Inguinal Hernia Mesh Repair and Fertility: No Evidence of Harm

Open or laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with mesh does not impair fertility in men or women.

• Men: Mesh placed anterior to spermatic cord (open) or preperitoneal (laparoscopic). No contact with testes, vas deferens, or blood supply. Rare complications (vasal injury, ischemic orchitis) are surgical technique issues, not mesh-related.
• Women: Mesh placed in inguinal canal/preperitoneal space; no contact with ovaries, tubes, uterus. Round ligament may be near but not compromised.

Mesh is biocompatible (polypropylene, polyester). Large studies show no increased infertility risk. Chronic pain (10–12%) is the main long-term concern, not fertility.

Discuss any concerns with your surgeon; fertility preservation is not a standard indication for mesh avoidance.