Groin pain in men can be caused by multiple conditions, including inguinal hernia, muscle strain, kidney stones, or infections of the urinary and reproductive systems. Identifying the exact cause requires medical evaluation and imaging if necessary.
Sports-related injuries such as adductor muscle strain or tendonitis are common sources of groin pain. Athletes may benefit from rest, physiotherapy, and gradual return to physical activity to prevent recurrence.
Other medical conditions like prostatitis, testicular torsion, or hip joint disorders can also present with groin pain. In such cases, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications.
Relief of groin pain depends on addressing the underlying cause. Options include anti-inflammatory medication, supportive therapy, surgical intervention for hernias, or antibiotic treatment for infections. Personalized medical care ensures effective management.
İçerik
Does Inguinal Hernia Cause Groin Pain in Men?
Yes, absolutely. Inguinal hernia is the most common surgical cause of groin pain in men. Simply put, it is the bulging of internal abdominal organs (usually a section of the intestine) through a weakness or tear in the abdominal wall. This condition does not resolve on its own and has the potential to grow over time and lead to more serious problems.
What Are the Factors That Increase the Risk of Groin Pain Due to Hernia in Men?
Hernias can be triggered by any situation that increases intra-abdominal pressure. These conditions, which strain a weak spot in your abdominal wall, create a predisposition for hernia formation. Some risk factors include:
- Lifting a heavy object
- Persistent and severe coughing
- Straining due to chronic constipation
- Straining during urination (such as with prostate problems)
- Being overweight
- Advanced age
- Family history of hernia
What Are the Symptoms of Groin Pain in Men Due to Hernia?
Symptoms of inguinal hernia usually become more pronounced over time. Especially in men, discomfort is often felt as unilateral left or right groin pain. The main symptoms you should pay attention to include:
- A swelling in the groin, especially when standing or coughing
- Dull pain or aching in the area
- A burning sensation
- A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the groin
- The swelling extending toward the scrotum
What Serious Problems Can Groin Pain in Men Due to Hernia Cause?
The most concerning aspect of hernias is their complications. “Incarcerated hernia” and “strangulated hernia” are situations that require urgent medical intervention.
- Incarcerated Hernia: This occurs when the herniated intestine becomes trapped in the opening of the abdominal wall and cannot return to the abdominal cavity. This may cause bowel obstruction, leading to severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Strangulated Hernia: This is the most dangerous scenario. The blood flow to the trapped intestine is completely cut off. This leads to tissue death (gangrene) and is life-threatening. Discoloration of the hernia swelling to red, purple, or black is the most important warning sign and causes severe groin pain that may prevent walking.
Do Musculoskeletal Problems Cause Groin Pain in Men?
Yes, a significant proportion of groin pain is due to problems related to muscles, tendons, bones, and joints. These conditions are especially common in athletes and may sometimes be mistaken for a hernia because the symptoms are similar.
Do Muscle and Tendon Injuries Cause Groin Pain in Men?
This is one of the most common causes of groin pain, especially in active individuals. It generally occurs after a sudden and forceful movement.
- Muscle Strain (Adductor Strain): This is the tearing or stretching of the inner thigh muscles during sudden acceleration or changing direction in sports like football or basketball. A sharp pain or a “pop” sound may be felt at the time. Afterwards, tenderness and bruising may appear in the area.
- Athletic Pubalgia (Sports Hernia): Although commonly known as a “sports hernia,” it is not a true hernia. It is a weakening or tear at the attachment site of the lower abdominal muscles or tendons to the pelvic bone. Pain increases especially during sports and decreases with rest.
Do Hip Joint Problems Cause Groin Pain in Men?
Yes, a problem in the hip joint can directly manifest as groin pain. This is usually expressed not as “my hip hurts,” but rather as “my groin hurts.” Possible hip problems include:
- Hip Osteoarthritis
- Hip Labrum Tear
- Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAI)
In these situations, the pain is usually deep and aching in nature, increasing with walking, squatting, or getting in and out of a car.
