Men advised to take proactive approach to prevent hernia

As the preeminent hernia specialist in the Western United States, Dr. Shirin Towfigh has diagnosed and treated a number of patients through incisional hernia surgery and other cutting-edge techniques. Though a hernia can form in anyone, Dr. Towfigh reminds her patients that there are far more documented cases of hernia symptoms in men than in women. While experts maintain that symptoms of a hernia in women are underdiagnosed – and Dr. Towfigh is a leader in appropriately diagnosing female hernia sufferers – the ailment is still a staggering 8 to 20 times more commonly found in males, suggesting a greater risk, even when misdiagnosis is accounted for. Simply put, if you're a man, and particularly if you regularly take part in physically strenuous activities, it's always wise to take a proactive stance against the risk of hernia with Dr. Towfigh and her team at the Beverly Hills Hernia Center.

Too often, men put off taking care of their own health. While this is often due to a praiseworthy desire to focus on the needs of their families and loved ones over themselves, the long-term result can be costly and damaging for their families as well as themselves. After all, early detection or prevention of a hernia is often a fairly minor investment in terms of both money and time, but if left untreated, hernias can lead to complications that are extremely costly. Fortunately, the expertise of Dr. Towfigh allows for accurate diagnosis of all types of hernia, including the most common type, an inguinal hernia.

Approximately 96% of all groin hernias are inguinal; this is because of a natural weakness in the inguinal canal in the groin area in men. Some hernias can lead to few or no detectable symptoms for an extended period, but inguinal hernias regularly involve a great deal of pain, making diagnosis and early treatment by Dr. Towfigh vital.

Of course, there are other notable hernia types as well, some of which, like femoral hernias, are actually more common among women. Femoral hernias occur when the intestine enters the canal carrying the femoral artery into the upper thigh. Women who are pregnant or obese are at particularly high risk of suffering from femoral hernias.

There are many things men and women can do to minimize the risk of developing a hernia. Whenever you undertake physical labor like lifting heavy objects, make sure to properly stabilize abdominal muscles and stretch appropriately beforehand. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight can also make a substantial difference. However, for men, women, and even children who may be at risk, a hernia can be best avoided by beginning a relationship with Dr. Towfigh and her team at the Beverly Hills Hernia Center.

If you or a family member is experiencing the symptoms of a potential hernia, or you just want to make sure you're in optimal health, contact the top hernia treatment team at 310-358-5020.