Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMeaningTypesPrevalenceCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentRecoveryPreventionOutlookWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Meaning
Types
Prevalence
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Recovery
Prevention
Outlook
When to See a Provider
The risk of developing a perineal hernia is higher after getting pelvic surgery, but other injuries andpregnancycan also drive its development. In some cases, a person can be born with a perineal hernia. The only treatment option available is surgery.
This article explains everything you should know about perineal hernias.
The Good Brigade / Getty Images
What Does Perineal Hernia Mean (and What Organs Does It Affect)?
Types of Perineal Hernia
Different Types of Hernia in Men
How Common Are Perineal Hernias?
Perineal hernias are incredibly rare. According to research, the type that develops following injury, illness, pregnancy, or surgery occurs in between 0.6 and 7% of people.
Pelvic Pain in Men
What Causes Perineal Hernias?
Perineal hernias develop when the pelvic floor muscles and area become damaged. This damage can occur in various ways, including with pelvic surgeries, injuries, illnesses, or pregnancy.
Having open surgery (surgery that requires a large incision in the abdomen) is correlated with the development of perineal hernias. During this type of surgery, the pelvic floor muscles are stretched to the point of weakening.
During pregnancy, pressure on the pelvic region can also drive the weakening of the muscles and lead to a perineal hernia. Congenital perineal hernias are also rare but can occur if the development of the perineal cavity does not occur properly in the womb. In some cases, experiencingchronic constipationor straining while having abowel movementcan also drive the development of a perineal hernia.
Risk Factors for HerniaThe factors that increase a person’s risk of developing a hernia include:Heavy liftingStrain on the abdominal wallChronic coughPregnancySurgical procedures
Risk Factors for Hernia
The factors that increase a person’s risk of developing a hernia include:Heavy liftingStrain on the abdominal wallChronic coughPregnancySurgical procedures
The factors that increase a person’s risk of developing a hernia include:
Which Surgeries Increase the Risk of a Perineal Hernia?
There are several pelvic surgeries correlated with the heightened risk of developing a perineal hernia, including:
What Are the Symptoms of a Perineal Hernia?
In some cases, a person with a perineal hernia won’t experience any symptoms. However, when they do develop, the hernia will present with:
Groin Pain When Walking: 8 Possible Causes
How Are Perineal Hernias Diagnosed?
Since perineal hernias are visible, thediagnostic processwill start with a physical exam. A healthcare provider will also evaluate a person’s medical history to determine if they fall into any of the high-risk categories, such as those who have recently undergone major pelvic surgery.
How Are Perineal Hernias Treated?
The only way to treat a perineal hernia is throughsurgical intervention. Once the organs protrude through the pelvic wall, they must be manually put back into place.
Several surgical options are available for perineal hernias. The option chosen will depend on the severity of the hernia and the individual’s health.
Possible surgeries include:
During the procedure, a surgeon may also place synthetic mesh into the area to help keep things in place, strengthen the pelvic wall, and improve the overall outcome of surgery.
What Surgery Works Best?The type of surgery that is best will depend on individual circumstances. However, some research shows that abdominal surgery can lead to higher rates of hernia recurrence.
What Surgery Works Best?
The type of surgery that is best will depend on individual circumstances. However, some research shows that abdominal surgery can lead to higher rates of hernia recurrence.
What Is Recovery Like?
Like any other type of surgery, there is arecovery process. During this time, people may experience various sensations, including:
Hiatal Hernia Surgery: Overview
Can You Prevent a Perineal Hernia?
While you can’t always prevent a perineal hernia from occurring, you can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles through muscle-strengtheningKegel exercises. This will help reduce the risk of the pelvic wall weakening and, in turn, the risk of developing a perineal hernia.
If you struggle with constipation, you should also avoid excessive straining and try other techniques to get your bowels moving, such as using stool softeners or laxatives or speaking to your healthcare provider about potential causes and therapy options.
Pelvic Floor Exercises and Instructions
What Is the Outlook for Someone With a Perineal Hernia?
After treating a perineal hernia, there should be no long-term complications as long as the wound is cared for adequately. However, there is a chance of recurrence after surgery for this type of hernia.
Talking to your healthcare provider about prevention techniques could help keep recurrence risk to a minimum. Getting synthetic mesh placed during surgery also reduces the risk of perineal hernia recurrence.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience any changes in your bowel or urination habits alongside a bulge in your perineum. Additionally, you should contact them if you experience pain in the region while standing or sitting.
Summary
The only way to treat a perineal hernia is through surgery, and several options are available. The surgery chosen will depend on factors such as preference, severity of the hernia, and a person’s level of overall health.
When experiencing symptoms of a perineal hernia, such as a bulge in the buttocks, pain while standing, or difficulties using the bathroom, it’s essential to contact a healthcare provider. These signs can indicate a hernia or something else and should be investigated so that proper treatment can be given.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Watanobe I, Miyano S, Machida M, Sugo H.Primary anterior perineal hernia: A case report and review of the literature.Asian J Endosc Surg.2020 Oct;13(4):600-604. doi:10.1111/ases.12800Méndez-Ibarra JU, Mora-Sevilla JM, Evaristo-Méndez G.Hernia perineal posterior primaria asociada a dolicocolon [Primary posterior perineal hernia associated with dolichocolon].Cir Cir.2017 Mar-Apr;85(2):181-185. Spanish. doi:10.1016/j.circir.2015.12.009Kibret AA, Tekle SY, H/Mariam MM, Worede AG, Dessie MA.Prevalence and associated factors of external hernia among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient department at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialised Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.BMJ Open. 2022 Apr 15;12(4):e056488. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056488Stamford Health. What is a hernia?Types of hernia and risk factors.Ymisson, B. Hamad, A. Govindarahaj, N. Khan, A.Symptomatic Perineal Hernias: A rare but challenging problem after laparoscopic abdominal resection for rectal cancers. Combined abdominoperineal approach and biological mesh repair.Clin Med.June 6, 2018;5(2). doi:10.23937/2378-3397/1410077Wong KW, Lai TC, Ng AT, Ho BS, Tsu JH, Tsang CF, Ma WK, Yiu MK.Anterior perineal hernia after anterior exenteration.Asian J Urol.2017 Oct;4(4):253-255. doi:10.1016/j.ajur.2017.03.002Blok RD, Brouwer TPA, Sharabiany S, Musters GD, Hompes R, Bemelman WA, Tanis PJ.Further insights into the treatment of perineal hernia based on a the experience of a single tertiary centre.Colorectal Dis.2020 Jun;22(6):694-702. doi:10.1111/codi.14952Dahan M, Krief D, Pouget N, Rouzier R.Laparoscopic perineal hernia repair following pelvic exenteration: a case report.BMC Surg.2021 May 18;21(1):245. doi:10.1186/s12893-021-01237-9MyHealth Alberta.Hernia repair: What to expect at home.Kegel AH.The nonsurgical treatment of genital relaxation; use of the perineometer as an aid in restoring anatomic and functional structure.Ann West Med Surg. 1948;2(5):213-216.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Watanobe I, Miyano S, Machida M, Sugo H.Primary anterior perineal hernia: A case report and review of the literature.Asian J Endosc Surg.2020 Oct;13(4):600-604. doi:10.1111/ases.12800Méndez-Ibarra JU, Mora-Sevilla JM, Evaristo-Méndez G.Hernia perineal posterior primaria asociada a dolicocolon [Primary posterior perineal hernia associated with dolichocolon].Cir Cir.2017 Mar-Apr;85(2):181-185. Spanish. doi:10.1016/j.circir.2015.12.009Kibret AA, Tekle SY, H/Mariam MM, Worede AG, Dessie MA.Prevalence and associated factors of external hernia among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient department at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialised Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.BMJ Open. 2022 Apr 15;12(4):e056488. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056488Stamford Health. What is a hernia?Types of hernia and risk factors.Ymisson, B. Hamad, A. Govindarahaj, N. Khan, A.Symptomatic Perineal Hernias: A rare but challenging problem after laparoscopic abdominal resection for rectal cancers. Combined abdominoperineal approach and biological mesh repair.Clin Med.June 6, 2018;5(2). doi:10.23937/2378-3397/1410077Wong KW, Lai TC, Ng AT, Ho BS, Tsu JH, Tsang CF, Ma WK, Yiu MK.Anterior perineal hernia after anterior exenteration.Asian J Urol.2017 Oct;4(4):253-255. doi:10.1016/j.ajur.2017.03.002Blok RD, Brouwer TPA, Sharabiany S, Musters GD, Hompes R, Bemelman WA, Tanis PJ.Further insights into the treatment of perineal hernia based on a the experience of a single tertiary centre.Colorectal Dis.2020 Jun;22(6):694-702. doi:10.1111/codi.14952Dahan M, Krief D, Pouget N, Rouzier R.Laparoscopic perineal hernia repair following pelvic exenteration: a case report.BMC Surg.2021 May 18;21(1):245. doi:10.1186/s12893-021-01237-9MyHealth Alberta.Hernia repair: What to expect at home.Kegel AH.The nonsurgical treatment of genital relaxation; use of the perineometer as an aid in restoring anatomic and functional structure.Ann West Med Surg. 1948;2(5):213-216.