50% of patients with a hernia have no pain. Having pain or not having does not really mean very much. A dangerous hernia can be painless. A painful hernia can be benign for many years. Hernia repair usually cures hernia pain. If you have a repair with mesh you are at risk of developing permament mesh pain. Hernia pain prior to hernia repair is a risk factor for developing permanent chronic hernia mesh pain. Severe chronic pain is rare with mesh free hernia repair.