Groin area is often times considered to be one of the most common areas of leg pain.

The pain could very well be present and persistent depending on the reason behind the same. As mentioned before, in the article ‘Why Do My Legs Ache?’, the causes behind the pain could be extensive.

Technically, even though there is not much scientific reasoning behind the same, groin area pain has been found to affect men more in comparison to women.

Additionally, it is often seen at a heightened rate in athletes or people who tend to indulge more in physical activities.

Groin pain is often witnessed to worsen when one tries and overworks the injury, making it worse to endure and experience.

There could be a plethora of reasons behind groin pain – some chronic and some acute. In order to make it easier for you to understand, I am going to categorize them based on the differences based on pain intensity.

Table of Contents

Acute or Severe Groin Pain Causes

Causes for ‘acute’, in other words, sudden and severe pain in the groin area are following.

Injury to the bone or fracture around the groin, e.g. Hip Fracture
Muscle strain and sprains
The strain on the ligaments or tendons around the groin
Hernia (inguinal hernia, femoral hernia or sports hernia)
Appendicitis

It is well suggested to consult your doctor if your experience ‘acute’ or severe.

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Chronic groin pain causes

Causes for ‘chronic’, in other words, dull pain, arising time to time, which you have experienced over last few weeks and months in the groin areas are following.

Pulled muscle from a change to your activities (for example, side by side movements while running)
Hernia (inguinal or femoral hernia)
Kidney stones
Intestinal inflammation, e.g. Diverticulitis
Enlarged lymph nodes
Pinched nerves, e.g. lumbar radiculopathy
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Sexually transmitted infections
Osteoarthritis around the hip, e.g. Femoral Acetabular Impingement, Hip Labrum Tear
Osteonecrosis
Piriformis syndrome
Sciatica
Tendinitis
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Osteitis Pubis
Piriformis syndrome
Cystitis

You should consult your doctor if the pain persists and gets worse over time.

Groin Pain Causes in Men

In addition to the above causes applicable to both male and female, the below causes can be associated with only men.

Testicular torsion
Spermatocele
Testicular cancer
Varicocele
Hydrocele
Epididymitis
Orchitis
Retractile testicle
Scrotal masses

Causes of Groin Pain in Females

In addition to the above causes applicable to both male and female, the below causes can be associated with only women.

Menstruation or Ovulation
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Uterine fibroids
Ectopic pregnancy
Endometriosis

Red Flag Symptoms of Groin Pain

With the causes aside, it is time to focus on some of the symptoms of this condition that indicate urgent and immediate doctor’s attention. With some, even visit the hospital for investigation is highly recommended.

Key red flag groin symptoms are below:

If the pain is dissipating and is connected to the lower back pain, abdomen (tummy) or associated with chest pain.
If you are feeling a constant sharp pain in the testicles.
Inflammation around the groin accompanied by unwanted fluid discharge require immediate medical attention.
The feeling of dizziness and nausea further makes in with the pain
Groin pain that gets worse and doesn’t subside with time
Presence of lump around the testicle
Swelling or bulging in groin area
Discharge of blood in the urine
In addition to pain, you also experience fever, nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting.