Pain or Pressure in Your Groin or Abdomen? Here’s What To Do if You Think It’s a Hernia
When you think of a hernia, you might picture a visible bulge in your belly or groin. But not all hernias are easy to spot. Some people have one but may not see a lump or feel pain right away. In fact, some hernias only show up during certain movements or when a doctor checks for one. That's why it's important to know the signs of hernias, as well as what to do if you suspect you have one.
Signs you may have a hernia
A hernia happens when part of your body, like your intestines, pushes through a weak spot in your muscles. This can happen in different areas, such as in your groin or near your belly button or a scar from surgery. While many hernias do cause a visible lump, not all of them do. Some people only feel a strange pressure or discomfort.
Here are some signs to watch for:
- A feeling of heaviness or pressure in your belly or groin.
- Pain that gets worse when you lift something, cough or bend over.
- A burning or aching feeling near the area.
- A lump or bulge that comes and goes (although it may never be noticeable)
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.
Sometimes, hernias don't cause pain at all. A small one may not bother you much at first. But over time, it can grow and become more serious. In rare cases, a hernia can cut off blood flow to nearby tissue, which is a medical emergency. If you ever have sudden pain, fever or a lump that feels firm and won't go away, get medical help right away.
What to do if you think you have a hernia
If you notice anything unusual, even if you're not sure if it's due to a hernia, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. Hernias won't heal on their own, and ignoring them can lead to bigger problems later.
To check for a hernia, your doctor will perform a physical exam. They might ask you to stand, cough or strain so they can feel for a hernia. If it's not clear, they may order an ultrasound, CT scan or another type of imaging so they can see things more clearly.
Treatment for hernias
If it is determined that you have a hernia, treatment depends on the type and size of the hernia and how much it's bothering you. The different types of hernias include:
- Inguinal hernias – these are the most common, especially in men, and occur in the groin
- Umbilical hernias – as the name implies, these happen around the belly button
- Hiatal hernias – these occur higher in the abdomen, allowing part of the stomach to move into the chest
- Incisional hernias – these can occur after surgery, near where an incision was made
If the hernia is small and not causing pain, your doctor may suggest just watching it for now. You'll be told to avoid heavy lifting or straining, which can make it worse. But if it's painful or getting larger, surgery, which is the only treatment option, is usually recommended. Most hernia surgeries are quick and safe. You may go home the same day and will usually feel better within a few days. Surgeons can often do the repair using tiny tools and a camera (laparoscopic surgery), although in some cases, a small incision may be a better option.
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Date Last Reviewed: April 18, 2025
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD
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