Prevention

Most inguinal hernias cannot be prevented, especially in infants and children. Adults may be able to prevent a few hernias or prevent a hernia from recurring by following some of these suggestions:

• Avoid becoming overweight. Being overweight creates greater abdominal pressure and increases your risk for developing an inguinal hernia. Stay at a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
• Avoid rapid weight loss (such as in crash dieting). Rapid weight-loss programs may be lacking in protein and vitamins that are needed for muscle strength, causing weakness in the muscles of the abdomen.
• Stop smoking. Chronic coughing from smoking increases the risk of developing a hernia.
• Avoid constipation and straining during bowel movements and urination. Straining causes increased pressure inside the abdomen.
• Use good body mechanics when lifting heavy objects. Lift with your legs, not with your back. For more information, see the topic Back Problems: Proper Lifting.

Home Treatment

Home treatment will not cure an inguinal hernia.

Certain changes in exercise, weight, and personal habits may help to prevent some hernias. Lifestyle changes also may prevent hernias from coming back after you have had surgery to repair a hernia.

Talk with your doctor before wearing a corset or truss for a hernia. These devices are not recommended for treating hernias and sometimes can do more harm than good. There may be certain situations when your doctor thinks a truss would work, but these are rare.