Markethealthbeauty.com | Hernia that generally affect men can also occur in women. There are six types of hernias, four of which can lurk in women. Unlike in men, the symptoms of a hernia in women appear in the groin area.
What are the causes and effects of hernias in women? In the following article, we will thoroughly explore the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of hernias in women. Come on, read more!
Symptoms & Causes of Hernia in Women
The most common symptom of a hernia is the appearance of a lump, which is an organ in the body that exits through weakened surrounding tissues. However, hernias in women often go unnoticed because the lumps that appear are small and can re-enter the body. In chronic hernias, the most pronounced symptom is piercing and long-lasting pelvic pain.
Not all hernias cause discomfort, however, there are a number of symptoms that can appear such as:
- Burning sensation
- Pain and pressure
- Swelling
- Digestive problems such as heartburn or reflux disease (GERD)
If not treated immediately, complications can occur and cause symptoms such as:
- Severe pain around the hernia
- Nausea and vomiting accompanied by pain
This symptom can be a sign that an organ or tissue stuck in the area is damaged or has lost blood supply (pinched hernia). This condition belongs to a medical emergency, immediately to the emergency department if it feels these symptoms.
Hernia occurs when there is pressure on a weak muscle or injury. The causes of hernias in women generally depend on the type of hernia suffered, but generally hernias are triggered by the following.
- Gender. Men are more at risk of developing hernias twice as much as women.
- Obesity. Being overweight puts more load on muscles and organs, which causes the structure of muscle cells to weaken.
- Pregnancy. Especially in pregnant with twins, as the fetus grows the tension on the abdominal wall will increase.
- Age. Muscles become weak with age.
- Operation. Performing surgery in the abdominal or groin area can weaken the muscles.
- Strenuous activity. For example, lifting weights that make muscles tense.
- Chronic cough. Cough puts pressure on the chest and abdomen. If it occurs for a long time, repeated pressure will weaken the muscles.
- Smoking, which causes chronic cough.
- Family history of the disease
- Constipated. Straining during bowel movements can put pressure on the stomach.
Types of Hernia in Women
There are four types of hernias that can affect women, including:
1. Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernia usually occurs in the inguinal canal, which can be located on either side of the groin. Inguinal hernia is one of the most common types of hernia, affecting 27 percent of men and 3 percent of women.
2. Incisional Hernia
Surgical incisions and suturing can weaken the muscle wall, allowing incisional hernia to occur. It is estimated that 15 percent of people will experience an incisional hernia after surgery involving the abdominal wall.
3. Umbilical Hernia
In addition to women, umbilical hernias can also affect children and toddlers. Similar to other hernias in general, the cause of this hernia is due to age, a history of surgery in the abdominal area that will weaken the abdominal muscle wall. In addition, weight gain and a severe cough can also cause this type of hernia.
4. Femoral Hernia
Femoral hernia in women usually appears in the area of the lower groin, close to the area of the upper thigh. Because women have a wider pelvis, women are four times more likely to have a femoral hernia than men.
Femoral hernia can be caused by many factors, such as:
- Give birth
- Chronic constipation
- Weights
- Obesity
- Chronic cough
Is Hernia Treatable?
Hernias are treatable, however the treatment provided depends on a number of factors such as the size, location, symptoms and signs that the hernia causes. In fact, the location of anatomy also plays a role.
In general, hernias that are small and asymptomatic are advised not to be operated on and observed first. Whereas in large hernias, surgery may be recommended. The types of hernia surgeries performed include open surgery and laparoscopic surgery.
How to Prevent
Sometimes, hernias occur due to pre-existing congenital conditions or as a result of previous operations. However, the risk of a hernia can be reduced by lifestyle adjustments.
Reporting from various sources, here are a number of precautions that can be done to prevent hernias in women.
- Avoid smoking
- Get checked immediately when you get a cough
- Maintain an ideal weight
- Try not to strain when defecating or urinating
- Consumption of high-fiber foods to prevent constipation
- Do exercises help strengthen the abdominal muscles
- Avoid lifting weights that are too heavy
That is a complete explanation of hernia in women.
