How to Safely Reduce a Hernia: 5 Doctor-Approved Steps You Can Do at Home

According to medical statistics, inguinal hernia accounts for approximately 75% of all abdominal wall hernia cases and can occur at any age, being particularly common in men. Many people only discover the condition when they notice a bulging mass in the groin area, causing pain, discomfort when standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, or coughing forcefully. Due to concerns about surgery, many individuals seek ways to reduce the hernia or treat inguinal hernia at home with the hope of improving their condition without medical intervention.

Tiptory notes that reducing the hernia can only provide temporary relief in some specific cases and is not a definitive treatment for inguinal hernia. This article will help you understand when it is safe to attempt to reduce the hernia, situations where it should absolutely not be done, and also share at-home treatments for inguinal hernia to alleviate symptoms, limit disease progression, and know when to seek medical attention to avoid dangerous complications.

When should you reduce the hernia?

Do not attempt to reduce the hernia in the following cases

• Do not attempt to reduce the hernia yourself if the person with inguinal hernia is an infant or young child. Children need to be examined by a doctor because the risk of strangulation can occur more quickly than in adults. Self-treatment at home can worsen the condition or delay appropriate medical care.

• Stop immediately if attempting to reduce the hernia causes pain, noticeable pressure, or discomfort. This could be a sign that the inguinal hernia is no longer easily reducible or that complications are developing. In this case, you should go to a medical facility for evaluation instead of continuing to manipulate the groin area.

Consider reducing the hernia when all conditions are met

• You should only attempt to reduce the hernia if you have been diagnosed with inguinal hernia by a doctor and it has been confirmed that the hernia is safely reducible. This is only a temporary supportive measure to reduce the sensation of pressure, not a method to treat inguinal hernia at home or a definitive cure.

• If your doctor has instructed you to use a hernia belt, compression bandage, or appropriate support device, you can follow those instructions. These devices only help keep the inguinal hernia in place during some daily activities and cannot heal the hernia opening on their own. Incorrect use or overuse can mask symptoms and delay treatment.

Important notes when caring for inguinal hernia

• Even if you can reduce the hernia, you should still follow up with your doctor as scheduled to monitor the progression of the condition. Currently, surgery remains the most effective and complete treatment for inguinal hernia.

• If the bulge cannot be reduced, is severely painful, the groin area is swollen and red, or you experience nausea, vomiting, or fever, go to the hospital immediately. These could be signs of a strangulated inguinal hernia, an emergency condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent intestinal damage and dangerous complications.

Part 1: How to reduce a hernia at home

Step 1: Prepare a hernia support belt

Choose the correct support device according to your doctor's instructions

• If prescribed, you can purchase an inguinal hernia belt, support belt, or device to hold the inguinal hernia in place at reputable medical supply stores or pharmacies.

• Each type of inguinal hernia has different characteristics regarding its location and size, so your doctor will advise on the most suitable belt for your condition. Choosing the wrong product on your own can reduce the effectiveness of support or cause discomfort during use.

• It should be noted that an inguinal hernia belt only helps support the abdominal wall and assists in reducing the hernia in some cases; it is not a method for treating inguinal hernia at home or a substitute for surgery.

Learn how to wear the belt correctly

• Before using, ask your doctor or a healthcare professional to show you how to wear the inguinal hernia belt in the correct position and adjust the compression force appropriately.

• The belt should be placed to provide gentle support to the inguinal hernia area, helping to prevent the hernia from bulging out when standing, walking, or exercising.

• Do not tighten the belt too much as it can hinder blood circulation, cause pain, or make the groin area uncomfortable. If increased pain, numbness, or skin discoloration occurs, remove the belt and contact your doctor.

Understand the function of each type of support belt

• Wrap-around inguinal hernia belts are designed to encircle the waist and hips, providing support to the abdominal wall, helping to keep the inguinal hernia stable during daily activities.

• Some types of support briefs or specialized belts have an additional pad that gently compresses the hernia area to prevent it from bulging out when coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects.

• Regardless of the type used, the goal of these devices is only to help control symptoms and make it easier for the patient to function. They do not cause the hernia opening to close on its own and cannot replace definitive treatment for inguinal hernia.

