Free hernia screening clinic.

A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Hernias often develop in the abdomen or groin and may cause a noticeable bulge, discomfort, or pain. Some hernias cause few or no symptoms, while others may become more noticeable during everyday activities.

If you have concerns about a possible hernia, a screening can be a helpful first step toward understanding your symptoms and discussing what to do next.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of hernia and where it develops. Common signs include:

• A visible or noticeable bulge in the abdomen, groin, or near the bellybutton.
• Pain, aching, pressure or discomfort in the affected area.
• A feeling of heaviness or weakness in the abdomen or groin.
• Discomfort that becomes more noticeable when coughing, lifting, bending, or straining.
• A bulge that becomes more noticeable when standing and less noticeable when lying down.

It is possible that some hernias may not cause pain or noticeable symptoms.

Hernias are named according to where they develop. Common types include:

• Inguinal hernia: One of the most common types, an inguinal hernia develops in the groin when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall. It may cause a bulge, aching, burning, or pressure in the groin.
• Umbilical hernia: This type develops near the bellybutton when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. It may appear as a bulge around the navel and can cause discomfort, particularly in adults.
• Incisional hernia: An incisional hernia develops through a weakened area in the abdominal wall at or near a previous surgical incision. A bulge may become more noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining.
• Femoral hernia: This type develops in the upper thigh near the groin. It may cause a small bulge or discomfort and can be more difficult to recognize. Femoral hernias have a higher risk of complications and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
• Hiatal hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves upward through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest. Unlike many other hernias, it may not cause a visible external bulge. Some people experience heartburn, acid reflux, difficulty swalling, or chest or abdominal discomfort.

During a hernia screening you can expect to:

• Discuss your symptoms and concerns with a physician or healthcare provider.
• Receive a physical examination to evaluate the area of concern.
• Ask questions about hernias and potential treatment options.
• Learn more about follow-up care or additional evaluation, if needed.