Can a hernia cause pelvic pain after endometriosis surgery?

Yes—an abdominal wall hernia can cause pain that feels “pelvic,” especially after surgery. A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, and it may show up near an incision site (incisional hernia) or in the groin (inguinal/femoral). People often describe aching or sharp pain that’s worse with standing, coughing, lifting, straining for a bowel movement, or later in the day, and some notice a bulge that comes and goes.

That said, pelvic pain after endometriosis surgery can also come from several other sources that can mimic hernia pain, including scar tissue/adhesions, pelvic floor muscle guarding, temporary or persistent nerve irritation, or pain sensitization that lingers even after lesions are removed. The most helpful next step is to map your pain pattern—exact location (incision vs groin vs deep pelvis), triggers (movement/strain vs cycles/sex/bowel/bladder), and whether there’s visible swelling—so we can narrow the “lane” you’re in and choose the right evaluation. If you’re unsure what you’re feeling, reach out to our team; we can review your operative history, examine the abdominal wall and pelvis, and build a stepwise plan that targets the true pain generator rather than guessing.