Can You Live With a Hernia?
Short answer: Yes. Many people live with a hernia without needing immediate surgery. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore it.
If your hernia is not currently causing pain or discomfort, it's entirely possible to live with it safely for an extended period of time. However, hernias do not go away on their own, and over time, they can progress—leading to increased discomfort or potentially but rarely life-threatening complications. If one chooses to avoid surgical repair of their hernia, another consideration is the inconvenience, expense, and risk of an emergency surgery from an
incarcerated or strangulated hernia.
What is a hernia?
A
hernia occurs when an internal organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. The most common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), hiatal (upper stomach), and incisional (from previous surgery) hernias.
Is it safe to live with a hernia?
In many cases, yes. Research based on epidemiological data suggests that roughly 20% of people with a painless inguinal hernia can go several years before experiencing worsening symptoms or complications. However, increasing discomfort, pain, or hernia enlargement leads to the decision for surgical repair, which will end these symptoms.
However, any hernia carries a risk of emergency—such as incarceration (when tissue becomes trapped) or strangulation (when the blood supply is cut off). Though these situations are rare, they are serious and require emergency surgery.
Bottom line: You can live with a hernia for months or even years—but it’s crucial to monitor it closely and consult a specialist.
How do you know when it’s time for hernia surgery?
If the hernia becomes more uncomfortable or painful.
If the hernia becomes larger.
A hernia may worsen for a few reasons:
Weight gain—especially gaining visceral fat, which increases pressure inside the abdomen, making the hernia defect larger
Chronic straining—from constipation, persistent coughing, or possibly heavy lifting
Physical activity—though not always, some activities can aggravate symptoms
Still, some hernias remain stable for years, while others worsen quickly. It’s highly individual.Is it okay to push a hernia back in?
In many cases, yes—gently pushing the hernia back in (known as reducing the hernia) can be safe and may relieve pressure or discomfort.
However:
You should never force it
If the hernia doesn’t go back in and it it causes sharp pain, nausea, or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.
Some hernias are chronically incarcerated (stuck outside of the muscular wall ) and have minimal discomfort and are not an emergency
Tip: A hernia that suddenly becomes firm, tender, or unable to be reduced could indicate incarceration or strangulation—a surgical emergency.
What happens if a hernia is not treated?
While some people live symptom-free with a hernia, there are risks to delaying treatment, such as:
Incarceration (intestine gets stuck in the hernia leading to intestinal obstruction)
Strangulation (blood supply is cut off, risking tissue death)
Bowel obstruction, which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
In rare cases, untreated hernias can lead to life-threatening complications. With prolonged incarceration of a hernia, there is a risk of strangulation of the contents of the hernia. In this case there is a high risk of critical illness or even death.How long can you live with a hernia?
There is no definitive timeline. Some individuals live their entire lives with a hernia without needing surgery, while others face complications within months.
Regular check-ins with a hernia specialist can help you track any changes and decide when—or if—surgery is necessary.
Why Choose Center for Hernia Repair
At the Center for Hernia Repair, we understand that every patient is different. Whether you're monitoring a small, painless hernia or ready to pursue surgery, our goal is to offer:
Individualized treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle and health needs
Minimally invasive hernia repair techniques to support faster recovery
Guidance from Dr. Jonathan Yunis, a hernia specialist with 30+ years of experience.
We’re here to help you make an informed decision—whether that means living safely with your hernia or choosing surgical repair with confidence.
Still wondering if you should live with your hernia or have it repaired?
Contact us to schedule a consultation and get the clarity you deserve.FAQs
Can you die from a hernia?
Although rare, a strangulated hernia can cause severe symptoms and even death. It is important to have your hernia evaluated.
How do you know if a hernia is serious?
Seek immediate attention if you notice your hernia is becoming significantly larger or more painful.
Can a hernia burst?
Hernias are holes in the muscular abdominal wall. The bulge of a hernia is internal viscera (fat or bowel) protruding through the opening of a hernia. The initial presentation of a hernia when the internal fat or bowel leaves the abdominal cavity (through the hernia hole) toward the overlying skin can be thought of as a “burst”.
Can you exercise with a hernia?
Yes, you can exercise if you have a hernia, but it is recommended that you skip those exercises that involve straining or pulling the area where your hernia is located. Before doing exercises with a hernia, please consult with your doctor.
Can I lift weights with a hernia?
Prior to doing any exercises with a hernia, it is important to consult with your doctor. Lifting weights can theoretically make the hernia larger but there is little evidence that this is truly the case.
Does sitting make a hernia worse?
Prolonged sitting or standing can exacerbate symptoms of a hernia, as can other activities like coughing, sneezing or straining during bowel movements. However, sitting does not make the actual hernia worse.
Is it okay not to fix a hernia?
It depends on the size, location, and type of hernia. If it's not causing pain or discomfort, it may be okay to wait and monitor. However, some hernias can become incarcerated, requiring emergency surgery. It is best to seek the opinion of a hernia specialist.
How long can you go without getting surgery for a hernia?
It depends on the hernia and symptoms, some hernias can be monitored for years, while others may require immediate surgery. The natural history of a hernia left untreated is unpredictable.
Can you live a normal life after hernia surgery?
Yes, in most cases, patients can return to normal activities after a few weeks of recovery. However, the extent of physical activity may be limited initially.
After expert hernia repair, it is rare to suffer long term problems from the surgery.
Does hernia repair last a lifetime?
A properly performed repair with modern techniques will almost always last a lifetime.
Will my stomach shrink after hernia repair?
No, the repair will not cause the stomach to shrink. However, weight loss and maintaining a healthy diet can improve the overall appearance of the abdominal area.
What are the 4 abdominal hernias?
There are different hernias of various forms that can develop in the abdominal region and its surroundings. These include
umbilical hernias, epigastric hernias, incisional hernias, inguinal hernias and other types.
Signs of femoral hernia?
Sometimes a painful lump in the inner upper region of the leg or groin indicates the presence of a femoral hernia. As you lie down, the lump frequently vanishes or might be pushed back in. The lump could show up when you cough or strain. so hurry for your
femoral hernia checkupIs groin pain common?
Groin pain can be a sign of a
groin hernia but in other case it might be as a result of irritation inside the hip joint or a muscle strain.
Can you live with an umbilical hernia without surgery?
Living with an umbilical hernia without undergoing
umbilical hernia surgery is possible if it doesn't cause pain or discomfort. However, it's important to understand that an umbilical hernia won't resolve on its own in adults and may worsen over time without treatment. On the other hand, in children, there's a chance that the hernia may disappear naturally as they grow. To determine the most suitable approach for your situation, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional.
