Why Hernia Symptoms In Women Are Often Missed: Expert Explains The Hidden Signs And Risks

Hernias in women are more common than people realize. They are overlooked because symptoms are subtle and the condition is not typically associated with women

People generally think of hernias as a condition that affects men. This assumption alone explains why many Indian women receive their diagnosis late. Symptoms are often subtle, easily mistaken for other medical issues, and sometimes overlooked by both patients and doctors.

Dr. Ashish Gautam, Senior Director & Head of Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, shares all you need to know:

Symptoms Do Not Always Look Clear

Most women do not develop the typical visible bulge that makes hernias easier to identify. Instead, they may feel a constant pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, pain in the groin, or discomfort that worsens when walking, lifting, or doing household chores for long periods.

These symptoms often resemble those caused by ovarian cysts, fibroids, urinary tract infections, or pelvic muscle strain. When doctors shift the focus to these possibilities, a hernia can easily be missed. In many cases, women have to visit multiple doctors and undergo several tests before receiving the correct diagnosis.

Pain Gets Normalised

From a young age, many women are told that pain is simply part of life. Menstrual cramps, back pain, pregnancy-related aches, and fatigue are often dismissed as “normal.” When hernia pain begins, it blends into this pattern.

Some women delay seeking medical help because they don’t want to worry their families or fear appearing as though they are complaining. By the time they consult a doctor, the hernia may have enlarged or led to complications.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Increase Risk

Pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles and increases pressure on them, raising the risk of hernias. After delivery, women frequently carry their newborns, lift heavy bags, and resume household work, straining the abdominal wall even further.

C-section scars can also weaken the area, leading to incisional hernias. Women often ignore a small bulge or persistent soreness near the incision, assuming it is normal post-surgery discomfort.

Misdiagnosis Is Common

In women, inguinal hernias are often smaller and located deeper in the pelvis, making them difficult to detect during routine examinations. Standard ultrasound scans performed while the patient is lying down may also miss them. Hernias are easier to identify when a person is standing or coughing, steps not always included in basic evaluations.

Because of this, women may be treated for unrelated issues for months while the true problem remains unresolved.

Daily Routines Make the Problem Worse

Lifting children, carrying groceries, long hours at a desk, being overweight, and chronic constipation all increase hernia risk. Since these are routine life activities, they are rarely associated with a medical condition.

Many women don’t even consider the possibility of a hernia because it is still widely viewed as a male condition.

Why Early Diagnosis Is Important

A hernia will not heal on its own. It can enlarge or become trapped, cutting off blood supply to the tissue. Early diagnosis allows for simpler treatment, faster recovery, and fewer complications.

Modern minimally invasive and robotic surgeries involve small incisions, resulting in less pain and quicker return to normal activities. These advantages diminish when diagnosis is delayed.

Where the System Falls Short

Discussions around women’s health often focus mainly on reproductive issues, with little attention given to conditions beyond that scope. Abdominal wall examinations are not always part of routine checkups.

Additionally, many women feel uncomfortable discussing groin pain due to embarrassment or fear of being dismissed. This silence leads to avoidable delays in diagnosis.

What Needs to Change

More awareness for women

Persistent pelvic or groin discomfort is not normal. Even without a visible bulge, consult a doctor if you feel a pulling sensation while standing, lifting, or walking.

Better clinical evaluation

Doctors should consider hernias as a possibility when women report chronic pelvic pain. When diagnosis is unclear, dynamic ultrasound or MRI rather than a single static scan should be used.

Clearer postpartum guidance

Women should be made aware that pregnancy and C-sections increase hernia risk. Strengthening exercises and regular follow-up checks can help detect issues early.

Less stigma around pain

Women should feel free to discuss symptoms without being told to simply endure them. Taking concerns seriously can change outcomes.

Improved access to minimally invasive surgery

Hospitals should make laparoscopic and robotic options more accessible, as these procedures are safer and offer faster recovery.

A Missed Diagnosis Has Real Consequences

Hernias in women are more common than people realize. They are overlooked because symptoms are subtle and the condition is not typically associated with women. When detected early, treatment is simple and effective; when diagnosed late, recovery becomes harder and risks increase.

Awareness and timely evaluation can prevent months of uncertainty. When women say something feels wrong, they should be heard. A thorough assessment and proper testing can mean the difference between quick treatment and a preventable crisis.