Hernias are one of the most common surgical conditions worldwide, but there’s a lot of misinformation about them. Many people assume they only affect older adults or weightlifters, yet hernias can develop in anyone, at any age, and for a variety of reasons. You might think you’d recognize one immediately, but they can actually go unnoticed for quite some time.
Here are some surprising things about hernias that could help you understand the risks, symptoms, and treatment options better.
Hernias Aren’t Always Painful
A lot of people assume that a hernia will be obvious because it’ll hurt—but that’s not always the case. Some hernias develop without causing any pain or discomfort, making them easy to overlook. You might only notice them when standing, coughing, or lifting something heavy, or they might be detected during a routine medical exam.
Even if a hernia isn’t painful, that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Left untreated, it could lead to complications like bowel obstruction or strangulation, which can quickly turn into a medical emergency. That’s why it’s important to get checked if you notice a bulge or any changes in your body, even if there’s no discomfort.
They Can Show Up in Unexpected Places
Most people associate hernias with the groin or belly button, but they can appear in less common areas, too.
- Spigelian hernias develop along the sides of the abdominal wall.
- Femoral hernias, more common in women, occur near the upper thigh.
- Obturator hernias form deep in the pelvic region and can be difficult to diagnose.
Since these types don’t always cause noticeable bulging, they can be mistaken for other conditions, making it even more important to get a proper medical evaluation.
Also Read: When Should You Worry About Hernia Pain: Key Signs to Watch For
Women Get Hernias, Too
Because inguinal hernias (the most common type) happen more often in men, many women don’t even consider the possibility that they could have one. As a result, they might ignore symptoms like persistent pelvic pain, discomfort during activity, or a subtle bulge in the groin area.
Women are actually more prone to certain types of hernias, like femoral hernias, which often go undiagnosed for longer than they should. If you’ve been experiencing unexplained abdominal or pelvic discomfort, it’s worth bringing up with your doctor.
Your Lifestyle Can Play a Big Role
Hernias don’t just happen because of aging or heavy lifting, everyday habits can increase your risk, too.
- Chronic coughing (from smoking or respiratory conditions) puts repeated strain on your abdominal muscles.
- Obesity adds extra pressure to weak spots in your muscle wall.
- Poor posture and weak core muscles make it easier for hernias to develop.
On the other hand, staying active, maintaining a strong core, and practicing good lifting techniques can help reduce your risk. Small lifestyle changes now can go a long way in preventing future problems.
Hernias Don’t Heal on Their Own
Unlike a strained muscle or minor injury, a hernia won’t “just go away” with rest and time. It’s a structural weakness in the body, and once the tissue has pushed through a muscle wall, it’s not going to pull itself back in.
Some small, symptom-free hernias can be monitored for a while, but they won’t repair themselves. And in some cases, waiting too long can lead to serious complications like strangulation, which requires emergency surgery. If you have a hernia, the best way to prevent worsening problems is to have it evaluated by a doctor.
Your Family History Might Put You at Risk
If hernias run in your family, you might have a higher chance of developing one yourself. Some people are born with naturally weaker connective tissues, making them more prone to muscle wall defects. Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects collagen production, can also increase the risk.
If you have a family history of hernias, it’s a good idea to be proactive, maintaining a strong core, avoiding unnecessary strain, and staying on top of regular check-ups can all help minimize your risk.
Also Read: Direct vs. Indirect Hernias: What You Should Know
Hiatal Hernias Are a Different Story
Most hernias happen when tissue pushes through the abdominal wall, but hiatal hernias are a bit different. These occur when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, often causing chronic acid reflux, heartburn, and digestive discomfort.
Unlike other hernias, they aren’t diagnosed through a physical exam, tests like endoscopy or X-rays are usually needed. Treatment often starts with lifestyle changes and medication, but in more severe cases, surgery might be necessary.
Hernia Surgery: What You Should Know
Surgery is the only permanent fix for a hernia, but that doesn’t mean every hernia needs to be operated on right away. Doctors usually assess factors like size, symptoms, and risk of complications before recommending treatment.
There are also different types of surgery, depending on the severity and location of the hernia:
- Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions and tiny instruments for quicker recovery and less pain.
- Robotic-assisted surgery offers even more precision and improved outcomes for certain cases.
- Open surgery may be necessary for larger or more complex hernias.
One thing to keep in mind: Hernias can sometimes come back after surgery, especially if post-surgical guidelines aren’t followed. Avoiding heavy lifting, maintaining a healthy weight, and gradually strengthening your core can all help prevent recurrence.
Not Every Hernia Needs Immediate Surgery
If your hernia is small, painless, and not causing problems, your doctor might suggest a watch-and-wait approach. But it’s important to check in regularly, as hernias can grow over time and develop complications if left untreated.
If you ever notice sudden pain, nausea, vomiting, or a hernia that becomes firm and can’t be pushed back in, seek medical attention immediately; these could be signs of a dangerous complication that requires urgent surgery.
Also Read: Recognizing the Warning Signs of Inguinal Hernia Recurrence
When Digestive Issues Might Actually Be a Hernia
A medical evaluation can help rule out other conditions and ensure you’re getting the right treatment.
Surgical Advances Are Making Hernia Repair Easier Than Ever
Hernia repair has come a long way. Thanks to laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques, many procedures are now minimally invasive, have shorter recovery times, and cause less post-op pain. Innovations in surgical mesh have also improved outcomes, helping to strengthen repaired areas and lower the risk of recurrence.
If the idea of surgery has been holding you back from addressing a hernia, know that modern approaches make recovery faster and easier than ever.
Conclusion
Hernias are more than just a bulge—they can develop in unexpected places, cause unusual symptoms, and sometimes remain undetected until they lead to bigger problems.
If you’ve noticed something that doesn’t feel quite right, don’t wait for it to fix itself. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in preventing complications and getting you back to feeling your best.
At Orange County Robotic General Surgery, we specialize in minimally invasive hernia repair that helps patients recover faster and with less discomfort. If you suspect you might have a hernia or have been putting off treatment, let’s talk about your options. Reach out to us today, your health is worth it.
Contact Us
To find out if inguinal hernia repair surgery is right for you, Contact Orange County General Robotic Surgery at (714) 706-1257 for a consultation with Dr. Abtin H. Khosravi.
