Hernia Awareness Month: Understanding When to Seek Care
June is recognized as National Hernia Awareness Month, highlighting a common yet often overlooked condition that affects millions of Americans each year. General surgeons at CRMC are encouraging individuals to understand the symptoms of hernias and seek care early to avoid complications.
A hernia occurs when tissue, or an organ, pushes through a weakened area of muscle, most often in the abdomen or groin. While some hernias begin with minimal discomfort, they typically worsen over time and do not resolve on their own.
Approximately 5 million Americans are living with a hernia each year, and surgeons perform about 1 million hernia repairs annually in the United States. Men are more commonly affected, particularly by inguinal hernias in the groin, with a lifetime risk of about 27 percent, compared to about 3 percent for women.
Hernias Are More Common Than Many People Realize
“Hernias are very common, but they should not be ignored,” said Andrew Loveitt, DO, Chief Surgical Officer at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center. “When patients seek care early, we can often treat the condition more simply and help them recover faster.”
A Patient’s Journey Back to Normal Life
For many patients, seeking care can be life changing.
“After experiencing ongoing pain following a double hernia surgery elsewhere, I came to CRMC for answers,” said Danny L., a recent patient at CRMC. “Dr. Loveitt took the time to explain all of my options, involved me in every decision, and made sure other potential causes were ruled out before moving forward. Since my surgery in March 2026, I’ve been pain-free for over two months.
I can sleep comfortably, work on my property, and get back to doing the things I enjoy. Dr. Loveitt and the entire team provided exceptional care, and I would highly recommend them to anyone considering hernia surgery.”
Common Types of Hernias
The most common hernias include:
- Inguinal hernias (groin)
- Umbilical hernias (near the belly button)
- Hiatal hernias (upper stomach)
- Incisional hernias (at the site of a previous surgery)
Hernias can affect people of any age, although the risk increases over time.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Common hernia symptoms include:
- A visible bulge under the skin
- Pain or discomfort during activity
- A feeling of pressure, heaviness or weakness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- A hernia that becomes firm, discolored or cannot be pushed back in
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Not every hernia requires immediate surgery, but every suspected hernia should be evaluated by a surgeon. Early diagnosis allows patients to understand their treatment options before complications develop.
If left untreated, a hernia can become incarcerated, meaning tissue becomes trapped. In more serious cases, the tissue can lose its blood supply—a condition called strangulation. Both conditions can require emergency surgery and may become life-threatening.
Minimally Invasive Hernia Surgery
“Today’s surgical techniques allow us to repair hernias safely and effectively, often using minimally invasive approaches,” Dr. Loveitt said. “Patients are often surprised by how quick and easy the recovery process is, with minimal disruption to their daily lives and work. The sooner patients come in, the more treatment options we typically have available.”
Schedule a Consult
If you’ve noticed a bulge, persistent discomfort or pain in your abdomen or groin, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Call to schedule a consult at 218-545-1048.