How Do I Know If I Have a Hernia?

Updated on Mar 27, 2026 | Surgery, Your Health

Are you wondering if that ache you feel in the lower belly area is a hernia?

Hernias are very common in women and men and symptoms can vary. Typically, they cause a lingering pain and discomfort that doesn’t go away. They are not usually dangerous or life threatening, but they can cause complications. Most hernias can be surgically repaired and care is straightforward and manageable.

In this Q&A, Jenny Zhang, MD, an expert in hernia, bariatric, and minimally invasive surgery at Mount Sinai Doctors-Brooklyn, and Assistant Professor of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains how to recognize the signs of a hernia, your treatment options, and why minimally invasive surgery may be a good option.

What is a hernia?           

A hernia is a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall or diaphragm. You can think of the abdomen as a bag filled with pebbles. When there is a hole or weak spot in the bag, the pebbles can push through. Similarly, when a hernia is present, internal organs or fat can protrude through that defect. This can lead to discomfort and potential complications.

What causes a hernia?

There is no clear answer but in general, lifting heavy objects, standing for many hours, chronic coughing, severe vomiting, or doing strenuous activities that strain the abdomen can cause a hernia.

What are the most common types of hernias?

There are many kinds of hernias, but there are two general categories, abdominal wall hernias and diaphragmatic hernias.

Abdominal wall hernias present as bulges in the abdomen or the groin areas. They include:

  • Umbilical hernia: A weakness that forms in the abdominal wall through and around the belly button. Most people with this hernia first notice discomfort or a bulge around the belly button.
  • Inguinal hernia: Occurs in the groin near the opening of the inguinal canal, and it may grow larger over time.
  • Ventral hernia: Develops when a weak spot in the abdomen enables abdominal tissue or an organ to protrude through it.
  • Femoral hernia: Develops in the upper thigh and groin. It is due to weakness in the femoral canal.
  • Incisional hernia: A protrusion of tissue at the site of a healing surgical scar.
  • Diaphragmatic hernias, such as hiatal hernias, do not typically cause a bulge but are associated with symptoms of heartburn, difficulty eating, or swallowing. There is a weakness in the diaphragm, and a portion of the stomach or intestine protrude up through it.

Jenny Zhang, MD

What are signs of a hernia?

That can depend on the type of hernia.

  • Abdominal wall hernias usually present as a bulge in the abdomen. They are often smaller in the morning and get bigger at the end of the day. They become more noticeable when someone is standing for a prolonged period, lifting heavy objects, or straining their abdomen.
  • Diaphragmatic hiatal hernias are associated with eating problems, such as constant heartburn, regurgitation, or feeling like food is stuck in the chest.

When is it time to see a doctor?

In general, it’s important to see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • A bulge or lump in the abdomen or groin area
  • Sudden or severe pain by the bulge area; aching, pressure, burning, or a dull, nagging pain, or a burning sensation when coughing
  • Heartburn or reflux type of symptoms
  • Nausea or vomiting that’s not from food poisoning or a related virus

 How do you diagnose a hernia?

Abdominal wall hernias are usually diagnosed with a physical exam. In some cases, imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Diaphragmatic hiatal hernias cannot be diagnosed by physical exam alone and require additional testing, such as endoscopy, manometry, or CT imaging.

What is the treatment for hernias?

The definitive treatment for a hernia is surgery. The defect is not going to close on its own and may increase in size over time. There are two main surgical approaches that I offer:

  • Open repair is a traditional approach where a single larger incision is made for direct access to push the protruding tissue back into the abdomen. It‘s often used for larger complex surgeries. The recovery time is longer with typically more pain.
  • Minimally invasive approach
  • Laparoscopic repair is a minimally invasive repair method where small incisions are made with use of a camera, and specialized tools. The recovery time is faster with less pain and fewer infections.
  • Robotic-assisted repair is a variation of laparoscopic surgery where a robotic system is used to enhance precision, control, and visualization during complex repairs.

What are the benefits of robotic surgery for hernias?

I perform robotic surgery for hernias often and this option is becoming more popular because of its unique benefits for patients.

