Types of Hernias: What Makes Each One Different?

When someone says they have a hernia, you might picture a bulge in the belly or groin. But what many people don’t realize is not all hernias are the same. Just like people, hernias come in different types, sizes, and locations. And understanding which kind you have (or might be at risk for) can help you make better decisions about your health.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, suspecting a hernia, or just trying to understand what it all means, this guide will walk you through the most common types of hernias, what makes each one different, and what to look out for.

1. Inguinal Hernia (Groin Hernia)

Most common in men, inguinal hernias happen when part of the intestine or fat pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall specifically in the inguinal canal.

Signs & Symptoms:

• A bulge in the groin that may come and go

• Pain or discomfort when bending, coughing, or lifting

• A heavy or dragging feeling in the groin

Who’s at risk?

• Men (especially older men)

• People who lift heavy objects

• Those with chronic cough or constipation

Human insight: Many men ignore the early signs, assuming it’s just a pulled muscle or “old age.” But catching it early can help avoid pain and complications.

2. Femoral Hernia

Less common than inguinal hernias, femoral hernias occur just below the groin, near the upper thigh. These are more common in women, especially older women.

Symptoms:

• A small bulge near the upper thigh

• Groin discomfort, especially when standing

• May become painful quickly if strangulated (cut off blood flow)

Why it matters: Femoral hernias can often go unnoticed and they’re more likely than other hernias to cause emergency situations. So, if you're a woman and notice a new lump in your upper thigh or groin, don’t ignore it.

3. Umbilical Hernia

This one appears around the belly button. It’s common in both infants and adults.

In Babies:

• A soft bulge at the navel, especially when crying

• Usually goes away on its own by age 1–2

In Adults:

• A bulge near or around the belly button

• May feel pressure or mild pain

• More common after pregnancy, obesity, or abdominal surgery

Friendly advice: Adults should keep an eye on umbilical hernias. If they grow or start hurting, surgery might be needed.

4. Hiatal Hernia

Unlike most hernias, a hiatal hernia doesn’t cause a visible bulge. It happens when the upper part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm into your chest.

Symptoms:

• Heartburn or acid reflux

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Trouble swallowing

• Feeling full quickly

Hiatal hernias are often found during tests for GERD (acid reflux).

Tip: While small hiatal hernias can often be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, large ones may need surgical repair.

5. Incisional Hernia

If you’ve ever had abdominal surgery, there’s a chance you could develop an incisional hernia. It occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in or around the surgical scar.

Common signs:

• A bulge near or around an old surgical scar

• Pain when lifting or straining

• A feeling of weakness at the surgical site

Note: These hernias often show up months or even years after surgery especially if healing was slow or you had complications during recovery.

6. Epigastric Hernia

This one occurs between the belly button and the chest. Small and often painless, epigastric hernias develop when fat pushes through the abdominal muscles.

You may notice:

• A small bump or bulge in the upper abdomen

• Mild pain when coughing or straining

• Can appear in multiples

Often overlooked: Many people live with epigastric hernias without knowing it. But if they grow or cause discomfort, they should be evaluated.

7. Spigelian Hernia

A rarer type, Spigelian hernias develop along the edge of the rectus abdominis muscle (your “six-pack”).

Symptoms:

• A bulge on the side of your lower abdomen

• Pain that worsens with activity

• May not be easily visible

Why it’s tricky: These hernias often don’t show an obvious lump and are sometimes misdiagnosed making imaging tests important.

So... Which Hernia Do You Have?

That’s a question only a qualified doctor or surgeon can answer, often through a physical exam and imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan.

But here’s what you can do:

• Be body-aware – notice any new lumps, pain, or discomfort

• Listen to your gut – literally! If something feels off in your belly or groin, trust your instincts

• Don’t delay – hernias don’t get better on their own, and waiting can lead to complications

Final Thought: It’s Not “Just a Hernia”

We often brush off hernias as “minor.” But if left untreated, even a small hernia can lead to severe pain, blockage, or life-threatening complications.

Knowing the type of hernia you’re dealing with helps guide the right treatment whether it’s watchful waiting, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

So if you’ve noticed a bulge, discomfort, or odd digestive symptoms talk to a doctor or hernia specialist. You’ll feel better knowing what’s going on and what can be done to fix it.

Your health is worth the attention. Always.