St. Joseph’s/Candler is a Hernia Center of Excellence

A deeper look at these hernias

Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia is when part of your intestine pushes through a weak spot in your lower belly (abdominal) wall. This area is called the groin. The hernia creates a lump in your groin. Over time, the hernia may get bigger. The only solution is surgery. 

• Are male
• Are obese
• Are a pregnant woman
• Have a family history of inguinal hernias
• Smoke

• A lump in the groin or in the sac that holds the testicles (the scrotum)
• Pain or pressure in the groin that gets worse when you cough, strain, lift, or exercise
• A burning feeling in the lump
• Steady, growing pain if the blood supply to the bulging part of the intestine is cut off (called a strangulated hernia)

• Infection
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lack of hunger

Hiatal Hernia

In a hiatal hernia, part of your stomach pushes up into an opening (the hiatus) in your diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle between your belly (abdomen) and your chest.

You are at greater risk for a hiatal hernia if you:

• Are age 50 or older
• Are overweight or obese
• Are pregnant
• Smoke

• Burping
• Feeling nauseous
• Vomiting
• Backflow (reflux) of acid or stomach contents into the esophagus or throat
• Heartburn
• Regurgitation
• Trouble swallowing

Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or other abdominal tissue protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall near the belly button. It is more common in women than in men. 

You are at greater risk for an umbilical hernia if you:

• Obesity
• Multiple pregnancies

Symptoms may include: 

• A visible bulge near the belly button that may increase in size when standing, coughing, or straining 
• Pain or discomfort, especially when pressing on the bulge 
• Nausea or vomiting (rare)