Some key benefits include:

  • Faster, more comfortable recovery, less pain and discomfort, and quicker return to normal activities.
  • Minimal scarring because the procedure uses small incisions.
  • Hospital stay is shorter, most patients go home the same day of surgery.
  • Less risk of complications because advanced technology and imaging pinpoint the precise location.
  • Lower recurrence of hernias because the robotic technology provides excellent dissection and suturing capabilities that allow us to make secure repairs.

What is recovery like after hernia surgery?

Most of my patients go home the same day within a few hours after surgery. Recovery involves managing mild to moderate soreness or pain, returning to normal diet in one to two days, and resuming light activity within one to two weeks. Patients can go resume their normal activities within four to six weeks. A full recovery  typically takes four weeks.

What distinguishes hernia treatment at Mount Sinai?  

Mount Sinai is a recognized leader in hernia care. We specialize in minimally invasive, robotic, and complex abdominal hernia surgeries. With advanced technology and extensive surgical expertise, we can repair a range of hernia types with minimal scarring, quicker recovery, and positive outcomes. As a premier research hospital and academic health system, we are always looking to improve the patient experience by applying scientific discoveries to the clinic.

Beyond that, what stands out is our comprehensive, personalized, and holistic care approach. When a patient visits us, they will feel comfortable, listened to, and have clear communication with our team of experts. We listen to their concerns and together we formulate the best individualized treatment plan. Patients can trust our team, and feel safe, supported, and confident in our care. With coordination across specialties, patients will have a seamless and stress-free journey from diagnosis and through recovery.

Please call 718-951-9661 to schedule an appointment.

Learn more about our hernia services at Mount Sinai Doctors-Brooklyn.

How Too Much Screen Time Can Affect Your Child’s Eyes

Updated on Mar 19, 2026 | Your Health

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise among young people.

One reason is that in today’s digital age, screens and devices are a larger part of children’s lives. When children spend extended periods focusing on screens, books, or other nearby objects, their eyes must work harder.

This prolonged close-up activity is thought to trigger signals that promote the eyeball’s elongation. It’s the combined effect of all near-work tasks throughout the day—not just screen time—that contributes to this risk.

Douglas R. Fredrick, MD

In this Q&A, Douglas R. Fredrick, MD, Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology at Mount Sinai Health System, explains why physicians and researchers are concerned that children are more susceptible to nearsightedness these days and what parents can do about it.

“By educating parents and pediatricians about the importance of limiting screentime and spending time outdoors, we can work together to slow myopia development in children and decrease the risk of irreversible visual loss down the road,” says Dr. Fredrick, who is also Professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

What is myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when the eye focuses light in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes far away objects look blurry while close objects stay clear. If your child has myopia, their eyeball is slightly longer than normal from front to back, and the only way to focus the light properly is by using glasses or contact lenses.

What is causing an increase in nearsightedness among children?

Contributing factors include extensive time spent on personal devices, too much time spent indoors, genetic factors, and less time in the daylight. Children with one or both nearsighted parents are more likely to become myopic. We don’t yet understand why researchers have found light plays an important role in healthy eye development. However most physicians and parents  agree that spending more time outdoors, in natural light, is good for children’s physical and mental well-being.

What symptoms should parents look for?

Children with myopia may exhibit the following symptoms:

What can a parent do about this?

A few ways parents can help lower the risk or slow myopia from getting worse include having your children:

  • Keep screens at least 12 inches away from their face
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
  • Spend at least one hour outdoors every day

Should parents limit screen time for their children?

Experts recommend setting screen time limits for children and teenagers to promote healthy development and prevent the negative effects of excessive screen time. Some general guidelines are:

  • Up to 18 months: No screen time, except for video chatting with family members
  • Age 18 months to 2 years old: Less than an hour of screen time, for educational use
  • Ages 2 to 5: Up to an hour of non-educational screen time is acceptable
  • Ages 6 to 17: Two hours of recreational screen time a day should be the limit with breaks every 20 minutes

What else can parents do?

Early intervention can yield significant, long-term benefits for your child’s vision and overall ocular health and lays the foundation for long-term myopia control. Your ophthalmologist may recommend the use of spectacles or contact lenses specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia or may even recommend the use of nightly eyedrops shown to also slow progression. Screen time with educational content can be beneficial when balanced well with other activities.

Why are eye exams important?

