We hope you'll never need to know this—but in case symptoms of a hernia ever creep up, a Cleveland Clinic surgeon reveals when to act.
What Does a Hernia Feel Like? An Expert Surgeon Explains
Published on Jan. 14, 2025
About the expert:
Benjamin Miller, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic. He completed his residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and fellowship with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Hernias are a common medical condition, with more than one million repair surgeries performed annually in the United States, according to national data. A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. This often leads to a visible bulge or noticeable discomfort. While hernias may start as a mild concern, they can worsen over time and may require medical attention—and if you’ve ever wondered what a hernia feels like, understanding the signs and symptoms is important for recognizing the condition and seeking timely care.
Ahead, Benjamin Miller, MD, a board-certified general surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic, explains what a hernia feels like, identifies key risk factors, and suggests when it’s essential to seek treatment.
What is a hernia?
“A hernia is essentially a hole in the abdominal wall through which something, such as bowel or bladder, protrudes,” says Dr. Miller. This occurs when there is an opening or a weakened area in the muscle or connective tissue.
There are several types of hernias, with the most common being:
- Inguinal hernia: Occurs in the groin area when part of the bowel protrudes into the inguinal canal, a passageway that runs down the inner thigh.
- Umbilical hernia: Appears near the belly button.
- Hiatal hernia: Involves the upper stomach pushing into the chest through the diaphragm.
- Incisional hernia: Develops at the site of a previous surgical incision.
Hernias are quite common, but their prevalence varies depending on the type. According to data shared by the Cleveland Clinic:
- Inguinal hernias affect approximately 25% of men.
- Hiatal hernias occur in about 20% of Americans, with prevalence rising to 50% in individuals over the age of 50.
- Incisional hernias account for about 10% of hernia cases.
- All other types combined make up another 10%.
What does a hernia feel like?
“A hernia feels like a bulge in the abdominal wall,” explains Dr. Miller. “The bulge should be soft and reducible,” meaning you can gently push it back into place. While the sensation of a hernia is similar in both men and women, certain types, such as groin hernias, are more common in men.
The way a hernia feels is different depending on its location and severity. Common sensations include:
- A visible or palpable bulge in the abdomen or groin, which may flatten or disappear when lying down.
- A heavy or pulling sensation in the affected area.
- Discomfort or pain, especially during activities like lifting, coughing, or straining.
- A burning or aching feeling around the site of the bulge.
Symptoms in men
The Clinic explains that hernia symptoms in men are often similar to those experienced by women, but there are some notable differences.
Men with hernias may develop inguinal hernias, which occur when tissue pushes through a weak location in the groin. These hernias can sometimes extend into the scrotum, causing noticeable swelling. In such cases, men might experience discomfort or a dragging sensation in the scrotal area.
Symptoms in women
While hernias in women share many similarities with those in men, femoral hernias are more commonly seen in women. A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot near the femoral canal, located in the upper thigh or groin area. Unlike other types of hernias, femoral hernias are often not visible and can present as unexplained groin pain or discomfort, which may make them harder to diagnose.
What does a hernia look like?
“A hernia typically presents as a visible bulge or lump under the skin,” explains Dr. Miller. This bulge is often more noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining. “The size of the bulge can vary,” Dr. Miller adds, “and in some cases, it may not be immediately noticeable without a physical examination.”
What to do if you think you have a hernia?
If you suspect you have a hernia, it’s important to consult your doctor for an evaluation. Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice: “Some patients with hernias can be safely watched, while some patients benefit from hernia repair.” Your doctor can help determine the best course of action based on the size, location, and symptoms of the hernia, as well as your overall health.
It’s also worth noting that other conditions—such as lipomas, muscle strains, or swollen lymph nodes—can sometimes mimic hernia symptoms. If you’re unsure about what you’re experiencing, it’s always best to seek advice from your healthcare provider.
How serious is a hernia?
Hernias can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on their type and severity. While many hernias are manageable, there are rare but critical cases where a hernia can become what’s referred to as “incarcerated.” An incarcerated hernia occurs when the bowel becomes “stuck” and cannot be pushed back into place. “This is a surgical emergency, and the hernia needs to be fixed right away,” advises Dr. Miller.
Signs of a medical emergency involving a hernia include:
- Severe pain in the affected area.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Redness or discoloration around the bulge.
- Fever or chills.
- The inability to push the bulge back in.
Who’s most at risk for getting a hernia?
Several factors can elevate the risk of developing a hernia. These include:
- Family history of hernias: A genetic predisposition can make you more susceptible.
- Obesity or being overweight: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the abdominal muscles.
- Chronic coughing or sneezing: Conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, or allergies can weaken muscles over time.
- Heavy lifting or straining: Frequent or improper lifting techniques can increase the likelihood of a hernia.
- Pregnancy: The added strain on abdominal muscles during pregnancy can lead to a higher risk.
- Aging: Natural muscle weakening over time makes hernias more common in older adults.
- Frequent constipation or straining during bowel movements: This repeated pressure can weaken abdominal walls.
Common causes of hernia
Says Dr. Miller: “Hernias are common in men and women at the umbilicus, or belly button.” This is because we are born with a natural opening at the umbilicus that connects us to our mothers. “The hole closes when we are babies, but over time, it tends to open up again.”
Groin hernias (inguinal hernias) are particularly common in men, with one in four men experiencing a groin hernia in their lifetime. This higher prevalence is due to anatomical differences. Men have a natural weakness in their groin area where the spermatic cord passes through, creating an opening that can allow tissue to protrude.
Hernias are also frequently seen after surgery. “An incision weakens the abdominal wall, and that area is prone to developing an incisional hernia,” Dr. Miller says. Surgical wounds can compromise the strength of the tissue, making it more susceptible to herniation over time.
How hernias are diagnosed
Doctors diagnose hernias through a physical examination, often combined with imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans for more complex cases. While self-diagnosis is possible if a bulge is visible, you should still get a physical exam from your healthcare provider to ensure accuracy.
How hernias are treated
Since hernias result from a structural problem, surgery is typically required to fix them. “The hole is closed, and sometimes the repair is reinforced with a mesh implant,” Dr. Miller says. In some cases, smaller hernias, like umbilical hernias, can be repaired with just a few stitches. However, larger hernias, which may affect a significant portion of the abdominal wall, often require more advanced techniques, such as abdominal wall reconstruction, for effective repair.
In addition to surgery, your doctor may recommend lifestyle adjustments to aid recovery and prevent further complications. These may include avoiding heavy lifting or straining. Temporary measures like supportive devices, such as abdominal binders or trusses, might also be suggested to help manage symptoms until surgery can be performed.
What happens if you don’t treat a hernia?
In general, hernias do not resolve on their own and may worsen over time if left untreated. As the hernia enlarges, it can lead to significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities. More concerning is the risk of serious complications, such as bowel obstruction, where the intestine becomes trapped and blocked, or strangulation where blood flow to the herniated tissue is cut off. This is a medical emergency that can lead to tissue death and, if untreated, can be fatal.
When to see a doctor for a hernia
It’s essential to seek medical attention if you notice a bulge, experience discomfort, or have signs of an incarcerated hernia. Symptoms like sudden, severe pain, vomiting, or being unable to push the bulge back in should never be ignored. It’s better to catch a hernia early to prevent complications and provide the relief you need.
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