Being told you have a hernia can stir up a mix of emotions: relief that you have a diagnosis, concern about what it means, and often, anxiety about what comes next. In many cases, especially with smaller or minimally symptomatic hernias,¹ your doctor might suggest a watchful waiting approach where the hernia is monitored over time instead of being surgically repaired right away.² But what if that doesn’t sit right with you? What if the hernia is interfering with your life, or you're worried about it worsening and you feel ready to fix the problem now? We'll walk you through some things you can do.
 

In some cases, especially for inguinal (groin) hernias that aren’t causing severe pain or complications, studies show that it can be safe to delay surgery.³ Watchful waiting may be recommended to:

• Avoid surgical risks if the hernia is small and stable.
• Monitor whether symptoms worsen or remain manageable.
• Delay surgery until it’s necessary.

This approach can be common for older patients, those with other health conditions or concerns, or hernias that aren’t bothersome.
 

Even if your hernia isn’t considered urgent, (e.g. if you have an incarcerated or strangulated hernia) you are the one living with it and can determine how it affects your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Look out for these following symptoms which may require immediate care:

• You experience severe pain that gets worse over time.
• The hernia bulge feels firm and tender or changes color to red, purple, or dark.
• You experience extreme fatigue.
• You want to avoid waiting for an emergency situation to arise (e.g., the hernia becomes incarcerated).⁵
   

Your doctor can help you understand options for your individual hernia and overall health profile. Here are some tips to help you have an open conversation with your doctor about how you are feeling, and to help you and your doctor make a fully informed choice about whether watching and waiting, or surgery, is right for you.

Express how the hernia is affecting your quality of life: Be specific. Instead of just saying “it bothers me,” you could describe your experience in more detail. For example:

• “I feel pain when I stand too long.”
• “It bothers me when I bend over to tie my shoes every day.”
• “I’m afraid to lift my toddler.”
• “I’ve stopped working out because of the pressure.”
• “I’ve avoided golfing because I get anxious it will bother the hernia.” 
• “I’m anxious my inguinal hernia is affecting my ability to use the restroom normally.”
• “Even though my hernia is small, I get nervous to dress appropriately.”

Ask your doctor about your options:⁶ For example, you could say:   

• “I know watchful waiting is safe in many cases, but I’d like to understand if early surgery is an option and what the risks or benefits would be for me.”
• "I know watchful waiting is safe in many cases, but if we choose that approach, what symptoms should I lookout for? How do I know it's time for surgery?"
• "If we choose to watch and wait, when should I come back for another exam?"
• “I’d like to understand if early surgery is an option and what the risks or benefits would be for me?”
• "If surgery is an option now, would you use an open or minimally invasive technique?"
• "Would you use mesh to repair the hernia, and if so, what kind? Can you explain the different options, including bioresorbable mesh?"

Get a second opinion if needed: If you feel uncomfortable with the advice you’ve received, it’s perfectly okay to seek a second opinion from a different doctor. Not all surgeons approach hernias the same way and not all doctors specialize in hernia repair.

• Look for a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in hernia repair. You can find a hernia surgeon in your area here. 

Rely on credible sources when doing research: Every hernia and hernia patient is different. Avoid internet stories from strangers and try to focus on reliable resources, such as:

• Professional medical associations and societies.
• Evidence-based clinical guidelines and standards.
• Reputable medical institutions and healthcare organizations.

We also have more resources that can assist you in asking questions and navigating the discussion with your doctor. Download and bring our Doctor Discussion Guide with you to help start the conversation with your doctor.