What are the Signs & Symptoms?

Small or moderate femoral hernias generally do not show any symptoms. In certain cases, even the bulge may not be visible with small hernias. However, large femoral hernias may manifest as a bulge and can be associated with some discomfort. The bulge may get larger on coughing or straining. Large hernias may cause pain whenyou exert pressure, while standing up or lifting heavy objects. Some other symptoms include:

• Hip pain due to closeness of the hernia to the hip region
• Numbness or irritation due to pressure placed on the nerves in the femoral canal

If you experience severe abdominal and groin pain orthe lump is reddish and tender, there may be a chance your intestine isobstructed (stuck in the femoral canal) or strangulated (trapped). Strangulation may block blood flow to the part of your intestine that is stuck and cause tissue necrosis (death of tissue) which may endanger your life. A trapped or obstructed femoral hernia may cause the following symptoms:

• Groin pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain

Presence of these symptoms requires an emergency hernia repair to release the trapped tissue.