A hernia develops when tissue or part of an organ pushes through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Hernias commonly occur in the abdomen or groin, but they can develop in different locations depending on the type.
There are several types of hernias, and each one has different characteristics. The most common include inguinal, umbilical, hiatal, incisional, and femoral hernias.
Some hernias cause a visible lump or bulge. Others, such as hiatal hernias, occur internally and may cause symptoms such as heartburn or indigestion rather than an obvious external lump.
Understanding the different types can help you recognize possible symptoms and know when it is time to talk with a healthcare provider.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot or opening in muscle or connective tissue.
In abdominal hernias, pressure inside the abdomen can push tissue through a weakened area of the abdominal wall. The weakness may have been present from birth or may develop over time because of aging, previous surgery, injury, or repeated strain.
A hernia may appear as a bulge that becomes more noticeable when you stand, cough, bend, lift, or strain. Some hernias may cause pressure, aching, burning, or pain, while others may not cause noticeable symptoms.
The location of the weakness determines the type of hernia.
The 5 Main Types of Hernias
The five types covered in this guide are:
- Inguinal hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Hiatal hernia
- Incisional hernia
- Femoral hernia
These are among the commonly recognized hernia types described by major medical sources.
Let’s look at each one.
1. Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia develops in the groin when tissue pushes through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall or inguinal canal.
It is the most common type of hernia. Cleveland Clinic estimates that inguinal hernias account for about 75% of all hernias and notes that they occur mostly in men.
Common symptoms of an inguinal hernia
You may notice:
- A bulge in the groin
- Pressure or discomfort
- Groin pain
- Burning or aching
- Pain that increases with coughing, lifting, or straining
- A bulge that becomes less noticeable when lying down
An inguinal hernia may also extend into the scrotum in people with testicles.
What causes an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia can develop because of a weakness in the abdominal wall combined with pressure. Heavy lifting, chronic coughing, constipation and straining, obesity, pregnancy, and other factors can increase pressure or contribute to hernia formation.
If you have a groin bulge or recurring discomfort, a medical evaluation can determine whether an inguinal hernia is present.
2. Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs near the belly button.
It develops when tissue pushes through a weak area around the umbilicus. Umbilical hernias can occur in children and adults. In adults, factors such as increased abdominal pressure, weight, repeated straining, and pregnancy may contribute.
What does an umbilical hernia look like?
The most common sign is a bulge at or around the belly button.
The bulge may become more noticeable when you cough, strain, or stand. Some small umbilical hernias may cause little or no discomfort.
However, an umbilical hernia can become painful if tissue becomes trapped.
Can an umbilical hernia go away?
Some umbilical hernias in babies can close naturally as the child grows. Adult umbilical hernias are different and generally do not close on their own.
A healthcare provider can evaluate the size and symptoms of an umbilical hernia and determine whether observation or repair is appropriate.
3. Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is different from the other hernias discussed in this article because it occurs through the diaphragm rather than through the abdominal wall.
The diaphragm has an opening called the hiatus, through which the esophagus passes. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves upward through this opening into the chest.
What are the symptoms of a hiatal hernia?
Some hiatal hernias do not cause symptoms.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Indigestion
- Chest or upper abdominal discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing in some cases
Hiatal hernias can be associated with chronic acid reflux.
Because hiatal hernias are internal, you generally will not see the type of external bulge that can occur with an inguinal or umbilical hernia.
Does a hiatal hernia need surgery?
Not every hiatal hernia requires surgery.
Treatment depends on the type of hiatal hernia, symptoms, severity, and whether complications are present. Some people may manage symptoms with lifestyle changes or medication, while surgery may be considered for certain patients.
Your healthcare provider can determine the appropriate treatment based on your individual situation.
4. Incisional Hernia
An incisional hernia develops at or near a previous surgical incision in the abdominal wall.
