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Groin pain
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Groin pain in men and women can occur after an injury. In case of injuries that involve stretching of the groin muscles, ice can be applied - cold has an analgesic effect and the ability to reduce swelling. During various physical exercises without preliminary sports training, for example, when trying to sit on the splits, the muscles are overstretched, which can lead to negative consequences. Careless cycling can also cause injury. In such cases, as the main treatment, a state of rest and a reduction in the load on the muscles are recommended at first.
What causes groin pain?
The cause of pain in the groin in men can be vesiculitis, which is inflammation of the seminal vesicles, which occurs as a result of infection. The occurrence of such a disease can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting associated with a person's professional activities, excessive hypothermia of the body, which entails a decrease in the functioning of the immune system. Also, the causes may be prolonged sexual abstinence or, on the contrary, excessive sexual activity, various chronic diseases of the genitourinary system. Characteristic symptoms for this disease are pain in the groin, increased body temperature, headache, significantly increased levels of leukocytes and erythrocytes in the urine. Antibiotics, painkillers, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed for treatment. If left untreated, the disease can become chronic: in this case, urination problems and pain during ejaculation are observed, and antibacterial therapy is prescribed.
A disease such as colliculitis can also be a cause of pain in the groin. This disease occurs as a result of sexually transmitted infections entering the urethra, and congestion in the groin area, which is associated with negative factors in the sexual sphere, can also be a cause. General weakness of the body, erectile dysfunction and urination, pain in the groin and in the anus are noted. Treatment is carried out with the help of antibiotic therapy and physiotherapy, prescribed only by a doctor.
Epididymitis, or inflammation of the epididymis, most often occurs as a result of chronic diseases of the genitourinary system. Injuries to the pelvis, perineum, scrotum can also provoke this disease. The pain can radiate to the groin and lower back. After a thorough examination, a suitable treatment method is prescribed, strict adherence to bed rest is recommended. Pain in the groin in men can occur due to a stone in the ureter. Acute pain appears in the lower back, which can radiate to the groin.
Pain in the groin in men and women can be caused by the herpes virus. To avoid this disease, it is necessary to abstain from casual sex. In men, the herpes simplex virus can lead to diseases such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), in women - such as colpitis (inflammation of the vaginal mucosa), endometritis (inflammation of the inner mucous membrane of the uterus), etc.
If you have pain in your groin, there is a high probability of a hernia. Swelling occurs in the groin due to weakened muscles. Only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe adequate therapy.
Almost any infection in the pelvic area can cause groin pain.
Inguinal lymphadenitis is the most common cause of lymph node damage. At an early stage, treatment is successfully carried out with antibiotics, physiotherapy procedures, and a state of rest is recommended. If the disease is neglected, a purulent form of lymphadenitis may develop, in which case surgical intervention takes place.
With urethritis, the urethra becomes inflamed. The disease is accompanied by symptoms such as burning, itching, pain and discomfort when urinating. The causes of this disease can be hypothermia, heavy physical exertion, various chronic diseases of the body. When treating urethritis, it is recommended to follow a diet and drink more fluids. The daily water intake rate is individual for everyone.
Cystitis is accompanied by inflammation of the bladder wall, observed mainly in women. Symptoms: sharp pain in the groin, frequent and painful urination. The impetus for the development of cystitis can be prolonged hypothermia, both single and frequent, as well as exhaustion of the body, stagnation of urine, various diseases of the genitourinary organs.
Who should you contact if you have groin pain?
Given the abundance of symptoms and the similarity of signs of diseases, never self-medicate. If you feel discomfort and pain in the groin, immediately contact a specialist. The following doctors will help make the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment: surgeon, therapist, gynecologist.