What’s the Link Between Hernias and Constipation?

A hernia can lead to partial bowel obstruction if part of your intestines pokes through your abdominal wall. Partial bowel obstruction can restrict the movement of stool through your intestines and cause constipation.

An incarcerated hernia is the most common cause of small bowel obstruction. Hernias are classified as incarcerated if the tissue can’t be pushed back into its usual location.

The lifetime risk of a hernia becoming incarcerated is about 1–3%. As many as 30% of femoral hernias become incarcerated.

In severe cases, hernias can become strangulated. Strangulated hernias are medical emergencies that occur when the protruding tissue loses its blood supply. They require immediate surgery to prevent permanent damage to your bowel. Call 911 or local emergency services if you suspect you have a strangulated hernia.

Hernias usually don’t cause symptoms of bowel obstruction unless more than two-thirds of your bowel wall is involved. Bowel obstruction symptoms include:

• abdominal pain
• severe bloating
• abdominal swelling
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• inability to pass gas
• severe abdominal cramps

In severe cases, incarcerated hernias can lead to complete bowel obstruction. Complete bowel obstruction is a medical emergency where no stool can pass through your intestines. It usually requires emergency surgery.

Constipation caused by a hernia may cause symptoms like:

• discomfort during bowel movements
• small or thin stools
• infrequent bowel movements

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of constipation.

If your hernia is incarcerated, it may the area may appear or feel:

• red
• hard
• swollen
• painful to the touch

Increased pressure in your abdomen can potentially increase your risk of developing a hernia. Straining while constipated can increase pressure, as well as:

• chronic coughing
• obesity
• heavy lifting

In a 2022 study, researchers found that constipation was linked to a 3.67 times higher risk of developing a hernia in 403 people treated at a hospital in Ethiopia.

Symptoms of a hernia can include:

• a bulge in your abdomen or groin that may come and go with certain activities
• burning, dull, or sharp pain
• nausea and vomiting
• trouble having a bowel movement
• infrequent bowel movements
• swelling in your scrotum, for those who have one

It’s important to see a doctor or other healthcare professional if you have symptoms of a hernia, such as a noticeable bulge in your abdomen or groin.

Medical emergency

It’s critical to get emergency medical attention if you develop symptoms of bowel obstruction like severe abdominal pain or vomiting. Call 911 or local emergency medical services or go to the nearest emergency room.

The U.K. National Health Service recommends seeing a doctor for constipation if you:

• have no improvement with treatment
• are regularly constipated or have been constipated for a long time
• have been bloated for a long time
• have blood in your stool
• have unintentional weight loss
• feel tired constantly
• may have constipation due to your medications

Bowel obstruction requires hospital treatment. You may need surgery if your bowel is completely blocked or if you have a strangulated hernia.

For partial obstructions, doctors often wait to see if the obstruction improves before performing surgical treatment. They may administer:

• fluid intravenously to keep you hydrated
• a tube through your nose to remove fluid from your stomach
• medications to reduce nausea and vomiting or relieve pain
• a therapeutic enema to try to relieve the blockage

Small hernias not causing any symptoms might not need treatment. The only effective treatment for larger hernias is surgery.

A type of undergarment called a truss may help hold your hernia in place and reduce your symptoms.

Learn more about inguinal hernia repair.

Here are some frequently asked questions people have about constipation and hernias.

Can a hernia block bowel movements?

Inguinal hernias are responsible for about 20% of bowel obstructions. Bowel obstruction can cause constipation and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

What helps constipation from hernia?

Treatment for small bowel obstruction caused by a hernia usually involves surgery. A doctor may recommend dietary changes after your surgery, such as:

• eating smaller meals more frequently
• avoiding high fiber foods
• focusing on soft foods and liquids
• limiting caffeine and tough foods

Can you take a laxative when you have a hernia?

It’s not a good idea to take a laxative when you have a hernia unless a doctor approves it. If you have bowel obstruction, stool may not be able to pass through your gastrointestinal tract.

How should you poop with a hernia?

It’s a good idea to try to avoid straining as much as possible when using the bathroom with a hernia. Increased abdominal pressure may worsen your symptoms.

Hernias can cause bowel obstruction, which can cause constipation and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Straining when constipated can increase pressure in your abdomen that may increase your risk of developing a hernia.

It’s important to get medical attention if you believe you may have a hernia. It’s essential to call 911 or local emergency services and get medical attention if you have changes to your bowel habits that you believe are caused by a hernia.