Men whose hernias are not causing pain can wait to have them repaired. Their outcomes are similar to those of men who have them repaired immediately. A hernia occurs when part of the intestine bulges through a weak area of the abdomen's muscle wall.
Caution: In rare cases, when you are unable to push the hernia back and it is accompanied by cramps and vomiting, the hernia requires immediate repair.
Also: Watchful waiting is appropriate for men only. When women get hernias, the condition is more dangerous.
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