How to Relieve Groin Pain in Men?

Groin pain in men may arise from muscle strain, hernia, or urological conditions. Relief requires identifying the underlying cause. Conservative measures such as rest, ice application, and anti-inflammatory medications provide initial symptom control and improve daily comfort.

Musculoskeletal causes, including sports injuries or tendon strain, often benefit from physiotherapy. Strengthening exercises, stretching routines, and gradual return to activity help restore mobility while minimizing the risk of recurrent discomfort in the groin region.

Inguinal hernia remains a frequent source of male groin pain. When associated with swelling or worsening discomfort, surgical consultation becomes necessary. Early diagnosis prevents complications such as incarceration or strangulation of abdominal tissues.

Urological origins, including infections or testicular disorders, also require consideration. Timely evaluation by a specialist ensures accurate differentiation. Tailored treatment plans, including antibiotics or surgical options, provide effective and lasting relief of symptoms.

What Is Groin Pain in Men and What Are the Most Common Causes?

Groin pain refers medically to the “inguinal region”—the area where the lowest part of the abdomen meets the upper and inner thighs. This region is complex, containing muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and is also adjacent to male reproductive organs. Because of this complexity, pinpointing the cause of groin pain can sometimes be a detective job.

It is a common complaint among men, and there are many possible underlying causes. Some of the most frequent include:

• Injury to muscles, tendons, or ligaments (especially during sports or sudden movements)
• Inguinal hernia (bulging of abdominal contents outward)
• Sports hernia (chronic strain, especially in athletes)
• Testicular problems (torsion, infections)
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
• Pain from kidney stones radiating to the groin
• Prostatitis (prostate infection)
• Hip joint disorders
• Nerve entrapments
• Appendicitis (can especially cause right-sided groin pain)

As you can see, the list is quite long. That’s why making the correct diagnosis is the most important first step in treatment.

How Is Groin Pain Caused by Inguinal Hernia Recognized and Treated by a General Surgeon?

An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal organs or fat protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall into the inguinal canal. The most recognized sign is a bulge in the groin area or scrotum, which becomes more prominent when standing, coughing, straining, or lifting heavy objects, and may shrink or disappear when lying down. Along with the swelling, there is often a dull ache, discomfort, pressure, or a sense of heaviness in the groin, typically worsened by activity and relieved by rest.

The diagnosis is usually made by a General Surgeon through a careful physical exam, checking the groin area both standing and lying down and asking you to cough or strain. Often this is enough, but sometimes imaging (such as ultrasound) is needed.

Treatment of an inguinal hernia is usually surgery. The aim is to push the herniated tissue back inside and repair the weak spot in the abdominal wall, often using a synthetic mesh for reinforcement. Surgery can be open (a single incision in the groin) or laparoscopic (minimally invasive, using several small incisions and a camera). Laparoscopic surgery usually means less pain, faster recovery, and better cosmetic results. Untreated hernias can enlarge, become more painful, and most importantly, may lead to life-threatening complications like “strangulated hernia,” requiring emergency surgery. If you suspect an inguinal hernia, seeing a General Surgeon is the safest and most effective way to answer “how can I get rid of this pain?”

How Does Sports Hernia (Athletic Pubalgia) Cause Groin Pain in Men, and What Is the Role of General Surgery?

Sports hernia most often affects young men who play sports involving sudden acceleration, deceleration, twisting, or kicking. It is caused by strain or tearing of muscles and tendons in the groin area. Unlike classic inguinal hernia, there is usually no visible swelling, which can delay diagnosis.

The main symptom is a dull or burning pain, often one-sided, that starts or increases with activity—especially those involving the groin—and eases with rest. Pain may radiate deep into the groin, sometimes extending to the inner thigh or testicles. Diagnosis is based on the patient’s history, a detailed physical exam, and, if needed, imaging such as MRI to rule out other causes.

Treatment starts with conservative approaches: rest, avoiding triggering activities, ice application, painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to strengthen the groin, abdominal, and inner thigh muscles. If symptoms don’t resolve after 6–12 weeks or return upon resuming sports, surgery may be considered. The operation, performed by a General Surgeon, aims to repair torn or weakened tissues and reinforce the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, often using a mesh. After successful surgery and rehabilitation, most athletes can return to their previous activity levels.

Are Testicular Problems (Testicular Torsion, Epididymitis, Orchitis) an Emergency, and What Is the General Surgical Approach?

• Testicular Torsion: This is when the testicle twists around itself, cutting off its blood supply. The most prominent symptom is sudden, severe, one-sided testicular pain that can radiate to the groin, along with swelling, redness, tenderness, nausea, and vomiting. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency! Surgery must be performed within 4–6 hours to save the testicle; otherwise, the testicle can die. Diagnosis is made by exam and urgent scrotal Doppler ultrasound. Treatment is emergency surgery by a General Surgeon or Urologist to untwist and fix the testicle. Sometimes, the other testicle is fixed preventively. If the affected testicle is not viable, it may need to be removed. In this case, the only answer to “how can the pain be relieved?” is “immediate surgery to save the testicle.”
• Epididymitis and Orchitis: Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis (behind the testicle); orchitis is inflammation of the testicle itself. They often occur together, typically due to infection. In sexually active young men, the most common causes are sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea; in older men, it’s often urinary tract infections. Symptoms develop more gradually than torsion, usually over several days, with groin and testicular pain, swelling, redness, increased warmth, and tenderness. There may be pain with urination, frequent urination, penile discharge, or fever. Diagnosis is based on history, exam, urine and blood tests, and ultrasound to rule out torsion. Treatment includes antibiotics, painkillers, bed rest, and supportive care. Rarely, if an abscess forms, surgical drainage by a General Surgeon or Urologist may be needed.

