Hernia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Roughly one-quarter of men and 3 percent of women will develop the most common type of hernia that occurs in the groin area.

Most hernias occur when pressure forces part of the insides to protrude through a weak spot or tear in muscle or tissue. Illustration by Minghui Zhang, Shutterstock

A hernia occurs when a tear or weakness in muscle or tissue allows part of an internal organ or the intestines to protrude through the affected area.

The prevalence of hernias varies depending on their type and factors such as age, sex, and other individual characteristics. About 25 percent of men and 3 percent of women will experience at least one of the most common types of hernias (in the groin area) in their lives.