Does an inguinal hernia go away without surgery?

← All patient questions

Why hernias do not heal

Pushing the bulge back in, lying down or wearing a support can make it disappear for a while, but the opening is still there. Every cough, lift or strain pushes tissue back through it.

Watchful waiting

For some men with a small inguinal hernia that causes few or no symptoms, watching it is a reasonable choice. Many of these hernias eventually become uncomfortable and are repaired later. A planned repair is generally safer and easier to recover from than emergency surgery. Groin hernias in women are usually repaired.

What about a truss or hernia belt?

A truss may ease discomfort for a short time but does not fix the hernia, and a poorly fitted one can cause problems. Ask before relying on one.

How hernias are repaired

Most inguinal hernia repairs are outpatient. Repairs are done laparoscopically, robotically or through a small open incision, usually with mesh to reinforce the weak area. Recurrent inguinal hernias are primarily repaired with the Da Vinci robotic system. Dr. Tufts will recommend the approach that fits your hernia and your health.

When to see a surgeon

• A hernia that aches, is growing, or limits work or exercise
• A hernia that is harder to push back in
• Any groin hernia in a woman

Get urgent care: A hernia that becomes firm, very painful or will not go back in, especially with nausea or vomiting, is an emergency. Go to the ER.

Learn more: Hernia surgery in Port Charlotte · Da Vinci robotic surgery

Talk with Dr. Tufts

Dr. Tufts is a minimally invasive and endoscopic general surgeon. To have your symptoms evaluated or talk through your options, call (941) 391-5102 to schedule a visit at Charlotte Harbor Surgical, 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980. We see patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood, Cape Coral and North Fort Myers and across Southwest Florida.

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Matthew Tufts, MD, FACS, a board-certified minimally invasive and endoscopic general surgeon in Port Charlotte, FL. Last reviewed 2026-11-11.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Every patient is different. Dr. Tufts will review your history, exam and test results with you and explain the options, benefits and risks that apply to you.