Aug 28: Hernias are commonly perceived as a condition that affects only men. In reality, however, women can also develop hernias, particularly in the groin area. Medical experts point out that women with groin hernias who do not receive appropriate treatment are several times more likely than men to experience intestinal necrosis as a complication.
Dr. Pasurachate Samorn, lecturer at the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, explained that a hernia is a condition in which an internal organ within the abdominal cavity, such as the intestine or fatty tissue, protrudes through a weak spot or opening in the abdominal wall. This results in a noticeable bulge or lump in various parts of the body. Hernias can occur in several locations, including the groin, diaphragm, navel (umbilicus), along the edges of the abdominal muscles, or through a previous surgical incision.
Hernias can occur in people of any age or sex. For women, the risk factors associated with developing a hernia include:
In women, the symptoms of a hernia can often be recognized by the presence of a bulge or lump in the pubic area, labia, or groin. Typical characteristics include the following:
- The bulge becomes larger or more noticeable when standing, straining, or coughing.
- The bulge usually reduces in size or disappears when lying flat.
For women who experience pain in the groin area and wonder whether it may be a sign of a hernia, Dr. Pasurachate offers the reassurance that “groin pain that occurs during movement, walking, running, or exercise, but without a visible bulge, is generally not a symptom of a hernia. It is more likely caused by an injury to the muscles or tendons in the groin region.”
Overall, inguinal hernias are approximately ten times more common in men than in women. In men, the protruding bulge typically appears above the pubic area and may extend down into the scrotum. In women, however, the bulge is usually located above the pubic bone or may descend into the labia majora.
Treatment for hernias in men involves observation and monitoring of symptoms. However, for women, once a hernia has been diagnosed, surgical treatment is the only recommended option.
According to Dr. Pasurachate,
“Women with groin hernias, particularly below the groin fold, have a significantly higher risk of hernia incarceration and subsequent intestinal necrosis than men. The likelihood of requiring emergency surgery is as high as 17 percent, which is several times greater than in male patients. Therefore, making preventive surgical repair a much safer approach.”
In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle modifications and self-care measures can help reduce the risk of hernias in women. The focus should be on lowering intra-abdominal pressure and improving overall physical strength. Dr. Pasurachate recommends maintaining a BMI below 23 kg/m² to reduce stress on the abdominal wall, as well as preventing constipation and seeking treatment for chronic coughs.
In conclusion, “hernias” can occur in both men and women. Although they may not appear serious in their early stages, they carry the risk of potentially dangerous complications, particularly femoral hernias, which are more commonly found in women.
For this reason, paying close attention to any unusual changes in the body and seeking medical evaluation at an early stage can make treatment simpler and help reduce the risk of complications in the future.