Step 2: Lie in the correct position before wearing the belt

Lie on your back to help return the hernia to position

• Before reducing the hernia or wearing an inguinal hernia belt, lie on your back on a flat and comfortable surface.

• This position helps reduce intra-abdominal pressure and uses gravity to help the inguinal hernia move back into its original position more easily.

• Avoid doing this while standing or sitting, as the pressure from your body weight can cause the hernia to protrude more.

Wear the support belt in the correct position

• If using a wrap-around inguinal hernia belt, place the belt under your back before lying down to conveniently wrap and secure it after the hernia has been returned to the appropriate position.

• For types of briefs or specialized belts worn like underwear, you can wear them while lying down or standing, depending on the manufacturer's instructions and your doctor's recommendations. The important thing is that the belt fits snugly and stabilizes the inguinal hernia area without causing pain or excessive compression.

Keep hands and devices clean before use

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an antiseptic solution before touching the inguinal hernia area or reducing the hernia to reduce the risk of infection.

• Before each use, check the inguinal hernia belt or support device to ensure it is clean, dry, and undamaged.

• Regular cleaning of the belt according to the manufacturer's instructions also helps protect the skin, reduce irritation, and increase the effectiveness of support during monitoring or at-home treatment for inguinal hernia as prescribed by your doctor.

Step 3: Reduce the hernia correctly

Gently return the hernia to position

• Only attempt to reduce the hernia when your doctor has confirmed that the inguinal hernia can be safely returned to the abdomen.

• While lying on your back, use your fingertips to apply gentle and even pressure to return the bulge to its original position. The movement should be slow, avoiding strong pressure or acting too quickly.

• If the hernia easily returns to position without causing pain, you can continue to wear the inguinal hernia belt as instructed by your doctor to help keep the hernia stable during daily activities.

Do not try to use strong force

• Reducing the hernia should not require much force. If you have to use significant force or the hernia does not move, stop immediately.

• Attempting to force the inguinal hernia back into the abdomen can increase the risk of damage to the abdominal wall, cause more pain, or mask signs of dangerous complications.

• Remember that this is only a temporary supportive measure, not a method to treat inguinal hernia at home or a cure for the condition.

Stop immediately if pain or abnormality occurs

• If you feel pain when applying pressure to the inguinal hernia, stop the manipulation immediately and do not continue to reduce the hernia.

• Contact your doctor or go to a medical facility for examination if the hernia becomes hard, cannot be reduced, is swollen and red, severely painful, or accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fever. These could be signs of a strangulated inguinal hernia or an incarcerated inguinal hernia, which require urgent treatment to prevent dangerous complications.

Step 4: Wear a belt to secure the hernia

Secure the hernia after returning it to position

• After successfully reducing the hernia, wear the inguinal hernia belt immediately as instructed by your doctor to help keep the hernia stable.

• If using a wrap-around waist belt, gently pull one end of the belt over your abdomen, then wrap the other end and secure it firmly. The belt should provide just enough support to keep the inguinal hernia in place without causing pain or difficulty breathing.

• Recheck after wearing to ensure the hernia does not protrude again when you change position or stand up.

Use support briefs or belts correctly

• For supportive briefs or wear-on inguinal hernia belts, wear them according to the manufacturer's instructions and your doctor's recommendations.

• After wearing, ensure the pad or supportive area is correctly positioned over the inguinal hernia to help prevent the hernia from bulging out during walking and daily activities.

• If the belt is misaligned, too tight, or too loose, adjust it immediately to achieve the best supportive effect.

Monitor your sensation after wearing the belt

• After wearing the inguinal hernia belt, you should feel that the groin area is firmly supported but still comfortable when breathing and performing light activities.

• If increased pain, numbness, skin discoloration, or the inguinal hernia still protrudes despite wearing the belt correctly, remove the belt and contact your doctor for evaluation. Using the belt only helps control symptoms temporarily; it is not a method to treat inguinal hernia at home or a substitute for surgical treatment when indicated.

Step 5: Use the belt for the correct duration

Wear the belt as instructed by your doctor

• Only use the inguinal hernia belt for the period recommended by your doctor. Do not wear it all day or extend the wearing time without consulting your doctor.

• Each person has a different degree of inguinal hernia, so the wearing time will depend on the size of the hernia, symptoms, and treatment plan.

• During use, if you feel pain, discomfort, or the groin area is compressed, remove the belt and contact your doctor for examination.