After abdominal surgery, the area around an incision can be weaker than the surrounding tissue. An incisional hernia can develop when tissue pushes through that weakened area. It may appear months or even years after surgery.
What are the symptoms of an incisional hernia?
Common signs may include:
- A bulge near a previous surgical scar
- Pain or discomfort
- Pressure around the incision
- A bulge that becomes more noticeable when standing or straining
- Tenderness around the area
An incisional hernia does not necessarily mean that something went wrong during the original operation. It can occur because the abdominal wall has a weakened area after surgery.
How is an incisional hernia treated?
Treatment depends on factors such as the size of the hernia, symptoms, location, previous surgeries, and overall health.
Surgical repair may involve returning the protruding tissue to its proper position and reinforcing the weakened area with sutures, mesh, or another appropriate technique.
Your surgeon can determine whether open or minimally invasive repair is appropriate.
5. Femoral Hernia
A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak area near the femoral canal, below the groin and toward the upper thigh.
Femoral hernias are less common than inguinal hernias. They occur more often in women, according to Cleveland Clinic and Kaiser Permanente.
What are the symptoms of a femoral hernia?
A femoral hernia may cause:
- A lump near the upper thigh or groin
- Groin discomfort
- Pain
- Pressure
- Tenderness
Unlike some other hernias, a femoral hernia may be difficult to see from the outside.
Femoral hernias are important to evaluate because they can become incarcerated or strangulated, which can require urgent treatment.
Types of Hernias Compared
| Hernia Type | Common Location | Common Signs | |
| Inguinal | Groin | Groin bulge, pressure, pain | |
| Umbilical | Belly button | Bulge near the navel, discomfort | |
| Hiatal | Upper stomach/diaphragm | Heartburn, reflux, indigestion | |
| Incisional | Previous abdominal incision | Bulge or discomfort near a scar | |
| Femoral | Upper thigh/groin | Groin or upper-thigh bulge, pain |
The symptoms and treatment of a hernia can vary considerably, so this table should not be used to diagnose a specific condition. A healthcare provider can determine the type and severity of a suspected hernia.
What Causes Hernias?
Most abdominal wall hernias develop because of a combination of muscle or connective-tissue weakness and pressure.
Factors that can contribute include:
- Heavy lifting
- Chronic coughing
- Frequent sneezing
- Constipation and straining
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery
- Aging
- Certain connective-tissue conditions
- A weakness that was present from birth
Not everyone with these risk factors develops a hernia. A hernia can also occur without an obvious cause.
What Are the Symptoms of a Hernia?
Symptoms depend on the type and location of the hernia.
Some common signs include:
- A visible or palpable bulge
- Pain or aching
- Pressure at the affected area
- Burning or pinching
- Discomfort when lifting
- Pain when coughing or straining
- A bulge that appears and disappears
Some hernias may not cause symptoms at all.
A hiatal hernia is an important exception because it is internal and may present primarily with reflux or heartburn rather than an external lump.
When Is a Hernia an Emergency?
Most hernias are not immediately life-threatening, but complications can occur.
A hernia can become incarcerated, meaning the tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into place. If the blood supply to the trapped tissue becomes cut off, the hernia is strangulated. This can damage or kill the affected tissue and requires urgent medical attention.
Seek urgent medical care if you have a hernia and develop symptoms such as:
- Sudden or severe pain
- A bulge that becomes firm or cannot be pushed back
- Significant swelling
- Skin discoloration over the hernia
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Increasing tenderness
These symptoms can indicate a complication and should not be ignored.
How Are Hernias Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will usually begin with a physical examination.
Depending on the location and type of hernia, the provider may ask you to stand, cough, strain, or change position while examining the affected area.
Some hernias can be diagnosed during a physical examination. Others may require imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, particularly when the hernia is difficult to feel or see.
The diagnostic approach depends on your symptoms and the suspected type of hernia.
Do All Hernias Need Surgery?
No. Not every hernia requires immediate surgery.
