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A complete guide to every type of hernia, where each one occurs, who gets it, the symptoms, and which ones need urgent surgery.
By Editorial Team · Updated · 7 min read
This article is awaiting review by a qualified medical professional.
Quick answer
A hernia happens when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the body wall. The main types are inguinal (groin), femoral, umbilical, epigastric, incisional and hiatal (the stomach pushing up into the chest), plus rarer types such as Spigelian, obturator, lumbar and parastomal. Treatment depends on the type, size and symptoms, and a hernia that is painful, hard and cannot be pushed back in is an emergency.
A hernia is a bulge that forms when part of the intestine, fat or another organ pushes through a weak area in the muscle or connective tissue that normally holds it in place. Hernias can appear almost anywhere in the abdomen, groin, chest opening (diaphragm) and pelvis. This guide explains every main type. For treatment, see our guide to hernia repair surgery.
| Type | Where it occurs | Who is affected | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inguinal (indirect or direct) | Groin | Mainly men, all ages | Most common type; can extend into the scrotum |
| Femoral | Just below the groin crease, upper thigh | Mostly women, especially older women | High risk of becoming trapped; repair usually advised |
| Umbilical | At the belly button | Babies, and adults with obesity, pregnancy or fluid in the abdomen | Often closes by itself in young children |
| Epigastric | Midline, between the breastbone and belly button | Adults | Often a small lump of fat; may cause pain |
| Incisional | Over a previous surgical scar | Anyone after abdominal surgery | Can be large; risk rises with obesity, smoking, wound infection |
| Hiatal | Diaphragm opening near the esophagus | Adults, more common with age and obesity | Often linked with acid reflux (GERD) |
| Spigelian | Outer edge of the abdominal muscle, below the belly button | Older adults | Rare and hard to feel; found with ultrasound or CT |
| Obturator | Through a canal in the pelvis | Thin, elderly women | Rare; can cause bowel obstruction and inner thigh pain |
| Lumbar | Lower back or flank | Older adults, or after flank surgery | Rare |
| Parastomal | Around a colostomy or ileostomy | People with a stoma | Very common after stoma surgery |
| Diaphragmatic (congenital) | Diaphragm | Newborns | Serious; needs early surgery |
An inguinal hernia is the most common type. Tissue pushes through the inguinal canal, a passage in the lower abdominal wall. There are two forms:
Symptoms are a bulge in the groin that is more noticeable when standing, coughing or lifting, with a dragging ache or heaviness. In babies and children, inguinal hernias are usually repaired soon after diagnosis because of the risk of the bowel becoming trapped.
A femoral hernia passes through the femoral canal, just below the groin crease. It is much less common than an inguinal hernia and is more frequent in women. Because the opening is narrow, it is more likely to become trapped or strangulated, so surgeons generally recommend repair without long delay.
"Ventral hernia" is a general term for hernias in the front wall of the abdomen. It includes the following.
Occurs at the belly button. In babies it is common, especially in premature infants, and most close on their own by age 4 or 5. In adults, umbilical hernias are linked with obesity, pregnancy, repeated pregnancies and fluid build-up in the abdomen (ascites). They can grow and may need repair if painful, enlarging or trapped.
Forms in the midline between the breastbone and belly button. It is often a small lump of fatty tissue and can cause tenderness or pain. Several small epigastric hernias can occur together.
Develops at the site of a previous operation, where the scar has weakened. It is one of the most common long-term complications of abdominal surgery. Risk factors include obesity, smoking, diabetes, wound infection and heavy lifting soon after surgery. Repair is often more complex, and mesh is commonly used.
A rare hernia along the outer edge of the rectus abdominis muscle (the "six-pack" muscle). It is usually small and can be hidden under a layer of muscle, so it may only be found on ultrasound or CT.
The diaphragm has an opening (the hiatus) that the esophagus passes through. In a hiatal hernia, part of the stomach slides up through it into the chest.
Many small hiatal hernias cause no symptoms. Larger ones can cause heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and feeling full quickly. They are strongly associated with GERD (acid reflux). Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and medicines to surgery such as Nissen fundoplication.
A birth defect in which there is a hole in the diaphragm and abdominal organs move into the chest, which can affect lung development. Types include Bochdalek and Morgagni hernias. It is usually found on scans before birth or soon after and needs specialist surgery.
Despite the name, a sports hernia is not a true hernia. It is a soft-tissue injury in the groin, common in athletes who twist and change direction. It causes groin pain during exercise and usually does not produce a visible bulge.
A doctor usually diagnoses a hernia by examining you, sometimes while you stand and cough. Ultrasound, CT or MRI may be used for hidden hernias or unclear pain. A hiatal hernia is found with a barium swallow or upper endoscopy.
Go to an emergency department right away if a hernia becomes suddenly painful, firm, tender, red or dark, cannot be pushed back, or if you have vomiting, fever, or cannot pass stool or gas. See a doctor if you notice any new lump or bulge, or ongoing groin or abdominal pain.
Inguinal hernias, in the groin, are the most common, making up roughly three quarters of all abdominal wall hernias. They are far more common in men, with about 1 in 4 men affected in their lifetime compared with about 1 in 30 women.
Both appear in the groin area. An inguinal hernia comes through the inguinal canal and sits above the groin crease, often reaching the scrotum in men. A femoral hernia passes below the groin crease into the upper thigh, is more common in women, and is more likely to become trapped, so it is usually repaired promptly.
No. A hernia does not heal without surgery. Some small hernias cause few problems and can be watched, but they do not disappear. Umbilical hernias in babies are the exception, as many close on their own by age 4 or 5.
Sudden severe pain, a bulge that becomes firm, tender, red or dark and cannot be pushed back in, with nausea, vomiting, fever, or being unable to pass stool or gas. This may be a strangulated hernia and needs emergency care.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a doctor or other qualified health professional. See our medical disclaimer.
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