Understand the role of the hernia belt

• Reducing the hernia combined with an inguinal hernia belt only helps alleviate the sensation of pressure and limits the hernia from bulging out during daily activities.

• This is a temporary supportive solution; it does not cause the hernia opening to close on its own and cannot definitively treat inguinal hernia at home.

• To limit disease progression, you should also avoid heavy lifting, control your weight, treat constipation or chronic cough, and follow your doctor's instructions.

A support belt can be a solution while awaiting surgery

• In some cases, your doctor may recommend using an inguinal hernia belt while awaiting surgery or when the patient is temporarily unable to undergo surgery due to health reasons.

• Wearing the belt correctly can help the patient feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of the inguinal hernia bulging out during activity.

• However, surgery remains the most effective treatment for inguinal hernia. Therefore, follow up as scheduled to determine the appropriate time for intervention, instead of relying solely on reducing the hernia or treating inguinal hernia at home.

Part 2: When to see a doctor for inguinal hernia

Step 1: When is immediate emergency care needed?

Stop manipulation if pain or discomfort occurs

• If you feel pain, pressure, unusual sensitivity, or discomfort when reducing the hernia, stop immediately and do not continue to apply pressure to the inguinal hernia.

• Do not attempt to force the hernia back into the abdomen, as this can damage surrounding tissue and worsen the condition.

• After stopping the manipulation, contact your doctor or go to a medical facility for timely examination and evaluation.

Recognize signs of dangerous inguinal hernia

• Some cases of inguinal hernia can become trapped in the abdominal wall (irreducible hernia), preventing the hernia from returning to the abdomen as normal.

• When this occurs, the patient often experiences progressively increasing pain, the bulge becomes harder, and the inguinal hernia cannot be reduced even with rest or changing positions.

• This condition requires early evaluation by a doctor to prevent progression to severe complications.

Seek emergency care immediately if strangulated inguinal hernia is suspected

• If the inguinal hernia is twisted or strangulated, blood flow to the trapped tissue or intestine can be interrupted. If not treated promptly, the tissue can become necrotic, increasing the risk of severe infection and life-threatening conditions.

• Go to the hospital immediately if you have one or more of the following signs:

  • Severe and persistent pain in the groin or abdomen.

  • The inguinal hernia mass is hard, swollen, and cannot be reduced.

  • The skin over the hernia mass turns red, purple, or dark.

  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, inability to pass gas or stool.

  • Fever or unusual fatigue.

Do not delay treatment

• Complications such as strangulated inguinal hernia are surgical emergencies and often require urgent surgery to preserve viable intestinal tissue.

• Therefore, you should not continue to seek ways to treat inguinal hernia at home or attempt to reduce the hernia when warning signs have appeared. Going to a medical facility early helps reduce the risk of intestinal necrosis and improves treatment effectiveness.

Step 2: Discuss treatment with your doctor

Discuss the treatment plan with your doctor

• If you have been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, discuss with your doctor to choose the appropriate treatment method based on your health condition, symptom severity, and risk of complications.

• Pushing the hernia back in or using an inguinal hernia belt only provides temporary relief and cannot fix the weakness in the abdominal wall or definitively treat the condition.

• The doctor will assess the size of the hernia, its potential to cause complications, and your overall health to determine the appropriate time for intervention.

Surgery is the definitive treatment method

• According to current surgical guidelines, surgery is the most effective treatment for inguinal hernia as it returns the herniated tissue to the abdominal cavity and reinforces the weakened abdominal wall.

• Depending on the case, the doctor may recommend open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Each method has its advantages and will be chosen based on the patient's condition and physical health.

• Early treatment helps reduce the risk of strangulated inguinal hernia, limits chronic pain, and improves quality of life.

There is no cure for inguinal hernia

• Currently, there is no medication that can make an inguinal hernia disappear or cause the hernia opening to heal on its own.

• Pain relievers only help control symptoms in some cases and do not replace causal treatment.

• Therefore, do not believe advertisements about treating inguinal hernia at home with medicines, functional foods, or folk remedies that claim to completely cure the disease. Follow your doctor's instructions and have regular check-ups for monitoring and timely treatment.

