Femoral Hernia
Your muscles are usually strong enough to keep your intestines in their proper place. But sometimes, the intestine can push through a weakened spot in your muscle. If this occurs in the wall of your femoral canal, it's called a femoral hernia. A femoral hernia will appear as a bulge near the groin or thigh. Women are more likely than men to suffer from a femoral hernia. Most hernias that affect the groin are inguinal hernias, and fewer than 3 percent of all hernias are femoral. Most femoral hernias do not cause symptoms. However, they can occasionally lead to severe problems if the hernia obstructs and blocks blood flow to your intestines.
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Symptoms
- Severe stomach pain
- Sudden groin pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bulge or Lump in the groin
- Weakness or Fatigue
- Burning or Aching Sensation in the groin area
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Causes
- Childbirth
- Chronic constipation
- Heavy lifting
- Being overweight
- Difficult urination due to an enlarged prostate
- Chronic coughing
Complications
Complications of Femoral Hernia include:
Strangulation
Sometimes, the hernia gets trapped and cuts off blood flow. This needs urgent surgery to avoid tissue damage.
Blockage
The hernia can block the intestine, causing severe belly pain, vomiting, and constipation.
Trapped Hernia
The hernia can get stuck without cutting off blood flow, still causing discomfort and needing surgery.
Swelling (in males)
In men, the hernia can cause fluid buildup around the testicle, leading to swelling and discomfort.
Infertility Risk (in males)
In rare cases, the hernia can affect the blood supply to the testicles, affecting fertility.
Long-term Pain
Some people may have ongoing pain even after surgery.
Hernia Coming Back
Even after surgery, there's a chance the hernia might return.
FAQ
Certain factors like age, gender (more common in women), obesity, pregnancy, and a family history of hernias can increase the risk.
While femoral hernias can occur during pregnancy due to increased abdominal pressure, they usually don't cause complications during childbirth. However, surgical repair may be recommended after delivery to prevent future issues.
It's generally recommended to repair a femoral hernia promptly to avoid complications like strangulation or bowel obstruction. However, the timing of surgery will depend on factors such as the size and severity of the hernia and the patient's overall health.
While femoral hernias themselves don't usually affect fertility or sexual function directly, complications like strangulation or obstruction can lead to complications that may indirectly affect these areas.
Strengthening the muscles of the abdomen and pelvic floor through exercises like core strengthening, pelvic tilts, and Kegel exercises may help reduce the risk of hernias and support recovery after surgery. However, consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program is essential.
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting, practicing proper lifting techniques, and addressing any chronic cough or constipation issues can help reduce the risk of developing a femoral hernia.
Eating a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated can help prevent constipation and reduce the risk of hernias. However, there's limited evidence to support specific dietary changes or supplements for preventing or managing femoral hernias directly.
While supportive garments like hernia belts or trusses may temporarily relieve symptoms, they do not treat the underlying hernia and are not a substitute for surgical repair. Surgery is usually recommended for long-term management and to prevent complications.
Yes, it's possible to have bilateral femoral hernias, where hernias occur on both sides of the groin. However, this is less common than unilateral hernias and may require bilateral surgical repair.
If you suspect you have a femoral hernia or experience symptoms like groin pain or a noticeable bulge, it's essential to see a healthcare provider for evaluation and diagnosis. They can perform a physical exam and order necessary tests to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
