Traditional medical wisdom tells us that men are more likely than women to get hernias. But this is not the whole story. Both men and women can suffer from hernias. Learn the symptoms of common hernias across the gender spectrum so you can get the care you need.

Hernia symptoms across genders

If you have a painful, tender lump near your stomach or groin and can’t push it back in, it may be a hernia. If the lump gets bigger when you cough, strain, or lift objects, you probably have a hernia.

These symptoms apply regardless of anatomy. If you notice a bulge, see a provider and get more information.

The hard part? Recognize these symptoms for what they are. If a bulge is not that large, it may be difficult to identify it as a hernia. And if it’s near the groin, it could be misdiagnosed as a urological or gynecological problem. That’s why knowing hernia symptoms specific to your gender can help.

Symptoms of hernia in women

While men are overall more likely to have hernias, women have more risk factors for certain types of hernias.

“Women who have had pregnancies are more at risk for umbilical hernia because of the stretching of that tissue,” says Cullen Carter, MD, a surgeon at UVA Health.

When it comes to inguinal hernia, women are more likely to get femoral hernia than inguinal hernia.

Carter says femoral hernia can be difficult to spot because the bulge isn’t as visible.

“A femoral hernia bulge pushes down into the thigh. Sometimes there’s a little bulge there, but sometimes not, and a woman just has pain in that area,” he says. “In that situation, we would want to look more closely at what’s going on with an ultrasound or CT scan.”

A scan can also help your doctor distinguish between a femoral hernia and a strained groin muscle. The symptoms of groin muscle strains are similar in women and men: pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and symptoms that worsen when you are physically active.

Sometimes, a femoral hernia can be mistaken for a gynecological problem. Many women see a gynecologist before seeing a hernia specialist.

If you’re trying to figure out which specialist to see, talk to your doctor and tune into your body. Is the pain more muscular or more internal (like a menstrual cramp)? Do you have other symptoms (such as difficulty peeing, which could be a sign of a urinary tract infection)?

While these questions aren’t foolproof, they can help you think critically about your symptoms before calling a specialist. If you have any concerns, share your concerns with your doctor and talk about them.

Complications of hernia in women

Women are less likely to have hernias, but are more likely to have complications when they have one.

“Because of their anatomy, women have more complications or problems with hernias, such as acute incarceration or strangulation,” says Aaron Sachs, MD, a surgeon at UVA Health.

“Even if a hernia is not currently causing symptoms in a patient, we usually recommend repair. In men, this is not always the case,” he says.

Symptoms of hernia in men

In addition to being more likely to get a hernia in general, men are more likely than women to get an inguinal hernia.

“Because of their anatomy, men have a natural weak area in the abdominal wall, in the inguinal canal,” says Carter. “Women can have a hernia there, but male gender is a risk factor.”

Providers look for testicular torsion in men with hernia symptoms. Inguinal hernias and testicular torsion can have similar symptoms in men.

“With both genders, asking questions can help you more clearly identify what is going on and what treatment you need,” Sachs says.

Not sure if you have a hernia? Consult a specialist

When you are in pain, it can be difficult to think clearly. You’re not always clear on the source of your pain, but you know that something hurts.

Luckily, you don’t have to figure things out on your own. No matter what your gender, if you experience groin pain, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand what is happening and what type of treatment you need.