Monitor the condition even if surgery is not yet needed

• Not all cases of inguinal hernia require immediate surgery. For small hernias with few symptoms, the doctor may recommend regular monitoring.

• However, if the hernia grows larger, becomes more painful, or you frequently cannot push the hernia back in, you should revisit your doctor early for reassessment and consideration of surgery before complications occur.

Step 3: Surgical Treatment for Inguinal Hernia

Surgery is the definitive treatment solution

• When an inguinal hernia causes pain, affects daily activities, or poses a risk of complications, doctors often recommend surgery for definitive treatment.

• The goal of surgery is to return the herniated tissue or bowel to the abdominal cavity and reinforce the weakened abdominal wall to reduce the risk of recurrence.

• Before surgery, the patient is typically given general anesthesia or local anesthesia as directed by the doctor, depending on the surgical method and health condition.

Open Surgery

• In open surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the inguinal hernia area to access the hernia sac.

• After returning the hernia to its correct position, the abdominal wall is repaired with sutures, and in many cases, reinforced with a synthetic mesh to increase durability and reduce the risk of recurrence.

• This method is often indicated for large hernias, complex hernias, or when the patient is not suitable for laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic Surgery

• Laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery uses small incisions in the abdominal wall to insert a camera and specialized surgical instruments.

• Thanks to magnified images from the camera, the surgeon can repair the hernia with minimal invasiveness.

• Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery generally results in less post-operative pain, less tissue damage, smaller scars, and faster recovery time. However, the patient still requires general anesthesia, and not everyone is suitable for this technique.

Choosing the Right Method for Each Individual

• The decision between open or laparoscopic surgery will depend on many factors such as the size and location of the inguinal hernia, history of abdominal surgery, age, underlying medical conditions, and the surgeon's experience.

• Discuss thoroughly with your doctor about the benefits, risks, and recovery time of each method to choose the most appropriate treatment direction.

• If you are looking for ways to push the hernia back in or treat an inguinal hernia at home, it is important to understand that these are only temporary supportive measures. Surgery remains the only treatment that can address the root cause of inguinal hernia and help reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Step 4: Post-Operative Care for Inguinal Hernia

• After inguinal hernia surgery, take pain relievers and other medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor to control symptoms and aid recovery.

• During the first 1-2 days, you may feel mild pain at the incision site, fatigue, or nausea due to the effects of anesthesia. These are common symptoms and usually improve gradually over a short period.

• If pain increases significantly, you develop a fever, the incision site becomes swollen, red, discharges fluid, or has a foul odor, contact your doctor immediately for examination.

Gradually Increase Activity Level

• Patients are often encouraged to walk lightly immediately after surgery to promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

• Within the first few days, you can gradually resume daily activities if you feel comfortable and your doctor permits it.

• Avoid lifting heavy objects, straining during bowel movements, or engaging in activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure until the incision has healed well.

Do Not Rush Back to High-Intensity Activities

• The time when you can lift heavy objects, exercise, drive, or perform strenuous work will vary depending on the surgical method, recovery rate, and individual health condition.

• Only resume these activities after being evaluated and cleared by your doctor.

• Exercising too early can increase the risk of prolonged pain or recurrence of inguinal hernia.

Consult Your Doctor Before Resuming Normal Activities

• If you have questions about when you can have sexual intercourse, drive, play sports, or return to work, ask your doctor directly during follow-up appointments.

• Adhering to the post-operative follow-up plan will help the wound heal well, shorten recovery time, and reduce the risk of complications.

• After surgical treatment, you no longer need to push the hernia back in or apply home remedies for inguinal hernia to manage the hernia. Instead, focus on post-operative care and maintain a healthy lifestyle to minimize the risk of recurrence.

Part 3: Causes and Prevention of Inguinal Hernia

Step 1: Differentiating Inguinal and Femoral Hernias

Locate the Hernia Mass

• If you detect a bulge in the groin or inguinal region, observe its location to initially distinguish between an inguinal hernia and a femoral hernia.

• Correctly identifying the type of hernia helps the doctor choose the appropriate treatment method and assess the risk of complications.

Characteristics of Inguinal Hernia

• An inguinal hernia typically appears in the inner groin area, near the crease between the abdomen and the thigh.

• This condition occurs when a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue in the abdominal cavity protrudes through a weak point in the abdominal wall at the inguinal canal, forming a bulge that may become larger when standing, coughing, or lifting heavy objects.

