Waxahachie, Texas –
Hernias affect millions of people every year, yet many patients and even some medical professionals remain unaware of how the condition can present differently in men and women. A new report released by The Iskandar Complex Hernia Center in Waxahachie, Texas, sheds light on these gender-specific distinctions in a detailed and data-driven examination titled Hernias in Men Versus Women: What’s the Difference? Led by board-certified hernia specialist Dr. Mazen Iskandar, the Center’s team explains how understanding these differences can help reduce delayed diagnoses, misidentifications, and complications—particularly in women, who are often underdiagnosed due to the subtler presentation of certain hernia types.
The report emphasizes that while inguinal hernias are more common in men—occurring nearly eight times more frequently due to a natural anatomical weakness in the groin area—the dynamics of hernia development, diagnosis, and repair can vary significantly between the sexes. Men typically present with a visible bulge in the groin area and report pain during physical activity, lifting, or coughing. These hallmark symptoms often make inguinal hernias easier to detect in male patients. However, in women, hernias may manifest as vague pelvic discomfort or be confused with gynecologic or musculoskeletal issues. Femoral hernias, which are more common in women due to the wider shape of the female pelvis and femoral canal, tend to be smaller and less visible, often delaying diagnosis and increasing the risk of complications such as incarceration or strangulation.
This diagnostic gap is not merely a clinical observation—it has serious implications. The Iskandar Complex Hernia Center routinely sees female patients who have consulted multiple specialists and undergone various tests before a hernia is correctly identified as the source of their symptoms. According to Dr. Iskandar, these missed or delayed diagnoses can lead to higher surgical risks, recurrence, and unnecessary suffering. In some cases, a hernia may go undetected until it becomes an emergency. The report underscores the importance of physicians considering hernias even in the absence of a classic bulge and applying more sensitive diagnostic tools, particularly for female patients.
In addition to analyzing different hernia types, the report addresses the contrasting risk factors that contribute to hernia formation in men and women. For men, heavy lifting, chronic coughing, and straining remain leading contributors to abdominal wall weakness, particularly in the inguinal region. Women, on the other hand, face increased risk during and after pregnancy due to the stretching and thinning of the abdominal wall, making umbilical and inguinal hernias more likely. The report notes that pregnancy-related changes are also associated with a higher incidence of incisional hernias, particularly following cesarean sections. Dr. Iskandar and his team take these gender-specific risk profiles into account when evaluating patients and planning personalized treatment approaches.
The report also delves into the importance of minimally invasive surgical techniques, especially for women. The evidence strongly supports the use of laparoscopy and robotic-assisted procedures in female patients, as these approaches allow surgeons to better visualize and address occult femoral hernias that may be missed in open repairs. According to Dr. Iskandar, hernias in men and women are, in many ways, two different diseases and should be approached as such. For example, women have an increased risk of recurrence following inguinal hernia repair due to the prevalence of undetected femoral hernias. A one-size-fits-all surgical approach is inadequate and can lead to suboptimal outcomes. At The Iskandar Complex Hernia Center, the team uses advanced imaging, meticulous evaluation, and minimally invasive techniques to improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood of recurrence or complications in all patients.
Another key finding highlighted in the report is the impact of obesity on hernia detection and development. In men, obesity increases intra-abdominal pressure and strains the abdominal wall, exacerbating existing anatomical weaknesses. In women, excess fat may obscure physical signs of a hernia, delaying diagnosis further. The Iskandar Complex Hernia Center incorporates body composition and abdominal wall integrity assessments into their evaluation process to ensure hernias are not overlooked due to weight-related masking effects.
The consequences of ignoring these gender-based differences are significant. Strangulated hernias—where blood flow to the affected tissue is cut off—can be life-threatening if not treated in time. The report details how early and accurate identification of at-risk patients based on gender-specific anatomy and symptoms is critical in preventing such emergencies. In particular, femoral hernias, although less common overall, are disproportionately associated with severe complications when left untreated. Dr. Iskandar urges both patients and referring physicians to be vigilant, especially when symptoms persist despite inconclusive evaluations elsewhere.
Dr. Iskandar’s experience and data underscore the need for public and professional education on hernia awareness. While the word “hernia” may conjure a simple image of a bulge or discomfort, the reality is far more complex, especially for women whose symptoms can be nonspecific or misattributed. The report from The Iskandar Complex Hernia Center serves not only as an informative guide for patients but also as a call to action for the broader medical community to adopt more nuanced diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Patients seeking expert evaluation are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Iskandar, who brings deep experience in complex and recurrent hernia repair. As a recognized leader in hernia surgery, Dr. Iskandar uses state-of-the-art techniques to restore function and prevent recurrence, with outcomes that reflect a personalized approach rooted in evidence-based care. The Center’s reputation for handling the most difficult hernia cases draws patients from across Texas and beyond, many of whom were told their pain or discomfort was unrelated to a hernia—until a precise diagnosis at the Center proved otherwise.
For reporters looking to explore this topic further or speak with Dr. Iskandar about the findings, interviews can be arranged upon request. His unique insights into gender-based diagnostic gaps and his commitment to improving surgical outcomes through tailored approaches make him a compelling and authoritative voice in this field.
To learn more about the differences in hernias between men and women or to schedule an evaluation, visit The Iskandar Complex Hernia Center’s website or contact the office directly. By increasing awareness and refining treatment strategies, The Iskandar Complex Hernia Center continues to advance the standard of care for hernia patients—one patient at a time.
