Men and hernias: why are hernias more common in men than women?

Women and men both get hernias, however, hernias are more common in men. General Surgeon Brisbane Dr Terence Chua says that men are also more likely to wait until a hernia gets worse before seeking treatment, which can make the recovery from hernia treatment take longer.

Hernia treatment for men can be relatively straightforward if you don’t wait until your hernia gets more advanced. Here’s what you need to know about men and hernias – including what to do if you think you have a hernia.  

Common types of hernia for men

Men commonly experience hernias in the abdominal wall and the groin where there is a weakened section of muscle that allows tissue or organs to push through, forming a visible lump or bulge in the skin. The different types of hernia include:

Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernia occur in the groin where a small loop of intestine pushes against the muscle in the groin, eventually splitting the muscle fibres apart. These are the most common type of hernia accounting for nine out of 10 hernias. Inguinal hernias can look like a bulge that comes and goes, lying or standing. Sometimes it can form a hard lump that needs urgent medical attention.

Incisional Hernia

Incisional hernia occur after abdominal surgery where the site of repair is structurally weaker. This type of hernia requires surgery with hernia mesh to prevent the intestines pushing through the weakened scar tissue.

Other types of hernia less common in men

Femoral Hernia

Femoral hernia occur in the upper thigh, where the leg joins the body. Similar to inguinal hernias in that intestines force their way into the femoral canal until they start to bulge through. These hernias can become ‘strangulated’ which is a serious complication requiring urgent medical attention. Femoral hernias are more common in women.

Umbilical Hernia 

Umbilical hernia occur near the navel where the gut pushes through muscular weakness. This type of hernia is more common in newborns and in women who are overweight or have had several pregnancies.

Why are hernias more common in men?

Anyone can develop a hernia however Dr Terence Chua explains that hernias are more common in men than women because of some common contributing factors: 

1.     Reproductive anatomy – males are more susceptible to inguinal hernias.

When the testicles form, they move down the inguinal canal and create gaps in the abdominal muscle. Later in life, the abdominal wall can develop weaknesses, leaving men more likely to develop an inguinal hernia in the groin. 

2.     Physical activity or abdominal stress – too much heavy lifting or staining.

Hernias are more common in people whose abdomens are under more pressure than normal. Common things like working a physical job, lifting heavy weights at the gym, being overweight, having a chronic cough or chronic constipation can put you more at risk.

3.     Ignoring signs and symptoms – hoping it will get better its own.

While we know that men are more susceptible to developing hernias, men also tend to ignore the signs and symptoms. Often, men will wait until the hernia has been there for a while or symptoms get worse before they see a doctor.

Hernias do not go away on their own. There are many surgical treatments for hernia available. If you think you have a hernia, you need to see a doctor for treatment before it gets worse.

How do I know if I have a hernia?

Sometimes hernias appear with no symptoms, but usual symptoms of hernia include:

• a bulge in the groin or abdomen that sometimes goes away

• pain, heaviness or discomfort, especially when coughing, straining or lifting

• a pulling sensation around the bulge

• a bugle that can’t be pushed back

What should I do if I think I have a hernia?

If you notice a bulge or swelling, or have dull pain in your groin, don’t ignore it. Make an appointment with your GP to get it checked and discuss your options, including referral to see a surgeon like Dr Chua who specialises in hernia surgery.

If you have a bulge that can’t be pushed back, is very large or painful, you should see your GP immediately. A strangulated hernia can be a serious medical condition and may require emergency surgery.

Is hernia surgery painful?

Dr Terence Chua is experienced in Hernia Surgery Brisbane & Gold Coast. Dr Chua performs keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery to place permanent surgical mesh (hernia mesh) to repair the weakness in the abdominal wall. Keyhole surgery is less invasive than open surgery, which means shorter recovery time. 

Read about what is involved in abdominal hernia surgery with Dr Terence Chua.

Dr Chua performs hernia surgery in Redlands, hernia surgery Sunnybank and other convenient locations across Brisbane and Gold Coast. See consulting locations for Dr Terence Chua. 

He has access to the various surgical techniques including mesh repair for hernia, advanced treatments for recurrent hernias and the latest post-operative care to speed up the recovery process. Read more about hernia surgery, including recover times with General Surgeon Dr Terence Chua.