Is a bulge in my groin or belly button a hernia?

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Common hernias

• Inguinal hernia: in the groin, much more common in men; may reach into the scrotum
• Umbilical hernia: at or near the belly button, common after pregnancy or with extra weight
• Ventral or incisional hernia: in the front of the belly, including near an old incision

Typical symptoms

• A bulge that comes and goes
• An ache, pressure or burning, worse at the end of the day or with activity
• Discomfort when lifting, coughing or straining

Some hernias cause no pain at all. Other lumps, such as swollen lymph nodes or fatty lumps, can look similar, which is why an exam matters.

What happens next

Hernias do not heal on their own. Small hernias with few symptoms can sometimes be watched. Hernias that hurt, grow or limit your activities are usually repaired. Many repairs are done with minimally invasive surgery, and recurrent inguinal and ventral hernias are primarily repaired with the Da Vinci robotic system.

Women with a groin bulge should be evaluated promptly, because femoral hernias, which are more common in women, are more likely to become trapped.

When to see a surgeon

• A new bulge in the groin, at the belly button or near an old scar
• A hernia that is growing or aching
• A hernia that has come back after a previous repair

Get urgent care: Go to the ER if a bulge becomes firm, very painful or discolored, or will not go back in, especially with nausea or vomiting.

Learn more: Hernia surgery in Port Charlotte · Umbilical hernia

Talk with Dr. Tufts

Dr. Tufts is a minimally invasive and endoscopic general surgeon. To have your symptoms evaluated or talk through your options, call (941) 391-5102 to schedule a visit at Charlotte Harbor Surgical, 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980. We see patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood, Cape Coral and North Fort Myers and across Southwest Florida.

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Matthew Tufts, MD, FACS, a board-certified minimally invasive and endoscopic general surgeon in Port Charlotte, FL. Last reviewed 2026-11-11.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Every patient is different. Dr. Tufts will review your history, exam and test results with you and explain the options, benefits and risks that apply to you.