Femoral Hernia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Manoj Kumar D , General Surgeons

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Femoral hernia occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue protrudes through a weak area in the femoral canal near the groin and upper thigh. It is more common in women and may cause a painful groin lump, discomfort, or pain during standing or straining. Early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment help prevent complications such as incarceration or strangulation.

What are the Symptoms of Femoral Hernia?

Femoral hernias may present asymptomatically or with subtle signs that can easily be overlooked. Common symptoms include:

Groin Discomfort: Pain or a dragging sensation in the groin, particularly when standing, lifting heavy objects, or straining.
Visible Bulge: A noticeable lump in the upper thigh or groin area, which may become more apparent when standing or straining.
Nausea and Vomiting: In cases where the intestine becomes obstructed or strangulated, nausea and vomiting may occur.
Tenderness: The area around the hernia may be tender to the touch, and pressure on the bulge can exacerbate the pain.
Swelling: The bulge may increase in size, especially during increased intra-abdominal pressure (e.g., when coughing, lifting, or during bowel movements).
Bowel Obstruction Symptoms: If a part of the intestine is trapped in the hernia, symptoms may include constipation, inability to pass gas, or bloating.
Discomfort While Walking: The bulge may cause discomfort or difficulty walking, especially if it is large or becomes irritated.

What are the Causes of Femoral Hernia?

Several factors contribute to the development of femoral hernias, including:

Muscle Weakness: Congenital or acquired muscle weakness in the femoral canal area can predispose individuals to femoral hernias.
Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure: Conditions or activities that elevate intra-abdominal pressure, such as chronic cough, heavy lifting, obesity, or straining during painful bowel movements, can precipitate a femoral hernia.
Pregnancy: Increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy can contribute to the development of femoral hernias, especially in women with previous abdominal weaknesses.
Previous Abdominal Surgery: Individuals who have undergone abdominal or groin surgery are at higher risk of developing femoral hernias due to the weakening of tissues from the procedure.
Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or frequent, severe coughing can increase the likelihood of a femoral hernia due to sustained abdominal pressure.

When to See a Doctor for Femoral Hernia?

A lump in the groin, persistent groin pain, or swelling near the upper thigh should be evaluated by a general surgeons. Early diagnosis and surgical repair help prevent serious complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation.

You should see a doctor if you have:

A groin or upper thigh bulge that increases with activity.
Persistent groin discomfort or pain.
Tenderness or swelling near the groin.
A hernia that gradually increases in size.

Get medical help immediately if:

Sudden severe groin or abdominal pain.
A painful lump that cannot be pushed back into the abdomen.
Nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass stool or gas.
Redness, discoloration, or severe tenderness over the hernia.

These could be signs of a serious complication like Femoral Hernia, which needs urgent care.

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How Is a Femoral Hernia Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis of femoral hernias involves a combination of physical examination and imaging studies.

Physical Examination

During a physical examination, the healthcare provider will inspect and palpate the groin area for any noticeable bulges or tenderness. They may ask the patient to stand, cough, or strain to make the hernia more apparent.

Imaging Studies

Ultrasound: Ultrasound is often the first-line diagnostic tool for detecting femoral hernias. It provides real-time images of the soft tissues and can help differentiate between femoral and inguinal hernias.
CT Scan or MRI: In complex cases or when the ultrasound results are inconclusive, a CT scan or MRI may be used for a more detailed evaluation of the hernia and surrounding structures.

What are the Treatment Options for Femoral Hernia?

Femoral hernias do not heal on their own, so the primary treatment is a surgical procedure; treatment is necessary because femoral hernias can become complicated. The Main Treatment Options for Femoral Hernias Are:

Surgical Repair (Herniorrhaphy or Hernioplasty)

The most typical and productive treatment for a femoral hernia is surgery. That's called "setting the hernia", and then there's a process of reinforcing the abdominal wall so that you don't get another hernia.
An incision is made subsequent to the hernia site through which the surgeon accesses and closes the defect. The displaced tissue is returned to its proper position, and the hernia is stitched up, sometimes even using a mesh.
A minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera to assist the surgeon in repairing the hernia so as to involve less tissue disruption and faster recovery

Hernia Mesh:

In most cases, a synthetic mesh is used during the femoral hernia surgery to help support the weakened section of the abdominal wall and to help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Surgical Emergencies (If Strangulated)

If the hernia becomes incarcerated or strangulated an emergency surgery is needed. It's a medical emergency and may mean removing part of the affected intestine or other tissue if the area is damaged.

Post-Surgery Care

Post-operatively, these patients will require rest and pain management, as well as follow-up care for appropriate healing. Post-operatively, heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity should be avoided to prevent the recurrence of the hernia.

Lifestyle Changes

Losing weight, avoiding constipation, and using proper lifting techniques can reduce the risk of femininity hernia or prevent further complications.

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What is the Prevention of Femoral Hernia?

Although femoral hernias cannot be prevented in all cases, taking various measures and making some lifestyle changes can help lower the chances of developing one. Some essential prevention strategies are:

Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Tension created by excess body weight on the abdominal wall may precipitate the formation of hernia. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce this risk.

Use Precise Lifting Methods:

Always bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting something heavy, says the knees, use your legs to lift instead of your abs. Pick up only those things which are moderate for your body.

Do Not Strain During Bowel Movements:

Chronic constipation can lead to excessive straining and, in turn, increased intraabdominal pressure, resulting in hernias. Eating a high-fibre diet, drinking enough water and getting regular exercise can help prevent constipation.

Strengthen Core Muscles:

Having stronger abdominal and pelvic muscles through regular exercise can provide better support to the abdominal wall and reduce the risk of hernias.

Avoid Chronic Coughing:

Chronic coughing from respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, can put stress on the abdominal area. You can minimize the risk of developing a hernia by proper management of such conditions.

Get Regular Check-Ups:

Regular check-ups can also help identify early signs of hernia, particularly for individuals with a family history of hernias. If diagnosed sooner, timely intervention can be done before complications develop.