Hernia

A hernia happens when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue called fascia.

Femoral: the intestine enters  the canal carrying the femoral artery (artery which runs up the thigh) Most common in women. Many hernias are femoral.

Hiatal: the upper stomach enters up through the diaphragm (sheet of muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen)

Incisional: the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall at the site of previous abdominal surgery.

Inguinal: the intestine/bladder enters through the abdominal wall/inguinal canal in the groin. Most hernias are inguinal, and most of these occur in men because of a natural weakness in this area.

Umbilical: small intestine/bladder pushes through the abdominal wall near the bellybutton.

Symptoms

Femoral: Constipation, cough, heavy lifting, obesity, struggle to urinate

Hiatal: chest pain, heartburn

Incisional: discomfort or bulge at incision site

Inguinal: (painful) bulge in the groin or scrotum

Umbilical:  cough, constipation, abdominal discomfort