The area where the abdomen ends, and the legs begin is known as the groin. The upper inner thighs are also included in this area. In men, the groin consists of the scrotum and testicles, and in women, it includes the genitals and reproductive organs. Any pain or discomfort in this region is most commonly classed as groin pain.
Common Causes of Groin Pain
Groin pain most commonly occurs as the result of some injury to the area. Inflammation, infection, disease, and abnormal processes can also cause pain. Also, pain may radiate to the groin as the result of conditions affections other areas such as the lower back, hip, pelvis, bladder, kidney, or colon.
Injuries Can Cause Groin Pain
One of the most common injuries that cause pain in the groin is a groin pull, which is a strain of the inner thigh muscle. This injury typically occurs during athletic sports that involve running, jumping, swimming, or skating. As a result, they are very common in sports like baseball, football, soccer, and hockey. Pinched nerves and other minor injuries can also result in groin pain that starts and disappears suddenly.
A Warning Sign for a More Serious Issue
When groin pain develops slowly over time and does not improve on its own, it may be a sign of a more serious condition such as testicular cancer, inguinal hernia, or a sexually transmitted disease. In men, groin pain accompanied by swelling of the scrotum, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain may be caused by a medical emergency known as testicular torsion. Other causes may include enlarged lymph nodes, epididymitis, inflammation of the small or large intestine, kidney stones, skin infection, or urinary tract infection. Because these problems can be serious when left untreated, patients should seek medical attention for groin pain that is persistent or unexplained.
Diagnosing the Condition
In many cases, doctors can determine the cause of groin pain based on the patient's additional symptoms, the characteristics of the pain, and a physical examination. Further testing such as ultrasounds, urinalysis, or blood tests may also be performed to reach a diagnosis.
Treatment Options
The treatment for groin pain varies depending upon the cause. Injuries can usually be treated with rest and anti-inflammatory medication. Doctors may also prescribe pain medicines for severe injuries. Other conditions may require additional treatments such as antibiotics or surgery. In many cases, groin pain is not a serious health concern, and the prognosis is generally good. When caused by conditions like cancer, the prognosis can vary greatly.