Hernia

A hernia happens when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall. Hernia symptoms include a bulge in the groin or belly that may ache when you lift, cough, or strain. Most hernias are not emergencies but need to be checked.

What Is It

Inguinal hernias in the groin are the most common type and happen much more often in men. Umbilical hernias form at the belly button, and incisional hernias form near old surgery scars. Heavy lifting, chronic cough, constipation, pregnancy, and extra weight raise the risk. Hernias do not heal on their own.

Symptoms

A bulge in the groin, scrotum, or near the belly button
A bulge that gets bigger when standing or coughing
Aching or burning at the bulge
Pain when lifting or bending
A heavy or dragging feeling in the groin
A bulge that goes away when lying down

Not sure it’s a hernia? Pain and swelling in the testicle itself may be testicular pain from another cause. A tender lump with redness may be an abscess.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines the bulge while you stand and lie down and checks whether it can be pushed back in. Many hernias are repaired by a surgeon. Some need emergency care.

At home:

Avoid heavy lifting and straining
Treat constipation with fiber and water
Lie down to ease pressure on the bulge
Do not force a bulge back in if it is painful

Many hernias can be watched, but most eventually need surgical repair.

When to Get Care for a Hernia

Watch at Home

A small, painless bulge that goes back in when lying down
Already seen and waiting for a surgeon visit

Come to Urgent Care Today

A new bulge in the groin or belly
A bulge that aches or is getting bigger
Pain when lifting or coughing
A bulge in a child

Go to the Emergency Department

A bulge that becomes hard, tender, and will not go back in
Red, purple, or dark skin over the bulge
Severe pain with nausea or vomiting
Unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement

FAQ

What does a hernia feel like?

A hernia often feels like a bulge with aching, pressure, or burning, especially when lifting, coughing, or standing for long periods.

Can a hernia go away on its own?

No, a hernia does not go away on its own. Some small hernias can be watched, but many need surgery to repair.

Is a hernia an emergency?

A hernia becomes an emergency when the bulge is hard, painful, and will not go back in, or comes with vomiting. This means the tissue may be trapped.

What causes a hernia?

A hernia is caused by pressure on a weak spot in the muscle wall. Heavy lifting, straining, chronic cough, and pregnancy increase the pressure.

Can urgent care check a hernia?

Yes, urgent care can check a hernia. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the bulge and check for warning signs. No appointment or referral is needed.

Can women get hernias?

Yes, women can get hernias, including groin, belly button, and incisional hernias. Groin hernias are much more common in men.

Last reviewed October 2026