The most common cause of femoral hernia is an enlarged femoral ring. Less common causes of femoral hernia include increased intra-abdominal pressure and pregnancy.

• Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours, if left untreated. There are no life-threatening causes of femoral hernia, however complications resulting from untreated femoral hernia is common.

Femoral hernia may be caused by:^[1][2]

• An enlarged femoral ring
• A non-existent iliopubic tract or pectineal ligament
• A narrow posterior inguinal wall attachment on to the pectineal ligament

Less common causes of femoral hernia include:^[3]

• Increased intra-abdominal pressure
• Pregnancy

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