How Do I Know if I Have a Hernia? A ‘hernia’ happens when an internal part of your body protrudes out of its typical structure. They are caused when your muscles, tendons, or bones weakening during the aging process, or by excess stress or weight being placed on a part of your body. You’ve probably heard of a ‘herniated disc’ - which is an abnormal protrusion of your spinal nerves pushing out of the canals in your spine. But this hernia belt for women and men is for treating stomach and abdominal hernias - where your intestines or internal organs are pushing through your abdomen muscles, creating a visible bulge or pouch. Many people get confused between an abdominal hernia and abdominal muscle strain as they have similar symptoms and causes. If you aren’t sure which condition you have, check out this chart to help diagnose your abdominal pain. Why Would I Need An Abdominal Hernia Treatment Belt? Unfortunately, the only way to completely treat and repair a hernia is through undergoing surgery. But you may be able to postpone hernia surgery or choose not to have it at all if a hernia is small. If you are waiting for surgery, wearing this hernia support band will greatly reduce your discomfort. The pad on this hernia belt applies compression directly over your hernia to keep it in place so it doesn’t bulge out further. If you do have surgery, your bulging intestine will be pushed back through the hole in your abdominal wall, then the hole will be sewn shut. You won’t be able to do much physical activity until you are completely healed, leaving your stomach vulnerable to muscle loss. You can wear this belt with or without the pad to provide compression and support to your abdominal wall so your muscles heal properly. Hernia support belts protect your incision site and reduce the chances of your hernia recurring. Why this is the Best Umbilical Hernia Binder for Women and Men Removable Hernia Pad • This pad has a raised bump which should be placed right on top of your bulge to help provide maximum compression to the hernia. This relieves abdominal pain when you move, twist, and even cough. • The shape of the pad puts pressure directly on your hernia to help keep it confined and prevent it from protruding out more. • You can wear it in preparation for your surgery as well as post surgery. • Made silicone and plastic, surrounded by a thin Lycra cover (85% polyester, 15% spandex) making it comfortable yet tough enough to support a hernia in your abdomen. • The fastener on the back of the pad allows you to remove it and place it anywhere along the belt, depending on the location of your hernia. • The removable and washable cover is made of terrycloth fabric (100% polyester) making it soft and comfortable against your skin This innovative pad makes our hernia brace better than a cheap one you might find at your local Walmart or CVS. If you already have a hernia belt but the pad is getting old or overused - you can buy an extra hernia pad here. Easy and Quick Application This hernia waistband belt for women is easy and quick to apply! Wrapping this hernia garment around your waist only takes seconds and doesn’t require any assistance to secure it. No pesky clasps or buckles! The easy fastener is convenient if you have arthritic hands. Lightweight and Breathable Material This hernia binder is comprised of nylon and spandex material and all parts of the brace are latex-free. This lightweight medical device enables you to wear it over your clothes or discreetly beneath them, depending on your preference. Removable Flexible Spiral Stays Prevent Rolling The stays located on both sides of the belt help ensure the brace doesn’t roll down or bunch up while you wear it. The splints provide stability but can be removed if you don’t need them. What Are The Different Kinds of Hernias Found in Women and Men? There are many different types of hernias you can get. There are even some abdominal hernias that women alone are more prone to. How unfair right? These are the most common: Abdominal Hernias Umbilical Hernias (also called Navel or Belly Button Hernia) Incisional Hernias (also called Ventral Hernia Groin Hernias Inguinal Hernias Rectus Femoral Hernias Obturator Hernias For groin hernias, check out our compression groin wrap to help support the region while you wait for surgery. Esophagus Hernias Hiatal Hernias This belt is only recommended for abdominal hernias, which you can read more about below: Types of Abdominal Hernias this Brace Treats: Umbilical Hernias (Belly Button Hernias or Navel Hernias): Umbilical hernias are when your intestine pushes through the muscle behind your belly button. Although umbilical hernias are most likely seen in babies after they’re born, they’re seen in adults too. Umbilical hernias are frequently seen in women for many different reasons. Being an overweight individual, having frequent pregnancies or having twins, etc., past stomach surgery, and a chronic cough all make you more prone to umbilical hernias.  Symptoms of umbilical hernias include a bulge in the middle of your stomach, pain especially when coughing, pressure and discomfort. Incisional or Ventral Hernias: These hernias are a result of a past surgery to your abdomen region. Typically, abdominal surgeries such as having a C-section or getting a tummy tuck, make the muscles in your stomach or abdomen weak. This weakness leads to the development of hernias after your surgery. If I’m Pregnant, Am I More Susceptible To Umbilical Hernias? Abdomen hernias are found in expecting mothers due to the extra pressure that is being placed on the stomach. For women that are diagnosed with an umbilical hernia during pregnancy, it’s advised to wait until after you’ve delivered your baby to have surgery to fix your herniated navel. You should be fully recovered from your delivery before considering surgery to get your diastasis recti treated. Wearing a hernia belt during your pregnancy is a great option to help give you relief while you wait for your child to be born. The wide range of sizes makes it easy for you to find the right fit and even get a larger size as your baby grows. Or if you’re considered obese or plus size, the variety of sizes makes it easy for you find the perfect size for your body. The elastic band is available for body circumferences from 28” up to 58”. At BraceAbility, we have a wide selection of other maternity support belts, braces, binders, and wraps to help you feel comfortable throughout your pregnancy! Frequently Asked Questions About The Hernia Belt for Females What conditions does this hernia belt treat? This truss belt helps give relief to those suffering from abdominal hernias such as umbilical hernias, navel/belly button hernias, incisional hernias, and ventral hernias. It’s a great option for those wanting or needing to postpone hernia surgery. How do I know which size to get? Using a fabric tape measure, measure the circumference around your body at the location of your hernia. This hernia corset fits body circumferences of 28”-60” How do I put on the brace? Position the pad on the inside of the belt based on the location of your hernia. Next, wrap the hernia band around your body and secure the fastener. Adjust the position of the pad as needed; the pad should put pressure directly on your hernia. The two supportive stays on the sides can be removed if you wish. How do I adjust the hernia pad? To adjust the location, you simply remove the silicone pad that is secured by fastener closures and place it right on top of your hernia region. What is the height of the belt? This abdominal wrap is available in 5” and 8" height options. What material is this hernia brace made of? Belt: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex, Pad: Silicone with Polyester cover. Soft Removable Pad Cover: Lycra and Terrycloth fabric (85% Polyester, 15% Spandex). All components are latex-free. Can I wash the brace? Before washing, remove both of the spiral stays and the soft fabric cover of the hernia pad. Hand wash the belt and fabric cover of the hernia pad in warm water with mild soap. Lay flat to air-dry. Do not use high temperatures to wash or dry.