Regular eye exams are important for children to ensure early detection and treatment of vision issues, including myopia. Children should have their eye health and vision screened by their pediatrician or family doctor at  birth, three months, six months, three years, and before kindergarten. This is especially important if there is a family history of myopia. If any concerns are discovered at a screening exam, your child should be referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for a more thorough examination.

It’s important to diagnose myopia early to ensure kids don’t fall behind in school because they cannot clearly see the board in the front of the classroom. If not detected and treated, children with a higher degree of myopia can develop more serious vision problems later in life such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration and retinal detachment.

What occurs during an eye exam?

During your child’s eye exam, clinicians perform several tests to check for myopia. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe eyeglasses to help make vision clearer and keep myopia from worsening. Nearsightedness is usually treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or, in adults,  laser surgery (where a laser beam of light reshapes the cornea by removing a small amount of eye tissue).

How Nutrition and Digestive Health Affect Fertility and Pregnancy

Mar 7, 2026 | Your Health

A photo shows a woman with her hands on her abdomen.

If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions. Conceiving not only means timing ovulation; it also requires understanding how medications, nutrition, and digestive health may influence your fertility.

“Fertility is closely tied to overall metabolic and hormonal health,” says Tia Jackson-Bey, MD, MPH, a reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York and in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility for the Mount Sinai Health System. “Your metabolic health and digestive function both play an important role in fertility, and the steps you take now, along with support from your care team, can help build a solid foundation for conception and a healthy pregnancy.”

Tia Jackson-Bey, MD, MPH

“With the prevalence of weight loss drugs such as GLP-1 medications, you may have questions about how these may affect pregnancy and the ability to conceive,” adds Stephanie Gold, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Mount Sinai Health System. “These medications can be beneficial but need to be incorporated into an overall nutritional plan.”

In this Q&A, the two doctors explain how weight loss medications, nutrition, and your digestive health can affect fertility and pregnancy.

Dr. Jackson-Bey, Dr. Gold and Dara Goldfrey, MS, a registered dietician, recently covered these topics in detail in a webinar. Watch the full video here.

What is metabolic health and how does it affect pregnancy?

Metabolic health refers to your body’s ability to efficiently generate and process energy from food, characterized by optimal blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and waist size Medications such as GLP-1 drugs, commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight management, can influence weight, insulin sensitivity, and hormonal balance, all of which play a role in ovulation and reproductive function. For some people, particularly those living with obesity, insulin resistance, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), improving metabolic health may support more regular ovulation and create a more favorable environment for conception. However, treatment decisions should always be personalized, especially for people who are actively trying to conceive or planning pregnancy.

How does digestive health play a role in fertility?

Maintaining a healthy gut and digestive wellness also play a meaningful role in reproductive health. A healthy gastrointestinal system supports proper nutrient absorption, an essential factor for hormone regulation, menstrual cycle consistency, and early pregnancy health.

Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or chronic food intolerances can affect inflammation levels and micronutrient status, which may indirectly influence fertility. Managing digestive symptoms and maintaining balanced nutrition can help ensure you are getting the nutrients you need during the preconception period.

Stephanie Gold, MD

What should I know about nutrition and pregnancy?

Focusing on overall nutritional balance rather than restrictive dieting can help ensure you get the essential nutrients needed to support hormone health and ovulation in early preconception and pregnancy. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Prioritize lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
  • Stay well hydrated
  • Ensure adequate intake of key nutrients such as folate, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids
  • Monitor calorie and nutrient intake carefully if using weight-management medications
  • Work with a care team to maintain both healthy body weight and metabolic stability

Balanced nutrition supports hormone function, energy balance, and reproductive readiness, particularly when medication or digestive conditions may influence appetite or nutrient absorption.

Which health care specialists can help with nutrition and digestive health during pregnancy?

If you are planning to get pregnant, especially if you are considering fertility treatments, taking weight-management medications, or managing digestive conditions, early consultation with your health care team is important. Coordinated care among your reproductive endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, and nutrition specialists can help ensure medications, diet, and treatment plans are aligned with your fertility goals. Early conversations with your care team matter. Personalized planning before conception helps ensure treatments, nutrition, and overall health are working together to support the best possible reproductive outcomes.

