Abdominal Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Abdominal Hernia?
A general surgeon (a doctor who does operations) usually repairs an abdominal hernia. Your primary care doctor can often find it with a physical exam. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is an abdominal hernia?
A hernia happens when part of an internal organ or tissue bulges through a weak area of muscle. Most hernias are in the abdomen (the belly area). The belly wall has a strong layer of tissue called the fascia. A hernia is a sac formed by the lining of the belly cavity. The sac comes through a hole or weak spot in the fascia.
Types of hernia depend on where they are:
- An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin. It is the most common type and is more common in men.
- An umbilical hernia is a bulge around the belly button.
- An incisional hernia can come through a scar from belly surgery in the past.
- A femoral hernia is a bulge in the upper thigh, just below the groin. It is more common in women than men.
Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms other than a visible bulge. Some people have discomfort or pain. The discomfort may be worse when standing, straining, or lifting heavy objects. In time, the most common complaint is a bump that is sore and growing.
When a hernia gets bigger, the small intestine inside it may get stuck in the hole and lose its blood supply. Doctors call this strangulation. It causes pain and swelling at the site. Symptoms can include:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Not being able to pass gas or have bowel movements.
Causes and who gets it
Heavy lifting, straining while using the toilet, and any activity that raises pressure inside the belly can cause a hernia. Long-term (chronic) constipation, chronic coughing or sneezing, extra weight, smoking, and overexertion can also raise that pressure. Some people are born with weak belly muscles, so they may be more likely to get a hernia. Hernias may be present at birth, but the bulge may not show up until later in life. Having a family history of inguinal (groin) hernias also raises the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor can usually see or feel a hernia during an exam. You may be asked to stand, cough, bend, push, or lift. The bulge may get bigger when you do this. The doctor may try to gently massage the bulge back into the belly. If the diagnosis is not clear, an ultrasound (a scan that uses sound waves) or a CT scan (an X-ray scan that makes detailed pictures) may be done.
Treatment
Surgery is the only treatment that can permanently fix a hernia. Most people with a groin hernia will need surgery. Men with a groin hernia that causes few or no symptoms may be able to safely delay surgery. This is called watchful waiting. They should watch for symptoms and see a doctor regularly.
Surgery repairs the weak belly wall tissue and closes the hole. Most hernias are closed with stitches and sometimes with a mesh patch (a patch that plugs the hole). For a groin hernia, open surgery uses a cut in the groin to view and repair the hernia. Laparoscopic surgery (surgery through small cuts) uses special tools and mesh. Open groin surgery is often done with local anesthesia (numbing medicine) and a sedative. Laparoscopic surgery is often done with general anesthesia (medicine that puts you to sleep). Pain after surgery is typically mild and goes away within 2 weeks. Many people can go back to work and daily activities within 3 to 5 days. Ask your doctor when you can safely return to your usual activities.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if the bulge suddenly gets bigger, no longer goes back inside the belly, or becomes red, purple, or dark. Also go if a painful hernia comes with fever, sudden or severe pain, nausea or vomiting, or not being able to pass gas or have a bowel movement. These can be signs of a strangulated hernia, which is life threatening. Call your doctor if you have groin pain, swelling, or a bulge.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This doctor can examine the bulge and help you decide when to see a surgeon. They can also help with chronic cough or constipation that strains the belly wall.
Common questions
Can an abdominal hernia heal on its own?
In most people, no. Surgery is the only treatment that can permanently fix a hernia. An umbilical hernia can heal on its own. If it has not healed by the time a child is 5, doctors will likely repair it.
What is a strangulated hernia?
A strangulated hernia is one where the tissue gets stuck and loses its blood flow. Lack of blood flow can cause the tissue to die. It is life threatening, and surgery is needed right away.
Will the hernia come back after surgery?
It is rare for a hernia to come back after treatment. Incisional hernias, which come through a surgery scar, are more likely to return.
Is it safe to delay hernia surgery?
Men with a groin hernia that causes few or no symptoms may safely delay surgery with watchful waiting. Watch for symptoms and see a doctor regularly.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Hernia
- MedlinePlus - Hernia health topic
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Inguinal Hernia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
