Hernias are a common medical condition that occur when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.¹ Most hernias are caused by a combination of pressure and an opening or weakness of muscle or connective tissue. While muscle weakness may be present at birth, an increase in abdominal pressure or certain risk factors may make you more prone to developing hernias later in life.² They are most noticeable when coughing, lifting, or rising from a sitting to a standing position and typically do not cause a sharp pain.

Do you have:

• An unknown bulge in your abdomen or groin area?
• Discomfort or pain in your abdomen or groin, or at an incision site, when you bend or lift something?
• Acid reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or regurgitation?
• Weakness?
• A feeling of being full?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to consult a physician about a possible hernia. For the list, download our Signs & Symptoms Checklist below.

See Hernia Signs & Symptoms Checklist

Yes. Hernias are a very common medical condition that occur when an organ or fatty tissue bulges through a weak spot in the muscle wall or containing it.¹ Each year roughly 5 million Americans experience a hernia, and over one million hernia repair surgeries are performed.¹ ³

Although hernias are very common, they are more prevalent in men than women. Approximately 1 in 4 men (25%) and 1 in 50 women (2%) will require surgery for hernia repair during their lifetime.⁴

Read A Comprehensive Guide to Hernias