Learn more about pregnancy care and planning at Mount Sinai
Learn more about Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York

She Didn’t Think Much of the Pain in Her Jaw, But She Was Having a Heart Attack: Doctors Say Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms

Mar 6, 2026 | Featured, Patient Stories, Your Health

When Jessica Rodriguez, 55,  experienced sudden, severe jaw pain one evening, she assumed it was related to recent dental work. But as the pain worsened overnight, she trusted her instincts and sought emergency care—a decision that saved her life.

At Mount Sinai Queens, Ms. Rodriguez was treated by Jonathan L. Murphy, MD, an interventional cardiologist, who quickly identified that she was having a severe heart attack, despite her initial symptoms being subtle. Additional testing revealed a 100 percent blockage in her right coronary artery, and Dr. Murphy immediately performed a life-saving stent procedure to restore blood flow to her heart.

Jonathan L. Murphy, MD. Click here to make an appointment.

“Heart attacks don’t always present as chest pain, especially in women,” says Dr. Murphy. “Symptoms like jaw pain, back pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath can be warning signs and should never be ignored.”

Thanks to rapid diagnosis and treatment, Ms. Rodriguez recovered quickly and returned home within a day. She has since made lifestyle changes to support her heart health, including increasing physical activity, improving her diet, and working to quit smoking, while also learning about her family history of heart disease.

Dr. Murphy emphasizes the importance of self-monitoring and self-advocacy. “If something doesn’t feel right, listen to your body and seek care,” he says. “Acting early can save your life.”

Ms. Rodriguez, a Queens resident, now shares her story to encourage others—especially women—to take symptoms seriously.

“I almost talked myself out of getting help,” she says. “Trusting myself made all the difference.”

Schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai cardiologist

Why You Should Have an Annual Physical Exam

Mar 5, 2026 | Your Health

Have you been putting off that annual physical exam?

It may seem odd to see a doctor when you’re feeling well, but a physical exam—or wellness visit—can help prevent or catch health issues early.

“The annual visit is more than just a checkup,” says Marissa Pedro, DO, a primary care physician with Mount Sinai Doctors-55 East 34th Street. “It’s a chance for your doctor to partner with you and create an individualized approach to maintaining your health.”

Click here to make an appointment with Marissa Pedro, DO

In this Q&A, Dr. Pedro explains what happens at an annual exam and why it is important to establish a relationship with your primary care provider. “Whatever journey life takes you on, you will have a health provider who is right alongside you,” she says.

What is an annual physical exam?

At your annual exam, we will review your lifestyle, including diet and exercise, family history, and personal medical, surgical, and social history. It is an opportunity to ensure you are up to date on all recommended health and cancer screenings, as well as vaccinations. Screenings and blood tests will be ordered based on your age, family history, and risk factors, even when you do not have symptoms.

Why is it important to go every year even if I feel fine?

Regular screenings and doctor visits are critical because that is the way health problems can be prevented, or at least identified early, when they may be easier to treat. We can detect various conditions that may not have obvious symptoms in their early stages, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cancer, as well as anxiety and depression.

What kinds of medical questions can I discuss with my doctor?

Your annual exam is an opportunity to review chronic illnesses and medical concerns. If you are on medications, your annual physical provides the space to review these and even discuss strategies to consolidate medical therapies to help ease the burden of chronic disease. It is a time to ask questions, review treatment plans, and discuss any health issues that you may be concerned about, like an odd-looking mole or an achy joint.

Why is it important to have a primary care provider?

Think of your primary care provider (PCP) as your partner in your long-term health. An annual physical will allow you to establish a relationship with a provider who will learn about you and your medical history as it evolves throughout the years. Having a provider who is consistently involved in managing your health optimizes the care that you receive. For instance, having a central provider managing your care increases communication among your specialists and reduces things such as redundant testing. No one knows what the future may hold, but if health concerns arise, you can make sure that you are setting yourself up for the greatest likelihood of success and wellness.

Make an appointment with a Mount Sinai primary care physician

How Much Do You Know About Colorectal Cancer? Take the Quiz

Mar 3, 2026 | Cancer, Featured, Gastroenterology, Your Health

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for both men and women under the age of 50. There are many misconceptions about the disease, and knowing the facts can help you fight it. Can you separate myth from fact? Take the quiz below, then click “Done” to see your score and correct answers.

This quiz was developed with Pascale White, MD, MBA, MS, FACG, Director of Health Equity in Action for Liver and Digestive Diseases and Associate Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology and Liver Disease) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

 

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