What Does a Hernia Feel Like? (& 4 More Questions About Them, Answered)

An abdominal hernia can start subtly — a small bulge, a dull ache, a feeling something just isn’t right. For some people, it’s barely noticeable. For others, it’s a regular source of discomfort that sidelines people from the activities they love.

An abdominal hernia occurs when a bulge or hole develops in the wall of the abdomen. If the bowel gets caught in this defective area, a “kink in the hose” can occur, says Dr. Michael Reader, a surgeon who specializes in hernia repair at Houston Methodist.

“If the digestive tract gets kinked, things back up,” says Dr. Reader. “That’s when you start seeing bowel-related symptoms, and that’s when surgery becomes more urgent.”

Whether you’ve just noticed a new knot or ridge in your abdomen, have begun having bouts of digestive problems or have lived with disruptive symptoms for years, effective treatment can help reduce your risk of serious complications.

Dr. Gabriel Arevalo, a Houston Methodist surgeon who also specializes in hernia repair, notes that surgery can provide significant, lasting relief. “A well-performed repair allows patients to resume daily activities with confidence and improved quality of life.”

What are the symptoms of an abdominal hernia?

For many, the first sign of an abdominal hernia is a visible bulge in the belly that may "disappear" when you lie down.

Other common symptoms include:

• Pain or discomfort, especially when straining, lifting or coughing

• Pressure or bulkiness at the site, which is often worse at the end of the day

• Nausea and vomiting (this can indicate a more serious blockage)

Abdominal discomfort may only be noticeable during or after certain activities. For example, you may notice pain or a bulky feeling with heavy lifting, exercising, strenuous coughing, pushing for a bowel movement or standing for long periods of time.

If you notice these symptoms, don’t wait to see the doctor.

“Even hernias that cause little or no pain should be evaluated, as hernias do not heal on their own and often progress,” says Dr. Arevalo. “Early evaluation allows for safer elective treatment and better outcomes.”

(Related: Feeling Bloated? A Gastroenterologist Explains What's Happening in the Gut)

What can cause an abdominal hernia?

Abdominal hernias, also known as ventral hernia, are the most common type of this condition, developing in the walls of the abdomen.

Less often, other types of hernias can occur throughout the body, including:

• In the groin (inguinal), an occurrence more common in men

• Near the belly button (umbilical)

• At the site of a prior surgery (incisional)

• In the chest, when a part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm (hiatal)

“There is a misconception that ‘I developed a hernia because I lifted something heavy once,’” Dr. Arevalo notes. “Heavy lifting often reveals an existing weakness rather than being the sole cause.”

Though hernias affect both men and women, certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing one:

• Previous surgery: Tissues only heal back to about 80% of their original strength after an incision

• Weight and lifestyle: Being overweight, living with diabetes or smoking can weaken the abdominal tissues

• Pregnancy: The physical strain and stretching of the abdominal wall can lead to umbilical hernias

• Family history: Certain connective tissue disorders can be present at birth or passed down genetically

“Anything that increases pressure inside your abdomen — such as heavy lifting, persistent coughing or even straining due to chronic constipation — can make you more likely to develop a hernia,” Dr. Reader says.

(Related: When to See a Doctor About Stomach Pain)

What treatments are available for hernias?

The only way to repair an abdominal hernia is with surgery, but not every patient needs surgery right away.

If the hernia is small and causing no symptoms, your doctor may recommend just monitoring it — an approach called watchful waiting. This typically includes regular physical exams, along with imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans or MRIs.

If your hernia starts growing, becomes painful or disrupts your quality of life, your doctor may recommend surgery, particularly if your hernia causes:

• Incarceration: Tissue becomes trapped in the weakened area and cannot be pushed back in place, causing severe gastrointestinal blockage

• Strangulation: The blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off — a medical emergency because the tissue will die without oxygenated blood

• Obstruction: Bowel obstruction or perforation can lead to infection or peritonitis, which is inflammation of the thin tissue lining of the abdomen

More than a million abdominal hernia repairs are performed each year in the U.S., making it one of the most common surgeries. The surgeon will either directly repair the tissue or place a surgical mesh to support the weakened area.

Many abdominal hernia procedures can be done laparoscopically or with robotic-assisted technology. These approaches use smaller incisions, which can reduce post-surgical discomfort and speed up recovery. Most patients can return to their normal activities within two to four weeks after the procedure.

“Modern hernia repairs are designed to be durable,” says Dr. Arevalo. “Recovery is individualized and depends on lifestyle and occupation. Temporary limits may apply to activities that significantly increase abdominal pressure. The goal is a safe return to normal life, not permanent restriction.”

Your care team will also talk with you about optimizing your long-term outcomes. They might recommend smoking cessation, weight management and blood sugar control to reduce the risk of future complications and recurrence.

(Related: 7 Signs It's Time to See a Gastroenterologist)

Is surgical mesh a concern?

Some patients worry about the use of surgical mesh, especially after hearing about complications in the news. But Dr. Arevalo points out that our hernia specialists have extensive expertise safely leveraging mesh to make repairs more effective.

“These decisions are individualized for each patient,” says Dr. Arevalo. “We know how to choose the right type of mesh for the specific location and placement. When used correctly, surgical mesh adds strength to the repair and decreases the risk of recurrence.”

For abdominal wall and groin hernias, using mesh is the standard of care because the benefits far outweigh the extremely low risk.

“In fact, not using mesh in the repair of certain hernias can lead to a recurrence rate of 50% or higher,” adds Dr. Reader.

When should you worry about hernia pain?

Hernias are common, treatable and nothing to be embarrassed about. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.

“If you’re healthy and the hernia is affecting your quality of life, fixing it can help you get back to doing the things you love,” says Dr. Reader. “But if it’s small and not bothering you, it’s okay to watch and wait, with your doctor’s guidance.”