• This is the most common type of abdominal wall hernia, especially prevalent in middle-aged and elderly men.

• In some cases, the hernia can be pushed back in when lying down, but this does not mean the condition is cured or can be treated at home.

Characteristics of Femoral Hernia

• A femoral hernia usually appears lower than an inguinal hernia, in the outer groin area or close to the upper thigh.

• The condition occurs when tissue from the abdominal cavity protrudes through the femoral canal, a narrow space located just below the inguinal ligament.

• Femoral hernias are less common but have a higher risk of strangulation due to the narrow femoral canal, making the hernia mass easily trapped and hindering blood circulation.

• This condition is more common in women, especially those who have had multiple pregnancies or are obese.

When to See a Doctor Immediately?

• If you suspect a femoral hernia, you should seek medical attention early, even if the symptoms are mild.

• Seek emergency care immediately if the bulge becomes severely painful, firm, cannot be pushed back, the skin in the groin area changes color, or is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. These could be signs of a strangulated hernia, which requires urgent surgery to prevent intestinal damage and dangerous complications.

• Do not attempt to push the hernia back in yourself without accurate identification of the hernia type, as incorrect manipulation can delay treatment and increase the risk of complications.

Step 2: How to Identify an Umbilical Hernia

Recognizing the Signs of an Umbilical Hernia

• An umbilical hernia typically manifests as a bulge appearing directly at or around the navel. This lump may be more noticeable when coughing, crying, straining, or standing for long periods, and may reduce in size when lying down.

• This condition occurs when a portion of the small intestine or fatty tissue in the abdominal cavity protrudes through a weak point in the abdominal wall at the navel.

• The bulge is usually soft and can change size depending on posture or the body's exertion level.

Umbilical Hernia in Children

• Umbilical hernias are quite common in infants, especially premature babies or those with low birth weight.

• Most cases resolve on their own as the abdominal wall develops during the first few years of life. However, children still require regular monitoring by a doctor to assess the likelihood of the hernia opening closing spontaneously.

• If the hernia is large, does not shrink over time, or shows signs of strangulation, a pediatric surgeon may recommend surgery to prevent complications.

Umbilical Hernia in Adults

• In adults, umbilical hernias are more common in obese individuals, women who have had multiple pregnancies, or those with conditions that cause prolonged increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as chronic cough, constipation, or frequent heavy lifting.

• Unlike in young children, umbilical hernias in adults rarely resolve on their own and tend to increase in size over time if not treated.

• Patients should seek medical attention early for evaluation and advice on appropriate treatment, especially when the bulge grows larger or causes pain.

When to Go to the Hospital Immediately?

• Go to a medical facility immediately if the umbilical hernia becomes firm, very painful, swollen, the skin around the navel turns red or purple, or is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and inability to pass gas or stool.

• These could be signs of a strangulated hernia, a dangerous complication that requires urgent treatment to protect the function of the intestines and prevent severe consequences.

Step 3: How to Identify a Hiatal Hernia

Understanding Hiatal Hernia

• A hiatal hernia (hiatus hernia) occurs when a part of the stomach moves upward into the chest cavity through the esophageal hiatus in the diaphragm.

• Unlike an inguinal hernia, a hiatal hernia typically does not create a visible bulge outside the body. Therefore, it is mainly detected based on clinical symptoms and diagnostic tests.

Recognizing Common Symptoms

• If you frequently experience gastroesophageal reflux disease, you should consider the possibility of a hiatal hernia, especially when symptoms are prolonged or recur frequently.

• Common signs include:

  • Heartburn or burning sensation behind the breastbone.

  • Sour taste, reflux of stomach acid into the mouth or throat.

  • Sensation of food sticking in the throat or behind the breastbone when swallowing.

  • Feeling full quickly even after eating a small amount of food.

  • Bloating, distension, or belching after meals.

Differentiating from a Heart Attack

• Some people with a hiatal hernia may experience chest pain or pressure, especially after eating or when lying down.

• This symptom can sometimes resemble a heart attack, so you should not self-diagnose at home.

• If you experience severe chest pain that radiates to the shoulder, arm, or jaw, accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness, call emergency services or go to the hospital immediately to rule out dangerous cardiovascular conditions.

