A hernia that grows and becomes impossible to push back is called an incarcerated hernia. There is a risk that the blood supply to the protruding gut is cut off; this is a strangulated hernia. An incarcerated hernia may be painful and make you feel sick. A strangulated hernia is very painful. It is a serious complication and requires urgent surgery. A femoral or inguinal hernia is at risk of becoming incarcerated and strangulated because of its narrow neck. The risk of having a strangulated femoral hernia is about 1 in 5 at 3mths and 1 in 2 at 21mths. If you think you have a femoral or inguinal hernia, seek medical advice.
Attribution: BUPA