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Hernias: True or false?

You've no doubt heard of a hernia. That's when part of an organ or other tissue breaks through a muscle wall in the belly, groin or chest. However, not all hernias are alike. How much do you know about them?

True or false: Hernias always occur in the groin from lifting or straining too hard.

False. There are different types of hernia and many likely causes. Some hernias develop in a weakness at the belly button or over an old surgical incision site. With a hiatal hernia, part of the upper stomach extends through the diaphragm into the chest.

True or false: Hernias almost always happen in men.

False. It's true that some types of hernias occur often in men. But women are more likely to have a femoral hernia than are men. With this type of hernia, a portion of intestine or tissue pokes through the abdomen wall near the upper thigh and groin. However, an inguinal (groin) hernia occurs mostly in middle-aged and older men.

True or false: A bulge under the skin is a common sign of a hernia.

True. A hernia may appear as a bulge in the abdomen, and it may be sore. It also may hurt if you lift something, cough, or stand on your feet a lot. If you have a hiatal hernia in the chest, you won't notice a bulge. Instead, you might sometimes have pain, heartburn or trouble swallowing.

True or false: Hernias occur in both children and adults.

True. People of all ages-even babies-can get hernias. Children may be born with a hernia, or the hernia may develop when they get older. Babies can also be born with a hiatal hernia. Some children have hernias that are discovered when they become adults.

True or false: Hernias generally heal on their own.

False. Surgery is the only sure way to repair a hernia. It usually involves stitching together tissue to close the hole. Sometimes mesh is used to patch and reinforce the weakened abdominal wall. Emergency surgery may be needed for some hernias-for examples, if part of the protruding intestine becomes stuck inside the abdominal wall.

If you think you have a hernia, let your doctor know. You can learn more about this condition in our Hernia topic center.

Learn more about hernias