Hernias are often thought of as a male disease, but women get them too, sometimes with symptoms that are quite different from the classic bulge most people think of. This difference in presentation is a large part of why hernias in women are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed later than they should be.
Why Women and Men Feel Differently Hernias
Inguinal hernias occur in the groin and are much more common in men because of the natural passageway left when the testicles descend before birth. However, femoral hernias are more common in women and occur just below the inguinal crease. Femoral hernias are smaller and sit deeper in the tissue and are more likely to become trapped or strangulated without ever creating an obvious bulge.
Symptoms in Males
In men, an inguinal hernia usually presents itself as a bulge in the groin or scrotum that can easily be seen or felt and that protrudes more when a man is standing, coughing or straining. This is a visible bulge and this often leads to a fairly quick and accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms in Women – And Why They’re Missed
A woman with a femoral or inguinal hernia may not see a lump but have only a dull ache, pressure, or pulling sensation in the groin or lower abdomen. These symptoms may resemble other gynecologic disorders such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease and may lead to misdiagnosis and treatment of the wrong condition, further delaying proper care.
The Price of a Misdiagnosis
A hernia will not go away by itself. They are actually more dangerous for women than for men, because the opening is narrower and the chance of tissue getting trapped or strangled is higher. That means it is especially important for hernia doctors to make a diagnosis and to make it quickly.
Getting the Correct Diagnosis
If you have persistent, unexplained groin or lower abdominal pain that has not responded to treatment for a presumed gynecologic problem, it may be worthwhile to request a hernia-specific exam or ultrasound. In addition to your usual physician, consulting with a hernia doctor in Indore can help in the early detection or confirmation of a hernia and help you avoid complications.
Final Thoughts
Men and women can have hernias very differently—men usually with an obvious bulge, women often with nonspecific pain that resembles other diseases. Knowing these differences is key to avoiding a delayed diagnosis and getting the right treatment sooner.
