The groin refers to the area between the abdomen and the thigh. Groin pain may be caused by problems with the lower abdomen, inguinal region, proximal adductors, hip joint, upper anterior thigh, or perineum.
The pain typically results from an injury caused by physical activity, such as sports. A pulled or strained muscle in the groin area is one of the most common injuries among athletes.
Causes of Groin Pain in Men
Potential causes of groin pain in men include:
- Mumps
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Inguinal hernia
- Retractile testicle
- Osteoarthritis
- Hydrocele
- Bursitis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Orchitis
- Sprains
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Epididymitis
- Scrotal masses
- Tendinitis
- Avulsion fracture
- Testicular cancer
- Testicular torsion
- Kidney stones
- Avascular necrosis
- Varicocele
- Sciatica
- Spermatocele
- Pinched nerve
- Muscle strain
- Stress fractures
Diagnosis
The majority of occurrences of groin pain do not necessitate medical intervention. However, if you feel severe, chronic pain that is accompanied by fever or swelling, you should consult a physician. These symptoms could be indicative of a more serious underlying disease.
Your doctor will assess your symptoms and inquire about recent physical activity. This information will aid your physician in diagnosing the issue. They will then conduct a physical examination of the groin area and, if necessary, further testing.
These tests include:
- hernia test
- ultrasound
- x-ray
- full blood count
Treatment of Groin Pain
The treatment for groin pain is determined by the cause. Minor strains can frequently be treated at home, but more severe groin pain may require medical attention.
If your groin pain is the result of a strain, self-care is generally the best course of action. Allowing your strain to recover naturally by resting and abstaining from physical activity for two to three weeks will allow it to heal normally.
To alleviate your pain and suffering, you may use pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Additionally, applying cold packs for 20 minutes a few times a day can help.
If your groin pain is due to a fractured bone or fracture, surgery to repair the bone may be required. Additionally, if an inguinal hernia is the underlying cause of your symptoms, you may require surgery.
If self-care measures do not relieve your strain injury symptoms, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help alleviate your symptoms. If this does not help and you continue to suffer from strain injuries, they may recommend that you seek physical therapy.
