The short answer
No. An adult hernia is a gap in the muscle wall, and a gap in muscle does not close by itself, with herbs, with a belt or with exercise. A small hernia that causes no pain can sometimes be watched safely, but most grow over time, and surgery is the only treatment that repairs the gap. Babies are different: many belly-button hernias in babies close on their own.
Book hernia repair, from ₦850,000Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
What a hernia actually is
A hernia is a bulge where fat or a loop of bowel pushes through a weak spot in the muscle of the tummy wall. In men the commonest place is the groin (an inguinal hernia), and it can drop down towards the scrotum. Around the belly button it is called an umbilical hernia. Some people notice the lump only when they stand, cough or lift something, and it disappears when they lie down.
The lump going away when you lie down does not mean the hernia has healed. The gap is still there. The contents have simply slipped back in.
Belts, trusses, herbs and 'pushing it back'
A hernia belt or truss can hold the bulge in and make you more comfortable, especially if you are waiting for surgery or cannot have an operation for medical reasons. It does not close the gap. A badly fitted belt can rub the skin and give false comfort while the hernia grows underneath.
There is no herb, cream, drink or injection that closes a hernia. Money spent on these is money not spent on the repair, and some mixtures upset the stomach. Gently pushing a soft hernia back when you lie down is fine. Never force a hard, painful lump back in.
When watching and waiting is reasonable
For an adult with a small groin hernia that causes no pain and does not get in the way of work, many surgeons are happy to watch it, with a clear plan to operate if it starts to hurt or grow. This is a decision for you and your surgeon together, after an examination, not one to make from a video.
Waiting is less sensible if the hernia is painful, getting bigger, hard to push back, or if your work involves lifting, such as trading, loading or farming. A repair planned on a day you choose is simpler and safer than an emergency operation at night.
Signs that mean go to an emergency department now
A hernia can trap a loop of bowel and cut off its blood supply. This is called strangulation and it is an emergency. Do not wait until morning, and do not book online for this: go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
- Sudden, severe pain in the lump or the tummy
- The lump becomes hard, tender or changes colour, and you cannot push it back in
- Vomiting, or feeling too sick to keep food down
- You cannot pass wind or open your bowels
What a planned repair involves
The surgeon pushes the bulge back and closes or reinforces the weak spot, usually with a thin mesh. It can be done through one cut in the groin (open) or through small keyhole cuts (laparoscopic). Many people go home the same day. On Mezo a verified surgeon examines you first, then you get a written all-in quote before you pay anything for the operation.
What it costs on Mezo
Mesh included. Billed as one line.
Common questions
Will my hernia go back if I stop lifting heavy things?
Resting can make it less uncomfortable, but it will not close the gap. Avoiding heavy lifting is sensible while you wait for a repair.
Is a hernia belt a cure?
No. A belt or truss holds the bulge in for comfort. It does not repair the muscle, and it is not a substitute for seeing a surgeon.
My baby's belly button is sticking out. Does she need surgery?
Usually not straight away. Most umbilical hernias in babies close on their own as the child grows. A doctor should still examine the child, and any hernia in a baby's groin needs a surgeon's review because those do not close by themselves.
How much is hernia surgery on Mezo?
Inguinal hernia repair is from ₦850,000. You get a written all-in quote after the surgeon examines you, and you pay online, not at the counter.
Can a hernia turn into cancer?
No. A hernia is not a tumour. But any new lump should be examined by a doctor, because not every groin lump is a hernia.
The procedures
Related health guides
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Hernia. NHS. Patient information.
- Inguinal hernia repair. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 22 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.