Do Men and Women Experience Hernia Symptoms Differently?

A hernia is a prevalent health issue in which an organ protrudes through the muscle or tissue meant to contain it. This condition can manifest in various body regions, with the abdomen and groin being common sites for herniation. Although many people believe that only men develop hernias, this is actually a common misconception. Women also develop hernias. However, the signs and symptoms vary depending on gender. 

Hernia repair surgery in Orange County is the same for both men and women. Continue reading to learn about the gender-specific symptoms of hernias, so you know when it’s time to seek out care. 

Understanding Hernias

There are several different types of hernias, and some of the most well-known kinds include:

• Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They occur when part of a person’s intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, which is located near the groin. While inguinal hernias are much more likely to affect men, they can also occur in women.
• Ventral hernias occur when tissue protrudes through a weak spot in a person’s abdominal wall. This type encompasses epigastric, incisional, and umbilical hernias.

• Hiatal hernias can happen when part of a person’s stomach pushes up into their chest. 
• Femoral hernias are relatively rare, but they occur when part of the intestine protrudes through the femoral canal, which is located near the groin.

Men and women can develop each kind of hernia listed above, and femoral hernias are much more commonly found in women than they are in men. There are several factors that can influence the development of a hernia, some of which include:

• Aging: As people age, their muscles and connective tissues weaken, making them more susceptible to hernias.

• Chronic coughing: Frequent coughing puts excessive pressure on the abdomen, causing the muscles to weaken, potentially leading to the development of hernias over time.

• Heavy lifting: When people lift heavy objects, it strains their abdominal muscles. Like chronic coughing, this leads to increased pressure on the abdomen, which causes weak muscles to tear, potentially resulting in a hernia.

• Obesity: Being overweight increases the pressure on a person’s abdominal wall, making them more susceptible to hernias.

• Pregnancy: The increase in intra-abdominal pressure during pregnancy and hormonal changes can lead to the development of hernias.

An Overview of Gender Differences

There are several major differences in male and female anatomy that influence the presentation and symptoms of hernias that present in each sex as a result. Males, for example, have a small opening in their groin muscles that makes them more susceptible to inguinal hernias. 

As previously mentioned, women are more likely than men to experience femoral hernias, and this is due to the fact that the female pelvis is wider than the male pelvis. Understanding the anatomical distinctions between male and female patients is an important aspect of both diagnosing and effectively treating hernias.

Hernia Symptoms in Men

Some of the most common symptoms of hernias that men experience include:

• Groin pain or discomfort: Inguinal hernias, in particular, can cause feelings of pain or discomfort in a male’s groin, especially when coughing, bending over, or lifting heavy objects.

• Swelling or bulging in the groin area: Since the hernia is protruding through a weak spot in the groin, it may lead to swelling in the area or the presence of a bulge.
• Heaviness in the groin: A hernia may also cause feelings of heaviness or a dragging sensation in a male’s groin.

Factors that influence the manifestation of hernia symptoms include everything from the size and location of the hernia to the person’s level of physical activity and overall health. Men experiencing any of the symptoms outlined above should contact a hernia repair specialist to discuss robotic hernia surgery in Orange County as a potential treatment option.

Hernia Symptoms in Women

While women also experience hernias, they tend to be much more difficult to diagnose in women than they are in men. For example, one of the main factors used to diagnose hernias is the presence of a visible bulge. Women’s hernias tend to be smaller in size and don’t always result in a noticeable protrusion, contributing to the underdiagnosis of hernias in many female patients. 

Some of the more common symptoms of hernias in women include pain in the pelvis or abdomen, discomfort or pressure in the groin area, and pain during physical activities or lifting heavy objects. These symptoms can be similar to those of other ailments commonly seen in women, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or fibroids, which can also result in misdiagnosis.

Factors Influencing Symptom Presentation

There are a few different factors that can influence how hernias present themselves in men versus women. For instance, as previously mentioned, hernias in women tend to be smaller than those in men and may be harder to locate and diagnose. Additionally, research shows that women generally experience more intense and unpleasant pain compared to men. So while pain is a symptom of hernias for both women and men, women may feel the pain and discomfort of the hernia at a greater capacity.

Diagnosis Challenges and Considerations

When it comes to diagnosing hernias, a healthcare provider will require a patient to share their comprehensive medical history, and they will also conduct a physical examination. Men are usually diagnosed on a physical examination alone, but due to the differences in how hernias present in women, additional tests may be needed for diagnosing female patients. These can include imaging studies, such as ultrasounds, MRIs, or CT scans.

Treatment Approaches

Hernias don’t go away on their own, and they can cause complications further down the line if they’re left untreated. Because of this, hernia surgery is the most reliable option for repairing this condition. The following are the most common types of hernia surgery in Orange County:

• Open/Conventional Surgery: During open hernia repair, an incision is made so the surgeon can access and gently manipulate the bulging tissues back into place. The weakened abdominal wall is then reinforced with stitches or surgical mesh.

• Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Surgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a surgeon makes small incisions in the affected area. A thin tube with a camera called a laparoscope is then inserted to help guide the surgeon in performing the repair.
• Robotic Hernia Repair Surgery: In robotic hernia repair, a surgeon uses robotic arms to perform the procedure. This method allows for more precision and dexterity in accessing and repairing the hernia.

When choosing one of the different surgical methods for repairing hernias, a surgeon must consider the severity of a patient’s symptoms and preferences. Talking with a hernia repair specialist about the different options, such as robotic surgery in Orange County, can help patients figure out the best approach based on their circumstances.

Key Takeaways

While men and women are both susceptible to hernias, the types of hernias that the two sexes are prone to and the ways in which they present themselves can differ. This is why it’s so important to be aware of all of the possible symptoms. Having this knowledge is essential to better recognize the signs and get treatment to prevent the condition from getting more severe.

If you suspect that you might have a hernia, we encourage you to contact Dr. Abtin Khosravi, MD, at Orange County Robotic General Surgery as soon as possible. We use minimally invasive surgical techniques to repair hernias so you can start feeling your best as soon as possible. You can request an appointment here.

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