Individuals at High Risk

• Hiatal hernias are more common in women, overweight or obese individuals, and people over 50 years old.

• Additionally, conditions that cause prolonged increased intra-abdominal pressure such as chronic cough, constipation, heavy lifting, or pregnancy can also increase the risk of developing the condition.

• If you have symptoms suggestive of a hiatal hernia, seek medical attention for examination. The doctor may recommend gastrointestinal endoscopy or other imaging tests to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Step 4: How to Recognize Incisional Hernia

Recognizing the Signs of an Incisional Hernia

• An incisional hernia is a condition where a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue in the abdominal cavity protrudes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall after surgery.

• This condition can appear several months or even many years after surgery, especially at the site of an abdominal surgical scar.

• A typical sign is a bulge appearing directly on or near the surgical scar. This bulge is often more noticeable when standing, coughing, straining, or lifting heavy objects, and may reduce in size when lying down.

Who is at Risk for Incisional Hernia?

• The risk of incisional hernia is higher in older adults due to their reduced tissue repair capacity.

• Overweight or obese individuals also have a higher risk because continuous increased intra-abdominal pressure makes it difficult for the surgical wound to heal securely.

• Additionally, factors such as wound infection, chronic cough, prolonged constipation, smoking, diabetes, or exercising too soon after surgery can also increase the risk of hernia formation.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

• If you detect a bulge at the surgical scar, especially if the bulge grows larger or causes pain, you should seek medical attention for examination.

• Do not be complacent or try to self-treat at home, as an incisional hernia can progressively enlarge over time and increase the risk of complications.

Signs Requiring Emergency Care

• Go to the hospital immediately if the incisional hernia cannot be pushed back into the abdominal cavity, is severely painful, tense, the skin around the bulge is red or purple, or is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and inability to pass gas or stool.

• These could be signs of a strangulated hernia, a dangerous surgical complication that requires urgent surgery to protect the trapped bowel and prevent necrosis.

Step 5: Exercise to reduce the risk of hernia

Maintain a healthy weight

• Being overweight or obese increases pressure on the abdominal wall, thereby increasing the risk of inguinal hernia and other types of abdominal wall hernias.

• If you are overweight, develop a scientific weight loss plan by combining a balanced diet with regular exercise. Gradual and sustainable weight loss will provide more long-term benefits than rapid weight loss methods.

Properly strengthen abdominal muscles

• Regular exercise helps improve the strength of the abdominal muscles and core muscles, contributing to better support for the abdominal wall.

• Choose exercises that suit your physical condition and gradually increase intensity. If you already have an inguinal hernia, do not attempt exercises that put great pressure on the abdomen without consulting a doctor or rehabilitation specialist.

• Some studies show that stretching and flexibility exercises, such as yoga, can help improve mobility and reduce discomfort in some people with inguinal hernia. However, these exercises cannot make the hernia opening close on its own and do not replace medical treatment.

Lift heavy objects with proper technique

• When lifting heavy objects, bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use force from your legs instead of putting all the pressure on your abdomen and lower back.

• Avoid holding your breath or straining hard while lifting, as this increases intra-abdominal pressure, making an inguinal hernia more likely to appear or become more severe.

• If the object is too heavy or bulky, ask for help or use lifting equipment to reduce the risk of injury.

Understand the role of exercise correctly

• Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle help reduce the risk of inguinal hernia formation or progression, and also support the recovery process after treatment.

• However, exercise is not a method to treat inguinal hernia at home. Once a hernia sac has appeared, pushing the hernia back in, wearing a brace, or exercising only provides supportive benefits in some cases. If the condition causes pain, the hernia sac is getting larger, or there is a risk of complications, you should consult a doctor for appropriate treatment, in which surgery remains the radical solution.

Step 6: Reduce pressure on the abdominal wall

Limit factors that increase intra-abdominal pressure

• While inguinal hernia cannot be entirely prevented, you can reduce your risk by limiting activities that increase pressure on the abdominal wall.

• Avoid straining hard during bowel movements, over-exerting yourself, or making sudden strenuous movements, as these factors can weaken the abdominal wall and lead to hernia formation.

• If you already have an inguinal hernia, reducing intra-abdominal pressure can also help limit the protrusion of the hernia sac.

