Inguinal hernia in women

General

In the case of an inguinal hernia, weak connective tissue in the groin area results in gaps in the layer that separates the skin and the inner abdominal cavity. Normally the intestine is separated from the outside world by muscles, tendons and connective tissue. If there are gaps in the connective tissue, it can happen that parts of the intestine push themselves behind this layer. An inguinal hernia can develop in both men and women. Due to the different anatomy, however, men are significantly more likely to develop this problem. So it happens that out of ten affected people, on average, only one woman suffers from this clinical picture. A distinction must be made between different forms of inguinal hernias.

An inguinal hernia can be called a Hernial sac and is then called "completely" designated. Or it occurs without this hernial sac and is accordingly called incomplete Inguinal hernia called. Depending on the form, this can influence the therapy and the symptoms. An inguinal hernia can also innate be and exist from birth or only appear in the course of life, that is acquired be. A complete hernia can be recognized in women in the same way as in men. Especially with one high pressure it occurs in the abdomen Protuberances the bar. The protuberance is compressible and usually does not cause pain. Should pain occur, is a Doctor visit strongly advised to avoid serious Complications to recognize and treat an inguinal hernia. An incomplete hernia can be more difficult to diagnose. An inguinal hernia in women is also usually treated by one surgical Intervention.

You can find out more about the differences in the bar in men and women on our website strip.

Symptoms

Of the Inguinal hernia in the case of women often makes itself through one Bulging of the skin noticeable in the groin region. When a Hernial sac is available from a so-called complete Inguinal hernia spoken. The appearance of a hernial sac is typical physical exertion or when the pressure is very high in the abdomen. This is for example the Sneeze or during the Bowel movements the case. Especially in women, however, it is possible that an inguinal hernia occurs without a hernial sac and causes discomfort. A Pulling in the groin can speak for the presence of an inguinal hernia without hernial sac, i.e. an incomplete inguinal hernia. In general, it should be noted that the symptoms of a hernia do not necessarily correlate with the size or appearance of a hernial sac. This means that symptoms can be very minor even if a large hernial sac occurs. Strength Pain with an existing hernia should always be taken seriously and medical to be clarified. In these cases it can lead to a Entrapment of a loop of intestine which is a serious complication of the hernia.

causes

Generally a Inguinal hernia between the innate and the acquired Form can be distinguished.

In the acquired form of an inguinal hernia, the cause of its occurrence lies in the inability of the Connective tissue the inguinal region dem pressure in the abdomen to withstand, often because a Connective tissue weakness present.

Generally speaking, women fewer are more prone to developing an inguinal hernia than men. This is due to the different anatomical situation of the groin in men and women.
The pressures in the abdomen that act on the groin are particularly important when Sneeze or during the Bowel movements very high.

Are women pregnant, there is also a massive pressure increase in the abdominal area. On top of that, through hormonal Influences the connective tissue in the abdominal and groin region becomes weaker during pregnancy.
However, it is more common during pregnancy Umbilical hernias instead of hernias.

So it is not surprising that especially during pregnancy frequently Inguinal hernias occur in women. Furthermore, a constant performance of activities in which the pressures in the abdominal cavity are very high can promote the development of an inguinal hernia.
Next heavy physical activity is also playing Wind instruments known as a risk factor for the development of an inguinal hernia.

In women, too, there are inguinal hernias from birth to exist. The cause of these hernias lies in the faulty development of the child in the womb.

Inguinal hernia therapy in women

An inguinal hernia is usually found in women operational provided. An operation can only be waived in exceptional cases. Since an inguinal hernia does not close by itself and spontaneous healing is virtually impossible, surgery is usually the only way to permanently close the defect in the connective tissue. Since an inguinal hernia, the longer it lasts, always greater can be is one timely Strive for surgery. When sections of bowel become pinched, it can become too strong Pain come. A pinched bowel in one Hernial sac represents an emergency, which is usually operated on immediately. Thanks to modern surgical techniques, the operation can now be carried out without any complications and thus the serious consequences of an existing inguinal hernia can be adequately excluded. Total exist three various surgical techniques which can usually be used depending on the situation.

In women, the Surgical technique according to Shouldice applied. A skin incision is made and the hernial sac, if present, back into the Abdominal cavity pushed and the connective tissue finally sewn. Above all, it is important to be consistent Protection for a long time after the operation.

Another surgical option is the Lichtenstein technology Here, a net is inserted which is intended to prevent the hernial sac from protruding. Since the operation is particularly important for huge Inguinal hernias are used and these are rather rare in women, this is a less typical surgical technique for an inguinal hernia in women.

Even when performing a minimally invasive Procedure is usually a network used, which prevents the bowel from emerging again.
As this surgical technique, unlike the other techniques presented, is only available in general anesthetic can be carried out, it must be checked individually whether a minimally invasive procedure is the best individual solution.
General anesthesia is usually avoided if possible, especially for pregnant women.
Please also read: Anesthesia during pregnancy - important information

If for certain reasons an operation is not an option, an inguinal hernia can also be a so-called Truss are supplied. This is especially true for older Patient with a high risk of surgery in question. However, since the hernia cannot be repaired by the hernia, the exclusive use of a hernia cannot be recommended for people without a high surgical risk. However, it is possible that a temporary A truss ligament is used when an operation does not seem possible in the near future.

diagnosis

In most cases the treating person can doctor the inguinal hernia by a simple one Keys diagnose the groin area. This physical examination usually takes place while lying down. The examining doctor may ask the patient to hold their breath to get the pressure to be artificially raised in the abdomen and thus to be able to better feel the hernia. Sometimes it can be more difficult to diagnose an inguinal hernia, especially in women, as it is more common in women incomplete Inguinal hernias without hernial sac occurs. An ultrasound examination can help to find the weak point of the connective tissue and thus diagnose the hernia. In the case of severe pain that occurs as part of an inguinal hernia, no time should be lost to diagnose the hernia and, if necessary, one trapped bowel loop as the cause of the discomfort. In these cases, an ultrasound can also clarify the situation. Magnetic resonance imaging may be necessary in difficult cases. During this examination, images are created that show the structures of the body much sharper and more precisely than is the case with an ultrasound examination.

forecast

Generally speaking, a spontaneous healing of one Inguinal hernia in adult humans is very unlikely.

By a surgery of the inguinal hernia and a closure of the defect in the connective tissue however, a cure and thus freedom from symptoms can be achieved.

Depending on the existing Risk factors, such as Obesity, following pregnancies or constant lifting and carrying of heavy objects the recurrence of an inguinal hernia is more or less likely.
This Recurrence rate in the case of an inguinal hernia is also applied by the Surgical technique and the consistent Protection affected after the operation. Another inguinal hernia occurs on average at around 5-10% of the cases.

prophylaxis

Especially when an individually present Connective tissue weakness is known, some things should be observed in order to prevent the occurrence of a Inguinal hernia to prevent. Especially lifting and carrying heavy loads should be prevented if possible. Also Obesity can contribute to the appearance of hernias.

After an operation should be a consistent one Protection must be observed to prevent the hernia from recurring. Depending on the surgical technique performed, the rest period can vary between several Days and Weeks vary. Some sporting activities can be done earlier because they are less problematic than others. These include, for example swim or Go. On the other hand, for example to jog a far greater burden the groin region and should be avoided for longer.