The decision depends on the type of hernia, its size, symptoms, whether it is growing, your overall health, and the risk of complications.
Some people with small or minimally symptomatic hernias may be monitored for a period of time. However, many hernias eventually require repair because they generally do not heal on their own.
A surgeon can evaluate your specific situation and explain whether monitoring or surgical repair is appropriate.
Hernia Repair Surgery
When surgery is recommended, the goal is to return the protruding tissue to its proper position and repair or reinforce the weakened area.
Depending on the hernia and the patient’s circumstances, repair may be performed through open surgery or a minimally invasive approach. Reinforcement with surgical mesh may be used in some repairs.
High Desert Surgeon provides hernia repair in Victorville, with treatment options that include open and laparoscopic approaches. The practice notes that the appropriate approach depends on the patient’s hernia and individual circumstances.
If you have been diagnosed with a hernia and are considering treatment, discussing hernia repair surgery with a general surgeon can help you understand your options.
Laparoscopic vs. Open Hernia Repair
Hernia repair can be performed using different surgical techniques.
Open hernia repair uses an incision near the hernia so the surgeon can directly access and repair the weakened area.
Laparoscopic hernia repair uses smaller incisions and a camera called a laparoscope to help the surgeon view and repair the hernia.
Neither approach is automatically right for every patient. Factors such as the hernia’s location and size, previous abdominal surgery, overall health, and whether the hernia has returned can influence the recommendation.
If you want to understand the differences before speaking with a surgeon, read this guide on laparoscopic hernia repair vs. open surgery.
What to Expect After Hernia Repair
Recovery depends on the type of repair, the hernia itself, your overall health, and the surgical technique used.
High Desert Surgeon notes that some patients can return home the same day and may resume light activities within a few days, while heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks according to the surgeon’s instructions.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions about activity, wound care, medications, follow-up appointments, and when you can return to normal activities.
When Should You See a Hernia Surgeon?
You should consider a medical evaluation if you notice a new lump or bulge in your abdomen, groin, belly button, or near a previous surgical incision.
You should also seek evaluation if you have recurring pain or pressure in an area where a hernia could develop.
Early evaluation can help identify the type of hernia and determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
If you are already diagnosed with a hernia, a hernia repair surgery guide can help you understand the procedure, recovery, and questions to discuss with your surgeon.
Get Hernia Care in Victorville
A hernia does not look or feel the same in every patient. The location of the weakness helps determine whether it is an inguinal, umbilical, hiatal, incisional, or femoral hernia, and the appropriate treatment depends on the specific condition.
High Desert Surgeon in Victorville offers hernia repair using open and laparoscopic techniques. The practice evaluates the patient’s symptoms and condition to determine an appropriate surgical approach.
If you have a suspected or diagnosed hernia, scheduling an evaluation with a general surgeon can help you understand what type of hernia you have and what treatment options may be appropriate.
FAQs About Types of Hernias
What are the most serious hernias?
Any hernia can potentially develop complications, but a hernia becomes especially concerning when it becomes incarcerated or strangulated. A strangulated hernia occurs when the blood supply to trapped tissue is cut off and requires urgent medical attention.
Femoral hernias also deserve careful evaluation because of their potential for complications. The seriousness of any hernia depends on factors such as its location, symptoms, and whether tissue is trapped.
What type of hernia is most common in females?
Femoral hernias are more common in women than in men. However, that does not mean femoral hernias are the most common hernia overall among women. Inguinal hernias are the most common type overall and can also occur in women.
What are the three main types of hernias?
There is no single medical classification that limits hernias to only three main types. Common types include inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional, and hiatal hernias, along with other less common types.
Which hernias need surgery?
Not every hernia needs immediate surgery. The decision depends on the type of hernia, symptoms, size, risk of complications, and the patient’s overall health.
Many hernias eventually require surgical repair because they generally do not heal on their own. A surgeon can determine whether monitoring or repair is appropriate for a particular patient.
