Four Types of Hernias in Women

Hernia is usually referred to as horsed down. This condition occurs due to weakness or abnormality in the muscles so that the organs of the body are not supported in their actual place. There are many types of hernias themselves. There are types of hernias that are more often found in men, but there are also some types that are more common in women. What types of hernias that often occur in women?

Types of Hernias

Hernias are conditions when the organs in the body are out of their proper position. That is because the muscles are weakened so it is not strong enough to hold the organ. As a result, organs in the body will come out through weakened muscle slits to the bottom of the skin, and form a bulge when viewed from the outer surface of the skin. There are four types of hernias that can be found in women. The types of hernias are femoral hernias, hiatal hernias, umbilical hernias, and indirect inguinal hernias. The following explanation:

• Fermoral hernia.

This condition occurs when the intestines stick out into the upper thighs or groin. As a result, you will see a bump on the area. This type of hernia is three times higher in women. This risk increases if you are obese or are pregnant. Sometimes, this type of hernia is often mistaken for an inguinal hernia because the bulge appears in the same place, namely in the groin. This type of hernia is difficult to see when its size is still small. Patients also generally do not feel pain in the upper thigh area or groin. However, the pain will appear when the size of the hernia has been enlarged and prominent. The pain can be felt when you stand or lift heavy objects.

• Hiatus hernia.

You are said to have a hiatal hernia when there is a bulge in the diaphragm toward the chest cavity. The bulge appears because there is an organ part of the abdominal cavity that rises up and through the gap in the diaphragm, a muscular dome that separates the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity. This condition is more common in women. The risk faced will be higher if you are obese and aged over 50 years. Just like a femoral hernia, this type of hernia also does not cause symptoms, especially when its size is still small. New symptoms will appear when the size of the protrusion has enlarged. You will feel things like chest or stomach pain, frequent belching, increased stomach acid, and difficulty swallowing.

• Umbilical hernia.

This condition occurs when there are intestines, fat, or fluid sticking out into the wall of the abdominal cavity near the navel, so there will be a bulge around your navel. The umbilical hernia often afflicts women, especially those who are obese or have many children.

• Indirect inguinal hernia.

This is a type of inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernias are generally more common in men, but for this type of indirect it is more common in women. If you experience this type of hernia, you will see a bulge in your groin. These bulges can be painful or like burning, especially when coughing, being bent, or lifting heavy objects. Inguinal hernias do not occur immediately because of abnormalities in the internal inguinal ring. The risk of occurrence is higher in pregnant women.

Your risk of getting a hernia is even higher if you often lift heavy objects while holding your breath, coughing or sneezing that doesn't heal, is constipated, likes to smoke, or is malnourished.

If You Have Hernias

If you feel there is a bulge in the navel, upper thighs, or groin area, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. To find out whether it's a hernia or not, the doctor will do a physical examination. You will be told to stand up, cough, or push so that the bulge can be seen and examined. In addition, doctors can also recommend additional examinations using ultrasound or X-ray images. Specifically to ensure the presence of hiatal hernias, the doctor will perform different tests, namely blood tests, endoscopy, esophageal manometry, or esophagram.

• Blood test

Some people with hiatal hernias experience vomiting of blood due to bleeding in the digestive system. Therefore, a blood test is needed to find out if the patient has anemia or not.

• Endoscopy

Through this test the doctor will telescope your stomach by inserting a special instrument (a tube with a camera) through the esophagus.

• Esophageal manometry

In contrast to endoscopy, in this test a special device (catheter) will be inserted through the nose, then down into the esophagus, and ends in the stomach. This test is useful for measuring pressure and movement in the esophagus.

• Esophagram

You will undergo an X-ray test while drinking a liquid containing barium lime. This fluid can provide a clear picture of the condition of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of your small intestine. This examination is one of the main choices in diagnosing hiatal hernias. Even so, in some people, swallowing barium can have side effects such as allergic reactions, or may cause constipation.

By checking a doctor, you can find out whether you have a hernia or not. If the doctor discovers a hernia, you can prevent the hernia from becoming worse by medical treatment. Untreated hernias have the potential to experience complications that can even threaten your life. You can prevent hernias by diligently eating high-fiber foods, such as fruits or vegetables. Doing regular exercise and always maintaining a healthy body weight will also help prevent this condition. Avoid lifting heavy objects. But if you have to lift heavy objects, be careful, and make sure you don't hold your breath or push because it will put excessive pressure on the abdominal cavity.