Hernias in women usually occur in the abdominal cavity or thigh, not in the groin as is generally experienced by men. Based on its location, hernias in women can be divided into several types with different symptoms.
Hernias occur due to weakening of muscle tissue or connective tissue that is responsible for supporting the body's organs. This makes the organs of the body not supported properly, so they can move to an inappropriate position. Hernias will usually appear in the form of a bulge or lump in the body.
In the early stages, hernias are often invisible and asymptomatic. This condition is usually only felt or realized by the sufferer when it looks like a large lump or is accompanied by certain complaints.
These herniated lumps can appear and go away on their own, but they can also come back when you cough or strain. Each type of hernia in women or men can also occur in different locations of the body, so they can cause different symptoms.
Various Types of Hernias in Women
The following are four types of hernias that can occur in women:
1. Femoral hernia
This condition occurs when fatty tissue or intestines enter the groin or upper thigh. A femoral hernia will usually appear as a lump in that area. Pregnant women and women who are overweight or obese are more at risk for this type of hernia.
Femoral hernias are difficult to spot when they are small and often cause no symptoms. However, when the size is enlarged, sufferers can feel symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and constipation.
2. Hiatus hernia
A hiatal hernia is a type of hernia that occurs when an organ in the abdominal cavity enters the chest cavity. This type of hernia usually occurs when there is a gap in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the abdominal and chest cavities.
Hiatal hernias are more likely to occur in women who are obese or over the age of 50.
Just like femoral hernias, hiatal hernias also generally do not cause symptoms, especially when they are small. After the bulge enlarges, the sufferer will feel several symptoms, such as pain in the chest and stomach, frequent belching, increased stomach acid, and difficulty swallowing.
In severe cases, a hiatal hernia in women can cause vomiting of blood or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs when fatty tissue or intestine moves into the front abdominal cavity near the belly button. This type of hernia will appear in the form of a bulge or lump around the navel. Umbilical hernias are more common in pregnant women, women who are obese, or have been through several births.
4. Indirect inguinal hernia
Inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia. The most common type of inguinal hernia is an indirect inguinal hernia. Although more experienced by men, indirect inguinal hernia can also be experienced by women.
An indirect inguinal hernia occurs in the abdomen near the groin, due to an abnormality in the internal inguinal ring. This ring is shaped like a valve that serves to separate the abdominal cavity and groin.
This type of hernia can cause a painful bulge, especially when you cough, bend over, or lift heavy objects.
Indirect inguinal hernias are more common in pregnant women, women who often lift heavy objects, prolonged coughing or sneezing, smoking habits, or malnutrition.
Hernia Examination in Women
If you notice a lump in your belly button, thigh, or groin, you need to see a doctor. To determine whether the lump is caused by a hernia or not, the doctor will perform a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as:
Radiological examination
This examination is done to see the condition of the inside of the body. There are several types of radiological examinations that can be done to diagnose hernias in women, such as ultrasound, X-rays, or CT scans.
blood test
Women who have a hiatal hernia can sometimes experience severe symptoms, such as vomiting blood, due to bleeding in the digestive system. This condition can cause the sufferer to lack blood or anemia.
Therefore, the doctor will perform a blood test to monitor the condition of the woman who has a hernia.
endoscope
Through the endoscope, the doctor will examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. This examination can be done to monitor the condition of the gastrointestinal tract and detect whether there is a hernia or other abnormalities, such as wounds, infections, or bleeding.
Manometryesophagus
In this test, a special instrument in the form of a tube or catheter is inserted through the nose, then down the esophagus and ends in the stomach. This test aims to measure pressure and movement in the esophagus.
Gastrographin or barium X-ray
Gastrographin or barium X-ray is a special X-ray technique that can be done to monitor the condition of the digestive tract.
Prior to the X-ray, you will be asked to drink a barium solution and a liquid containing gastrographin. Although quite safe to do, this examination can sometimes cause side effects in the form of allergic reactions or constipation.
To reduce the risk of hernia in women, there are several ways that can be done, such as maintaining an ideal body weight, adequate intake of fiber and water, exercising regularly, and avoiding lifting objects that are too heavy.
It is important to diagnose hernia in women early, so that treatment can be done immediately before complications occur. If treated too late, hernias can cause organ damage and other dangerous complications, such as bleeding or damage to the digestive tract.
Therefore, immediately consult a doctor if you feel a bulge in the area of the upper thigh, navel, or groin. The doctor will perform an examination to determine whether the bulge is a hernia or other medical condition.