Prevent constipation and diarrhea

• Chronic constipation requires you to strain heavily during defecation, while chronic diarrhea also increases pressure on the abdominal muscles. Both can increase the risk of inguinal hernia or worsen the condition.

• To maintain healthy bowel movements, you should:

  • Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods such as green vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.

  • Drink enough water daily to soften stools and aid digestion.

  • Maintain light physical activity and establish a regular bowel movement schedule.

Do not try to suppress coughing or sneezing

• When you have a cold, allergies, or respiratory illnesses, you should not try to suppress coughing or sneezing as this can cause a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure.

• Instead, cover your mouth properly when coughing or sneezing and treat the cause of the cough as directed by your doctor.

• If you have a prolonged cough or continuous sneezing for several days, seek medical attention to control the condition early, thereby reducing the risk of an inguinal hernia progressing.

Maintain a lifestyle that protects the abdominal wall

• In addition to a reasonable diet and lifestyle, you should control your weight, quit smoking if applicable, and treat chronic cough or prolonged constipation early.

• These measures cannot cure inguinal hernia at home, but they can help reduce pressure on the abdominal wall, limiting the risk of new inguinal hernias appearing or the condition worsening.

• If the hernia sac is getting larger, causing a lot of pain, or you frequently have to push the hernia sac back in, visit a medical facility for assessment and timely treatment.

Not everyone can use a hernia truss

Supportive trusses are not suitable for all cases

• Not all people with inguinal hernia or other types of hernias can use trusses, compression bandages, or supportive devices.

• The effectiveness of these devices depends on the type of hernia, the size of the hernia sac, the severity of symptoms, and the risk of complications for each individual.

• In some cases, using a truss improperly can cause discomfort, mask symptoms, or delay necessary treatment.

Only use when prescribed by a doctor

• Before deciding to use an inguinal hernia truss, visit a medical facility for examination and assessment by a doctor.

• The doctor will determine if you can safely push the hernia sac back in, and also advise on the appropriate type of truss, size, and duration of use.

• Do not self-purchase and use products advertised as home remedies for inguinal hernia without professional medical advice.

A truss is only a temporary supportive measure

• An inguinal hernia truss supports the abdominal wall and helps limit the protrusion of the hernia sac during some daily activities, but it does not cause the hernia opening to close on its own.

• This device is often prescribed for people awaiting surgery or temporarily unable to undergo surgery due to health reasons.

• To definitively treat inguinal hernia, patients still need to be monitored by a doctor and consider surgery when indicated.

References

1. Fitzgibbons, R. J., Forse, R. A. (2015). Clinical practice. Groin hernias in adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(8), 756–763.
2. The HerniaSurge Group. (2018). International guidelines for groin hernia management. Hernia, 22(1), 1–165.
3. European Hernia Society. (2023). Updated guidelines on the management of groin hernias in adult patients. Hernia.
4. American College of Surgeons. Adult Inguinal and Femoral Groin Hernia Repair: Patient Education and Clinical Guidance.
5. Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). Guidelines for Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair.
6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Inguinal Hernia.
7. MedlinePlus. Hernia.
8. Merck Manual Professional Edition. Abdominal Wall Hernias.
9. Mayo Clinic. Inguinal Hernia: Symptoms and Causes.
10. Cleveland Clinic. Inguinal Hernia: Overview, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.
11. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Inguinal Hernia.
12. National Health Service (NHS). Inguinal Hernia.
13. BMJ Best Practice. Inguinal Hernia in Adults.
14. StatPearls Publishing. Malik, A., Bell, C. M. (Updated periodically). Inguinal Hernia. In StatPearls.
15. StatPearls Publishing. Kulaçoğlu, H. (Updated periodically). Femoral Hernia. In StatPearls.
16. StatPearls Publishing. Jensen, K. K., Henriksen, N. A. (Updated periodically). Umbilical Hernia. In StatPearls.
17. StatPearls Publishing. Haskins, I. N., Prabhu, A. S. (Updated periodically). Incisional Hernia. In StatPearls.
18. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Inguinal Hernias: Diagnosis and Management.
19. UpToDate. Overview of Groin Hernias in Adults.
20. UpToDate. Management of Inguinal and Femoral Hernia in Adults.

Content edited by: Ashley Wright Nguyen.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Daniel Carter.