The hernias most people know about occur in the groin area, where the abdominal wall meets the thighs. Many people are born with a weak spot, called a congenital weakness, in this muscle wall, but they may reach adulthood before a hernia finally appears. Other people acquire a weak spot by straining abdominal muscles until they tear, either through lifting too much weight or lifting improperly. What finally causes the intestine to push through is not always apparent, but coughing, straining, lifting, and even accidents have brought on hernias. Here part of the intestine pushes down the canal carrying the femoral artery into the thigh.
Infants sometimes have umbilical hernias.
Part of the intestine bulges through the abdominal wall at the point where the umbilical cord attaches. Incidence Men are most likely to get hernias, and inguinal hernias account for about three-quarters of all instances. Overweight and pregnant women are more likely than other women to suffer femoral hernias. Of all hernia types the femoral variety is most likely to result in the dangerous condition called strangulation. Symptoms you are likely to notice You may suddenly experience some discomfort when lifting heavy objects or bending over.