Table of contents:
- Types of hernias in women and men are often different
- Inguinal hernias are common in men
- Femoral and umbilical hernias are more common in women
- The symptoms of a hernia that appear are also slightly different
- Treatment and risk of relapse are also different
Many consider hernia, or what is commonly known as descent, only occurs in men. However, in fact women can also experience it. Despite experiencing the same disease, it turns out that hernias in women and men have different characteristics and treatment methods. What are the differences that should be recognized?
Types of hernias in women and men are often different
A hernia is a condition that occurs when a part of an organ or tissue (such as part of the intestine) protrudes and forms a bulge in the skin.
Parts of these organs emerge through the opening or cavity of the muscle wall, causing a bulge or lump to appear. Hernias are different between men and women. This difference is often found in the symptoms and type of hernia that most often affects men or women.
Inguinal hernias are common in men
Inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia. This condition occurs when the contents of the stomach, which are usually fat or part of the small intestine, protrude into the lower abdominal wall near the groin.
Inguinal hernias often occur in men, because in a man's body there is a small hole near the groin muscle. This hole allows the blood vessels and spermatic cord to descend into the testicular area.
Femoral and umbilical hernias are more common in women
Femoral hernia is a condition when a portion of the intestine protrudes because of the weakness of the muscles in the upper thigh, just below the groin. This type of fall is most often experienced by women because it is related to the shape of the pelvis which is in shape for childbirth.
In addition, umbilical hernias occur when the tissue lining the abdomen protrudes into the navel area. This fall also often appears in pregnant women. However, as they get older, men and women tend to be at the same risk of developing an umbilical hernia.
The symptoms of a hernia that appear are also slightly different
Actually, the symptoms of a hernia in women and men are almost the same, namely in the form of a bulge or swelling in the groin or pelvis that makes them uncomfortable.
But unfortunately, this condition is less common in women, because the symptoms of a hernia that causes pain in the pelvis and groin are often suspected of being a feminine problem.
Therefore, if you experience various possible symptoms such as a hernia, you should immediately consult a doctor. Some of the symptoms to watch out for are pain when sitting down, pain in the lower abdomen, and abdominal pain when walking or standing.
Treatment and risk of relapse are also different
Hernia must be treated with surgery. This surgery is done by returning the protruding body tissue to a normal position. The doctor will also usually sew back the weakened muscle wall. Even the doctor will also add special stitches so that these organs don't stick out again.
During the operation process, female patients usually have a special mesh attached to tightly close the opening of the muscle causing the hernia. Unlike men, which are rare and when a special mesh is attached, the blood flow to the testicles is at risk of being obstructed.
In female patients, she does not need to worry and take extra care of the obstructed blood flow to the testicles. This is what sometimes makes hernias in women recur less frequently than men.