Can Appendicitis Cause Groin Pain in Men and How Is It Treated Surgically?

Yes, appendicitis can cause pain radiating toward the right groin. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ attached to the large intestine. Classically, pain starts near the navel, is dull and diffuse, and after several hours shifts to the right lower abdomen, becoming sharper and more localized. Coughing, movement, or touch increases the pain. But not everyone has this classic pattern, since the appendix’s position can vary; if located near the pelvis, pain may start in the right groin, or radiate to the back or side.

Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, and general malaise. Diagnosis involves history, careful physical exam, blood tests, and usually abdominal ultrasound or CT.

Appendicitis is a surgical emergency—if not treated, the appendix can rupture, causing peritonitis, abscess, or even life-threatening sepsis. The standard treatment is surgical removal (appendectomy), done by open (single right lower quadrant incision) or laparoscopic (minimally invasive) methods. Laparoscopy usually means less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, and a better cosmetic result. It’s essential not to “wait and see” if appendicitis is suspected—seek medical help immediately.

What Is the General Surgeon’s Role in Other Common Causes of Groin Pain in Men (Muscle Strain, Kidney Stones, Prostatitis, Hip Osteoarthritis)?

• Groin Strain: This is a stretch or tear of groin or inner thigh muscles from sudden movement or overuse. There’s usually sharp pain at the moment of injury, worsened by movement. The General Surgeon’s role is to rule out conditions requiring surgery, such as inguinal hernia. Diagnosis is usually clinical. Treatment includes rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE protocol), and painkillers. Referral to physical therapy or a sports physician may be needed.
• Kidney Stones: As stones move through the urinary tract, they cause severe, cramping pain starting in the back or side, radiating to the groin and testicles. Nausea, vomiting, or blood in urine may occur. The General Surgeon rules out surgical emergencies, then refers to Urology for further management.
• Prostatitis: Prostate inflammation can cause groin pain, burning with urination, frequent urination, and painful ejaculation. After excluding surgical causes, the General Surgeon refers you to a Urologist.
• Hip Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the hip joint cartilage often causes pain in the hip and groin, worse with activity and better with rest. The General Surgeon will rule out hernia, then refer you to Orthopedics.

Why Does Persistent Groin Pain Occur After Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Men and How Is It Managed?

Inguinal hernia surgery is a common, usually successful way to relieve groin pain. However, about 10–15% of patients may develop chronic groin pain lasting more than three months and impacting quality of life.

Possible causes include:

• Direct injury or entrapment of sensory nerves in the groin during surgery or by the mesh, causing burning, stabbing, or electric-shock-like pain.
• Inflammatory reaction to the mesh, mesh shrinkage, folding, or hardening, causing dull, throbbing pain.
• Rarely, hernia recurrence (recurrent hernia) can also cause chronic pain.

Diagnosis is based on a detailed history, the character and location of pain, careful physical exam, and sometimes ultrasound, MRI, or diagnostic nerve blocks.

Treatment starts conservatively: painkillers, neuropathic pain medications (gabapentin, pregabalin), and physical therapy. If these fail, local anesthetic and corticosteroid injections (nerve blocks) may be tried. In severe, persistent cases, surgical options include removal of the affected nerve (neurectomy) or problematic mesh (which carries risks and requires caution).

When Should Men With Groin Pain See a General Surgeon?

• Newly detected lump or swelling in the groin or testicle
• Sudden, severe groin or testicular pain
• Painful, red, warm, and irreducible swelling in the groin (may indicate strangulated hernia)
• Groin swelling with nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, or inability to pass gas or stool
• High fever, chills, and general malaise with groin pain
• Groin pain following sports injury that does not resolve with rest or recurs with activity
• Groin pain not improving with home care after a few days (2–3 days), worsening, or frequently recurring
• Groin pain with blood in urine or unexplained weight loss

These signs mean your groin pain will not go away on its own and could get worse, requiring urgent medical attention.

What Lifestyle Changes and Exercises Are Recommended to Prevent Groin Pain in Men?

• Bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting heavy objects.
• Keep the load close to your body and lift with your legs.
• Avoid sudden and uncontrolled lifting motions.
• Start new exercise routines or increase intensity gradually.
• Do regular exercises to strengthen your abdominal, hip, and groin muscles.
• Always warm up for 5–10 minutes before any sport or intense activity.
• Cool down and stretch after activity.
• Maintain a healthy weight if you are overweight.
• Treat chronic cough or constipation if present.
• Consider quitting smoking.
• Allow enough rest between intense workouts or physical activities.

What Home Remedies Can Be Used for Mild Groin Pain in Men?

• Rest: Avoid activities that caused or worsen the pain. Rest the affected groin area.
• Ice: Apply a cold pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to the area for 15–20 minutes, several times a day.
• Compression: Wrap the groin area with an elastic bandage for mild compression—do not make it too tight.
• Elevation: Whenever possible, support the affected leg and groin with pillows to keep them above heart level.
• Painkillers: Over-the-counter painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Heat: After the first 24–48 hours (when swelling and acute inflammation have subsided), gentle heat (warm shower, hot water bottle) can be soothing.
• Gentle Stretching: Once pain has decreased and inflammation has passed, gentle stretching exercises for the groin muscles may help. Stop if you feel pain during exercises—do not force it.

If your pain does not improve after a few days (2–3 days) of home treatment, worsens, or new symptoms appear (such as swelling, discoloration, or fever), stop self-treatment and see a doctor promptly.

Dr. Ahmet Bekin

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.