or discomfort in the groin, particularly after prolonged standing or physical activity.
Because these symptoms can resemble tendon or muscle problems, inguinal hernias in women are sometimes overlooked.
Femoral Hernia
Femoral hernias are particularly important to recognise in women. They occur just below the groin crease and are more common in women than in men.
Unlike inguinal hernias, femoral hernias often do not produce a noticeable lump. Symptoms may be subtle at first, which can delay diagnosis.
Despite this, femoral hernias carry a higher risk of becoming trapped or strangulated. For this reason, they require careful assessment, even when discomfort appears mild.
Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias develop around the navel and are more commonly seen in women who have had previous pregnancies or increased abdominal pressure.
In adults, these hernias rarely resolve on their own and may slowly enlarge over time. While some remain painless, others can cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns that prompt evaluation.
Incisional Hernia
An incisional hernia can develop at the site of a previous abdominal or pelvic operation, including Caesarean sections or gynaecological surgery. Women may notice discomfort, a pulling sensation, or a bulge near the surgical scar, particularly during movement or straining.
Why Hernias in Women Are Often Missed
Hernias in women are frequently missed because their symptoms are less typical. Pain may be intermittent rather than constant, and swelling may be minimal or absent altogether.
In addition, groin or lower abdominal discomfort in women is often attributed to musculoskeletal or gynaecological causes.
These overlapping symptoms can delay further investigation, allowing the hernia to progress unnoticed.
Symptoms Women Should Not Ignore
Hernia symptoms in women can be subtle and may not follow the typical pattern people expect. While a visible lump is not always present, women may notice:
- Persistent or recurring groin discomfort
- Pain that worsens with standing, coughing, or lifting
- A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the groin or lower abdomen
- Pain radiating to the hip or upper thigh
- Discomfort that comes and goes with activity
If these symptoms persist or recur, further assessment may be appropriate even in the absence of obvious swelling.
Are Hernias in Women More Dangerous?
Certain hernias in women, especially femoral hernias, are associated with a higher risk of complications. If a hernia becomes trapped or strangulated, it can interrupt blood supply to the affected tissue, leading to sudden pain, nausea, vomiting or bowel obstruction.
Because of this increased risk, a watch-and-wait approach is less commonly recommended for women compared to men.
When Is Treatment Recommended?
A hernia repair may be advised when symptoms persist, worsen or raise concern for complications. It may also be recommended when a femoral hernia is suspected or when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Minimally invasive approaches allow surgeons to examine both sides of the groin and identify hernias that may not be obvious on physical examination.
Recovery and Outlook
Patients typically recover well after hernia surgery, particularly when treatment is undertaken early. Many are able to return home on the same day and gradually resume daily activities over the following weeks.
It’s worth noting that early diagnosis and timely management help minimise complications and improve long-term outcomes.
Concerned About Hernias Affecting Women?
Given that certain hernias, such as femoral hernias, are more commonly seen in women and may be harder to detect, evaluation by a surgeon familiar with these conditions can be helpful.
A proper assessment can help determine whether symptoms are related to a hernia or another condition, and guide appropriate next steps based on individual circumstances.
If you have ongoing concerns or persistent symptoms, reach out to arrange a consultation with our specialist.
References:
- Iyer A, et al.
Do female patients experience worse outcomes than male patients after groin hernia repair? A comparative analysis. Surgery. 2025; In press. https://www.surgjournal.com/article/S0039-6060(25)00343-5/fulltext - Hernandez-Richter T, Schardey HM, Rau HG, Schildberg FW, Meyer G.
The femoral hernia: an ideal approach for the transabdominal preperitoneal technique (TAPP). Surg Endosc. 2000 Aug;14(8):736–740. doi:10.1007/s004640000108.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10954820/