How do you know if you have a hernia?

I have read that the majority of everyone posting has had hernia repairs.  My doctor has not mentioned anything about that to me.  Would I know if I had a hernia?  I am having an extended TT tomorrow morning

I think I will ask the doctor before surgery.  I will post as soon as I am able.  I am sure I will want your advise.

Often there is pain on lifting; or straining when in toilet; or sometime when coughing.
Some hernias do not cause pain and a good surgeon,in my opinion ,even if PS, saw hernia while cutting and removing excess skin-I would hope said doc would be extra kind and repair it as well while in there!
Health Healing Happiness on this new part of your journey!
Careful coughing moving breathing after the op. drink and rest but at times you gotta slowly move your body.
Mikimi in Israel

Most folks know because of some protrusion that they have had looked at by a doctor, or by some symptoms that they are experiencing. However sometimes it is a surprise when you are having another surgery that they discover it. My hernia was like that, I had no idea it was there till they opened me up for a mastectomy with reconstruction from my abdomen. The docs were surprised and so was I the next day when they told me about it.

My PS checked for hernias during the initial consult.  Mostly because hernia repair might mean insurance kicking in for some of the procedure.  All I had were separated muscles, no hernia.  But they don't always show up in an external exam and you don't always have obvious symptoms.  Most PS docs will fix any that they find.  Check with your doc to see what his protocol is.