Femoral hernias are fairly uncommon. Also known as a femorocele, women are more likely to suffer from a femoral hernia than men. Estimates reveal that 1 in 20 groin hernias are femoral. The rest of them are inguinal hernias. A painful bulge forms in the inner (upper) part of the thigh or groin. Due to over-strain, a portion of the intra-abdominal tissue pushes its way through a weak spot in the muscles. When these tissues push its way through the wall of the femoral canal, it is called as a femoral hernia. The femoral canal consists of small veins, nerves and the femoral artery and is located just below the inguinal ligament. Again, most femoral hernias do not reveal any symptoms but if it obstructs, can cause severe problems and is deemed as a medical emergency due to strangulation.