What is Femoral Hernia
Femoral hernia may be present at birth, but it may not cause symptoms until you are an adult.
Having a femoral hernia means that fat or part of the intestine has pushed through a weak area between muscles into an opening in the lower groin (femoral canal). You may also develop a femoral hernia as you get older. A femoral hernia tends to get worse over time. If it is not treated, it will not go away.
There are several types of femoral hernias. You may have:
- A hernia that comes and goes (reducible hernia). You may be able to see it only when you strain, lift something heavy, or cough. This type of hernia can be pushed back into the abdomen (reduced).
- A hernia that traps abdominal tissue inside the hernia (incarcerated hernia). This type of hernia cannot be reduced.
- A hernia that cuts off blood flow to the tissues inside the hernia (strangulated hernia). Without blood supply, these tissues can start to die. This type of hernia requires emergency treatment.
What are the causes?
The cause is usually not known. This condition can be triggered by:
- Coughing.
- Suddenly straining the muscles of the abdomen.
- Lifting heavy objects.
- Straining to have a bowel movement. Constipation can lead to a femoral hernia.
What increases the risk?
You have a greater risk for a femoral hernia if you:
- Are female.
- Frequently lift heavy objects.
- Smoke or have lung disease.
- Are often constipated.
- Strain to pass urine.
- Are overweight.
What are the signs or symptoms?
In many cases, a femoral hernia does not cause symptoms. The most common symptom is a bulge in the upper thigh or groin. In women, the bulge may form on the outside of the vagina instead. Other symptoms may include:
- Mild pain or pressure.
- Numbness.
Symptoms of a strangulated femoral hernia include:
- Sharp or increasing pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Redness or darkening color of the hernia bulge.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed based on:
- Your symptoms.
- Your medical history.
- A physical exam. You may be asked to cough or strain while standing. These actions increase the pressure inside your abdomen and force the hernia through the opening in your muscles. Your health care provider may try to reduce the hernia by pressing on it.
- Imaging
tests, such as:
- Ultrasound.
- CT scan.
How is this treated?
Surgery is the only treatment for a femoral hernia. A strangulated hernia requires emergency surgery.
Follow these instructions at home:
Activity
- Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
- Do notlift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg), or the limit that you are told, until your health care provider says that it is safe.
Eating and drinking
- Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
- Eat more fiber to prevent constipation. Foods that contain fiber include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. This also helps to prevent constipation.
General instructions
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- If you are overweight, work with your health care provider to safely lose weight.
- Do notuse any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your hernia becomes uncomfortable.
- Your hernia gets larger and you cannot reduce it.
- You
are constipated. Signs of constipation include:
- Fewer bowel movements in a week than normal.
- Difficulty having a bowel movement.
- Stools that are dry, hard, or larger than normal.
- You strain to pass urine.
Get help right away if:
- Your hernia suddenly becomes painful.
- You have hernia pain that suddenly gets worse.
- You
have hernia pain along with any of the following:
- Chills.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Your hernia bulge becomes dark, red, or painful to touch.
Summary
- Having a femoral hernia means that fat or part of the intestine has pushed through a weak area between muscles into an opening in the lower groin (femoral canal).
- The most common sign of a femoral hernia is a bulge in the upper thigh or groin. In women, the bulge may form on the outside of the vagina instead.
- Surgery is the only treatment for a femoral hernia. If this type of hernia is not treated, it will not go away.
