Chronic groin pain can sometimes be from a “hidden” inguinal or femoral hernia

Hidden hernias can occur in both men and women. However, the type of hidden hernia might vary by gender due to anatomical differences. For example, femoral hernias, which can sometimes be hidden, are more common in women due to the wider bone structure of the female pelvis. Inguinal hernias, which can also be hidden, are more common in men but can still occur in women.

The challenge with occult hernias is that they might not present the obvious symptoms, such as a visible bulge, which can make diagnosis more difficult. Women may sometimes experience symptoms that are less specific and might be mistakenly attributed to gynecological or other non-hernia conditions. This can lead to underdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis more often in women compared to men.

While hidden hernias are not immediately life-threatening, they can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Seek medical advice if you suspect you may have a hernia. 

These complications can include: 

• Incarceration: This occurs when the hernia gets trapped outside the abdominal wall and cannot easily be pushed back into the abdomen. Incarceration can be painful and leads to increased discomfort and swelling.
• Strangulation: A more severe complication of incarceration is strangulation, where the blood supply to the part of the intestine or other tissue trapped in the hernia is cut off. This can lead to tissue death and is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention.
• Obstruction: Hidden hernias can obstruct the bowel, leading to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to pass gas or stools. This can happen if the hernia involves a segment of the intestine.
• Increased Size and Worsening Symptoms: Without treatment, hernias can progressively worsen, becoming larger and more symptomatic over time. This will make it more difficult to treat later on and might require more invasive surgery than if it had been addressed earlier.

Due to their subtle presentation, hidden hernias require sophisticated diagnostic techniques. Dr. Brian Jacob and his team at NYC Hernia utilize advanced imaging technologies such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs to accurately detect these hernias. These tools allow for a detailed view of the abdominal and groin areas, helping to pinpoint the exact location and size of the hernia.

Treatment for a hidden hernia typically involves surgical intervention, as these hernias do not heal on their own and may lead to complications if left untreated. Dr. Brian Jacob is proficient in performing minimally invasive hernia repair surgeries, which involve smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgery. 

Each treatment plan is customized based on the patient's specific condition and overall health, aiming for the best possible outcome with minimal impact on the individual's lifestyle.

While some hernias are due to genetic factors or are congenital, you can make certain lifestyle adjustments to help reduce the risk of developing a hernia or making an existing one worse. 

These adjustments include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the abdominal muscles.
• Practicing proper lifting techniques.
• Engaging in exercises that strengthen the core muscles.