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. Maintain 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 Low Back Pain.