Health condition
Femoral hernia
A femoral hernia is a bulge just below the groin crease, more common in women, with a high risk of strangulation, so repair is recommended promptly rather than watchful waiting.
Why trust this guide
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Editorial team
Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.
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Sourced from guidance
Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.
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Current for 2026
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.
Key facts
The essentials at a glance.
The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.
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Typical symptoms: a small lump in the upper inner thigh just below the groin crease; many cause little discomfort until complications occur
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Femoral hernias carry a significant risk of strangulation and should be repaired promptly
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Seek emergency care for sudden pain, vomiting or a tender irreducible lump
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Specialist: a consultant general surgeon
Understanding the condition
What it is and what happens next.
What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.
What it is and how it feels
Femoral hernias emerge through the narrow femoral canal beneath the inguinal ligament, and their tight, unforgiving neck is exactly what makes them dangerous: bowel that enters can quickly become trapped and lose its blood supply. They are commonest in older women and are easily mistaken for inguinal hernias or groin lymph nodes.
Diagnosis and treatment routes
Because the strangulation risk is much higher than for inguinal hernias, guidance favours planned early repair rather than observation, using an open or laparoscopic approach with mesh. A femoral hernia presenting acutely with pain and obstruction is a surgical emergency where prompt operation protects the bowel. In many parts of the UK, routine NHS referrals for this kind of problem currently take 20-45+ weeks, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.
Seeing a specialist
Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.
The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant general surgeon. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Femoral hernia.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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Can you explain what femoral hernia is?
Femoral hernia refers to a recognised clinical condition that a GP or specialist assesses using your history, examination and, if appropriate, targeted investigations. The way it presents and its impact can vary considerably from person to person.
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What causes femoral hernia?
The exact cause of femoral hernia can involve a mix of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, and it isn't always possible to pin down a single trigger. A specialist assessment can help identify any modifiable risk factors relevant to you.
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What does femoral hernia look like?
Symptoms of femoral hernia vary from person to person and can range from mild and easily missed to significant enough to affect daily life. Because overlapping conditions can produce similar symptoms, a clinical assessment is the most reliable way to confirm what's actually going on.
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Is femoral hernia serious or dangerous?
Most cases of femoral hernia are manageable with appropriate care, though, like many conditions, it can occasionally lead to complications if left unassessed or untreated. Your clinician can give you a realistic sense of the risks based on your specific presentation.
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Does femoral hernia run in families?
In most cases femoral hernia isn't straightforwardly inherited, though family history can sometimes be a relevant background factor. A clinician can help you understand whether it's worth mentioning relatives' health when being assessed.
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Can femoral hernia be treated or prevented?
Femoral hernia can often be managed effectively, and in some cases prevented or reversed, with the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication or other targeted treatment. A specialist will tailor the approach to your circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan.
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What treatment options are available for femoral hernia?
Management of femoral hernia is individualised, ranging from conservative measures and monitoring through to more active medical or surgical treatment depending on how it's affecting you. A clear diagnosis is the first step towards choosing the right approach.
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How long does femoral hernia last?
The outlook for femoral hernia varies widely depending on the underlying cause, how early it's diagnosed, and how it responds to treatment. Many people see significant improvement with appropriate care, and your specialist can give you a more personalised timeframe once they've reviewed your case.
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What else could femoral hernia be mistaken for?
Because several conditions can share similar symptoms to femoral hernia, clinicians often consider a short list of possibilities before confirming a diagnosis. This is one of the main reasons a proper assessment, and sometimes targeted tests, matters more than relying on symptoms alone.
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When should I see a doctor about femoral hernia, and how quickly can I be seen privately?
It's worth seeking medical advice if symptoms of femoral hernia are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, rather than waiting for them to resolve on their own. NHS routine referrals for this kind of assessment can take anywhere from around 20 to 45+ weeks, whereas private consultants typically offer an appointment within about two weeks.