Do Testicular Problems Cause Groin Pain in Men?
Absolutely. Pain originating from the testicles is often felt in the groin and some require urgent intervention.
- Testicular Torsion: This is when the testicle twists around itself, cutting off its blood flow. It causes very severe and sudden pain and is an absolute emergency that can result in loss of the testicle if not treated within the first 6 hours.
- Epididymitis and Orchitis: These are inflammations of the testicle or the sperm duct, usually caused by a bacterial infection. They cause gradually increasing pain, swelling, and tenderness. Complaints such as groin pain after ejaculation or after sexual intercourse in men may indicate this condition.
- Varicocele: This is the enlargement of the veins in the scrotum and can cause dull pain.
Do Prostate and Urinary Tract Problems Cause Groin Pain in Men?
Yes, problems in this system are also common causes of groin pain.
- Prostatitis: This is inflammation of the prostate gland. It can cause frequent urination, burning during urination, and groin pain.
- Kidney Stones: When a kidney stone drops into the ureter, it can cause one of the most severe types of pain. This pain typically starts in the lower back and radiates to the groin and testicle. This wave-like, cramping pain is the classic definition of pain radiating from the groin to the back.
- Urinary Tract Infection: Urinary tract infections such as cystitis can also cause discomfort and pain in the groin.
How Is Groin Pain Diagnosed in Men?
Since there are many possible causes of groin pain, careful evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis. This process is like detective work and usually involves the following steps.
Listening to You (Medical History): Your doctor will first listen to you. The answers to questions such as when your pain started, what it feels like (sharp, dull, burning), what increases or decreases it, are the most important clues to narrowing down possible causes. Details like groin pain that has persisted for 3 days are important for understanding the seriousness of the situation.
Physical Examination: Your doctor will carefully examine your groin, abdomen, hip, and genital area. If a hernia is suspected, you may be asked to cough or strain. The doctor will check your hip joint movements to try to understand the source of your pain.
Necessary Tests: Based on the findings of the physical examination, some tests may be requested:
- Blood and urine tests
- Ultrasonography (USG)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- X-ray or Computed Tomography (CT)
Ultrasound is usually the first, fast, and harmless method used to diagnose conditions such as hernia and testicular problems.
What Are the Initial Home Interventions?
Especially in cases like muscle strain, some simple methods can provide relief when pain first begins:
- Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain.
- Ice: Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the painful area for 15–20 minutes to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Applying light pressure to the area with an elastic bandage can control swelling.
- Elevation: If possible, rest your leg above heart level.
What Treatment Methods Are Used?
Treatment is determined according to the diagnosis. Options range from simple painkillers to physical therapy, antibiotics, and surgery. For example, the permanent solution for a mechanical problem like a hernia is surgery. Treatment of an infection such as epididymitis is with antibiotics. For muscle and tendon injuries, physical therapy and rehabilitation are generally prioritized.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Recurrent Groin Pain in Men?
There are some important lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the risk of groin pain and prevent future problems:
- Always do a proper warm-up before exercise.
- Do not neglect stretching exercises after your workout.
- Increase the intensity of your workouts gradually, not suddenly.
- Add exercises that strengthen your abdominal and hip muscles to your routine.
- When lifting something heavy, use your legs by bending your knees, not your back.
- Take care to maintain a healthy weight.
- If you have chronic constipation or cough, seek treatment for these conditions.
Op. Dr. Ahmet Bekin was born in Istanbul in 1983. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Kocaeli University in 2006 and completed his specialty training in the Department of General Surgery at Istanbul University Çapa Faculty of Medicine in 2011. After his specialization, he worked in the fields of hernia surgery, reflux surgery, obesity surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery. In addition, he received training in endocrine surgery, oncological surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. He is currently accepting patients from Turkey as well as from countries such as Germany and France at his private clinic located in Istanbul.
