Femoral Hernia

Femoral hernias can go unnoticed for extended periods due to a lack of obvious symptoms. This silent nature makes them more dangerous than other types of hernias, as they are frequently discovered only after complications arise. With the highest rate of strangulation among hernias, recognising even subtle or infrequent symptoms is crucial for taking timely action and preventing serious harm.

What Is a Femoral Hernia?

A femoral hernia occurs in the femoral canal—a small passageway in the upper thigh just below the groin—when fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through this weak spot in the lower abdominal wall. This type of hernia is rare, accounting for only 2-4% of all groin hernias and can affect both men and women, although it is more common in women.

What Causes a Femoral Hernia?

The exact cause of most femoral hernias is unknown. Some may be congenital (present at birth) and only detected later in life. Contributing factors to their development include:

• Age – Hernias are more common in older adults as the muscles in the body, including those in the groin area, naturally become weaker with age.
• Gender – Women and people assigned female at birth are at greater risk due to having a generally wider pelvis.
• Obesity – Excess weight can put additional strain on the abdominal and groin muscles, increasing the risk of hernia.
• Childbirth – The strain on the abdominal and pelvic muscles during pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the femoral canal, making women who have been pregnant more susceptible to hernia.
• Enlarged Prostate – This condition can cause consistent straining during urination, which can weaken the muscles and lead to the formation of femoral hernia over time.
• Heavy Lifting – Frequent or improper lifting of heavy objects can increase the pressure on the abdominal area, contributing to muscle weakness and hernia formation.
• Constipation – Chronic constipation can strain the abdominal muscles during bowel movements, increasing the risk of developing a femoral hernia.
• Coughing – Persistent coughing can increase the internal pressure in the abdomen, increasing the risk of developing a hernia.

Signs and Symptoms of a Femoral Hernia

Small to mid-sized femoral hernias typically do not present any signs or symptoms. However, larger hernias may be symptomatic. Common signs and symptoms include:

• A lump in the groin or upper thigh, which may become more prominent when standing, lifting, or straining.
• Sudden mild to severe pain in the groin or thigh, especially during physical activity, bending, coughing, or lifting.
• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and/or other parts of the body.
• Nausea and vomiting, which indicate a medical emergency, commonly occur if the femoral hernia worsens.

Potential Complications of Femoral Hernias

Femoral hernias are generally not life-threatening. However, if they start to present symptoms, even if there is no noticeable bulge, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications such as:

• Bowel Obstruction – The hernia gets trapped in the femoral canal, which can potentially block the intestines. This can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and bloating that require urgent medical attention.
• Tissue Strangulation – The hernia becomes trapped and its blood supply is cut off. This can lead to tissue death and other serious complications like infection, sepsis, or even death. As such, a strangulated femoral hernia requires immediate surgery.

How to Prevent Femoral Hernias

Although preventing a femoral hernia entirely is not always feasible, strengthening your abdominal muscles can significantly reduce your risk. Consider these strategies to protect your abdominal area:

• Adopt Proper Lifting Techniques – When lifting heavy objects, bend your knees, lift with your legs, keep the object close to your body, and avoid twisting. This helps distribute weight evenly and reduces strain on your abdominal muscles.
• Prevent Constipation – Eat a high-fibre diet, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly to prevent constipation, which can cause straining during bowel movements.
• Manage a Chronic Cough – Consult a specialist to address the underlying causes of chronic cough and reduce strain on the abdominal muscles.