Hernias are often thought of as a male health issue, but doctors say women are equally at risk. The problem is that in women, symptoms are subtle, easily confused with other conditions, and often ignored until complications arise. This silence comes at a cost — to health, quality of life, and in some cases, even survival.
In popular belief, hernias are “a man’s problem.” Images of men lifting heavy weights and straining muscles are often attached to the condition. But this stereotype hides an important truth: women also develop hernias, sometimes in dangerous forms.
Doctors explain that the two most common types of hernias in women are femoral and umbilical hernias. A femoral hernia appears in the upper thigh and, if left untreated, can be very risky. An umbilical hernia develops around the belly button, often after pregnancy, when abdominal muscles are weakened.
The causes are not mysterious. Pregnancy, obesity, long-term constipation, persistent coughing, or lifting heavy objects can all put stress on abdominal muscles. Over time, the weakened muscle wall allows tissues or organs to push through, creating a hernia.
The real danger, however, lies not in how hernias develop but in how they are recognised. In men, a hernia often shows up as a visible bulge. In women, the signs are often vague. Instead of a clear swelling, women may feel dull pain in the abdomen, pressure, bloating, or discomfort that comes and goes. These symptoms are easily mistaken for digestive issues, menstrual cramps, PCOS, or endometriosis.
This overlap of symptoms leads to delayed diagnosis. Many women dismiss the discomfort as “normal,” or worse, put off medical check-ups because family responsibilities come first. For new mothers, an umbilical hernia can develop after childbirth, but between sleepless nights and childcare duties, their health often takes a backseat.
The result? By the time a hernia is detected, it may have already progressed to a dangerous stage such as incarceration (where tissue gets trapped) or strangulation (where blood supply is cut off). Both require emergency surgery and can be life-threatening if ignored.
Doctors stress one simple fact: hernias cannot be treated with medicines. Surgery is the only solution. Yet, many women hesitate to seek treatment until the condition worsens. This hesitation is not just medical — it is cultural.
In Indian households, women often put their family’s needs above their own. A mother with abdominal discomfort may push through pain while managing household chores. A young woman may dismiss her bloating as a menstrual issue. The cultural silence around women’s pain means their health conditions are often neglected until it is too late.
The good news is that modern hernia surgery is safe, effective, and minimally invasive. Two options are available:
Open surgery: The surgeon makes a cut over the hernia, pushes the tissue back, and stitches the muscle wall, often with a mesh for extra support.
Laparoscopic surgery: Small cuts are made, and a camera is inserted into the abdomen. Using surgical tools, the hernia is repaired and reinforced with mesh. This technique usually allows for faster recovery, less pain, and a quicker return to daily life.
Most patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery can resume normal activities within a week. Open surgery takes longer, but it is equally effective. The choice depends on the hernia’s size, location, and the patient’s overall health.
The challenge is not in the treatment but in recognising the need for treatment early. A hernia left untreated can grow larger, cause severe pain, and in worst cases, threaten life. Women should not wait for extreme symptoms like dark swelling, sudden severe pain, or fever before seeking care. Even mild but persistent discomfort deserves medical attention.
At ArthPrakash, we believe the issue of women’s hernia health is not just a medical topic but a social one. It reflects how women’s pain is normalised, how their health concerns are deprioritised, and how vague symptoms are too often dismissed.
The phrase “not just a man’s problem” must become more than a slogan. It must translate into awareness campaigns, regular check-ups for women, and a cultural shift that encourages women to speak up about their discomfort without guilt.
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Timely treatment of hernias does more than prevent complications — it restores quality of life. Women who undergo surgery often find themselves free from years of unexplained pain and discomfort.
A hernia is not just a bulge. It is a signal from the body that something is wrong. For women, listening to that signal could mean the difference between a simple surgery and a life-threatening emergency. Society, families, and healthcare systems must ensure that women’s voices about their own health are not just heard, but acted upon.
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