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Watanobe I, Miyano S, Machida M, Sugo H.Primary anterior perineal hernia: A case report and review of the literature.Asian J Endosc Surg.2020 Oct;13(4):600-604. doi:10.1111/ases.12800Méndez-Ibarra JU, Mora-Sevilla JM, Evaristo-Méndez G.Hernia perineal posterior primaria asociada a dolicocolon [Primary posterior perineal hernia associated with dolichocolon].Cir Cir.2017 Mar-Apr;85(2):181-185. Spanish. doi:10.1016/j.circir.2015.12.009Kibret AA, Tekle SY, H/Mariam MM, Worede AG, Dessie MA.Prevalence and associated factors of external hernia among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient department at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialised Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.BMJ Open. 2022 Apr 15;12(4):e056488. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056488Stamford Health. What is a hernia?Types of hernia and risk factors.Ymisson, B. Hamad, A. Govindarahaj, N. Khan, A.Symptomatic Perineal Hernias: A rare but challenging problem after laparoscopic abdominal resection for rectal cancers. Combined abdominoperineal approach and biological mesh repair.Clin Med.June 6, 2018;5(2). doi:10.23937/2378-3397/1410077Wong KW, Lai TC, Ng AT, Ho BS, Tsu JH, Tsang CF, Ma WK, Yiu MK.Anterior perineal hernia after anterior exenteration.Asian J Urol.2017 Oct;4(4):253-255. doi:10.1016/j.ajur.2017.03.002Blok RD, Brouwer TPA, Sharabiany S, Musters GD, Hompes R, Bemelman WA, Tanis PJ.Further insights into the treatment of perineal hernia based on a the experience of a single tertiary centre.Colorectal Dis.2020 Jun;22(6):694-702. doi:10.1111/codi.14952Dahan M, Krief D, Pouget N, Rouzier R.Laparoscopic perineal hernia repair following pelvic exenteration: a case report.BMC Surg.2021 May 18;21(1):245. doi:10.1186/s12893-021-01237-9MyHealth Alberta.Hernia repair: What to expect at home.Kegel AH.The nonsurgical treatment of genital relaxation; use of the perineometer as an aid in restoring anatomic and functional structure.Ann West Med Surg. 1948;2(5):213-216.
Watanobe I, Miyano S, Machida M, Sugo H.Primary anterior perineal hernia: A case report and review of the literature.Asian J Endosc Surg.2020 Oct;13(4):600-604. doi:10.1111/ases.12800
Méndez-Ibarra JU, Mora-Sevilla JM, Evaristo-Méndez G.Hernia perineal posterior primaria asociada a dolicocolon [Primary posterior perineal hernia associated with dolichocolon].Cir Cir.2017 Mar-Apr;85(2):181-185. Spanish. doi:10.1016/j.circir.2015.12.009
Kibret AA, Tekle SY, H/Mariam MM, Worede AG, Dessie MA.Prevalence and associated factors of external hernia among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient department at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialised Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.BMJ Open. 2022 Apr 15;12(4):e056488. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056488
Stamford Health. What is a hernia?Types of hernia and risk factors.
Ymisson, B. Hamad, A. Govindarahaj, N. Khan, A.Symptomatic Perineal Hernias: A rare but challenging problem after laparoscopic abdominal resection for rectal cancers. Combined abdominoperineal approach and biological mesh repair.Clin Med.June 6, 2018;5(2). doi:10.23937/2378-3397/1410077
Wong KW, Lai TC, Ng AT, Ho BS, Tsu JH, Tsang CF, Ma WK, Yiu MK.Anterior perineal hernia after anterior exenteration.Asian J Urol.2017 Oct;4(4):253-255. doi:10.1016/j.ajur.2017.03.002
Blok RD, Brouwer TPA, Sharabiany S, Musters GD, Hompes R, Bemelman WA, Tanis PJ.Further insights into the treatment of perineal hernia based on a the experience of a single tertiary centre.Colorectal Dis.2020 Jun;22(6):694-702. doi:10.1111/codi.14952
Dahan M, Krief D, Pouget N, Rouzier R.Laparoscopic perineal hernia repair following pelvic exenteration: a case report.BMC Surg.2021 May 18;21(1):245. doi:10.1186/s12893-021-01237-9
MyHealth Alberta.Hernia repair: What to expect at home.
Kegel AH.The nonsurgical treatment of genital relaxation; use of the perineometer as an aid in restoring anatomic and functional structure.Ann West Med Surg. 1948;2(5):213-216.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
