What is a femoral hernia?
A femoral hernia develops when tissue protrudes through the femoral canal, just below the groin crease. They are less common than inguinal hernias but carry a higher risk of incarceration and strangulation, particularly in women.
Common symptoms
- Small bulge near the upper inner thigh or groin crease
- Groin or hip discomfort
- Possible severe pain if the hernia becomes incarcerated
Risk factors
- Female sex (most femoral hernias occur in women)
- Older age
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure
- Prior pregnancy
Typical treatment
Because of the elevated risk of strangulation, surgical repair is generally recommended for femoral hernias even when symptoms are mild. Repair can be open or minimally invasive.
Other hernia types
- Inguinal Hernia — Tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall into the groin or inguinal canal.
- Umbilical Hernia — Tissue pushes through the abdominal wall at or near the belly button.
- Ventral Hernia — Any hernia along the midline of the abdomen, outside the umbilical or groin regions.
- Incisional Hernia — Hernia that develops through the scar of a previous surgical incision.
- Hiatal Hernia — Upper part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest.
- Recurrent Hernia — A hernia that returns at the site of a previous hernia repair.
Educational disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual recommendations require consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.