Organs are held in place by muscles and other connective tissue. When an organ pushes through this protective barrier, it’s called a hernia. Often, this occurs when the supportive structure becomes weakened and can no longer do its job. The majority of hernias appear in the abdominal area, either the belly or the groin, although they occasionally crop up in other locations such as the upper thigh or diaphragm.

Most hernias are nonemergent medical conditions. Although they never disappear on their own, they do not always cause serious problems. Minor, painless bulges may not need immediate treatment, so long as they do not worsen over time.

That being said, some complications can be dangerous. When the intestines get trapped inside a hernia, it’s called strangulation, and it could lead to loss of blood supply to the area. To prevent the possibility of strangulation, doctors recommend hernia surgery for most patients. The question usually isn’t if a patient needs surgery, but when. Some can wait. Others can’t.

Hernias have different names, depending on where they appear and what causes them. Common types include:

Inguinal hernia: The most common type of hernia, it occurs in the groin area.

Umbilical hernia: When the intestines push through the belly button.

Femoral hernia: Often confused with an inguinal hernia, it affects the upper thigh, near the groin.

Epigastric hernia: Appears between the belly button and the sternum.

Incisional hernia: Occurs as a result of abdominal surgery.

Hiatal hernia: When the stomach pushes through the diaphragm.

The primary symptom of a hernia is a soft bulge or protuberance somewhere around the abdomen. A bump in the groin or scrotum area, around the pubic bone, is a common sign of an inguinal hernia. The lump sometimes goes away when pushed or when the person lies down. If it doesn’t, the case may be more serious and may require immediate surgery.

People may experience pain or discomfort in the affected area, particularly when lifting, bending, or coughing. Hernia pain is somewhat common but not universal; often a bulge appears without any unwanted sensations. Signs of strangulation include nausea, vomiting, and the sudden onset of pain. Anyone who feels these symptoms should call a doctor and discuss their options.