Groin Pain: 9 Common Causes & What to Do

Groin pain can be caused by muscle strain, hernias, sciatica, infections, ovarian cysts, testicular problems, or differences in leg length. The pain may be mild or severe and can sometimes occur with swelling, fever, nausea, or urinary symptoms.

Some causes of groin pain need prompt medical attention, especially sudden or severe testicular pain or pain accompanied by persistent vomiting, fever, or blood in the urine. These symptoms may be linked to conditions such as testicular torsion, kidney stones, infection, or appendicitis.

Treatment for groin pain depends on the cause and may include rest, ice, physical therapy, shoe inserts, hormonal birth control, or surgery. Medical evaluation may include a physical exam, ultrasound, X-ray, or other testing to identify the cause and guide treatment.

The main causes of groin pain are:

1. Pregnancy

Groin pain and discomfort are common in early and late pregnancy. This can happen as the joints around the hips loosen to accommodate the growing baby and expanding abdomen.

The pain may get worse when lying on your back, spreading your legs apart, climbing stairs, or after strenuous activity.

What to do: Light exercise, such as water aerobics or Pilates, may help relieve groin pain during pregnancy. A pelvic support belt may also help improve pelvic stability and reduce discomfort. Try to limit activities that make the pain worse, such as frequent stair climbing, and only take medication if recommended by your healthcare provider.

2. Testicular problems

Conditions affecting the testicles or surrounding structures, such as epididymitis, orchitis, injury, or testicular torsion, can cause groin pain along with testicular pain. The pain can range from mild to severe and may interfere with daily activities.

What to do: Seek emergency medical care for sudden or severe testicular pain, especially if it occurs with swelling, nausea, vomiting, fever, or blood in the urine. For mild testicular pain that lasts more than a few days, see a healthcare provider or urologist for an evaluation.

3. Muscle injury

Groin pain can also be caused by a muscle injury after running or excessive physical activity. It may also occur when one leg is shorter than the other, even if the difference is only about 0.4 inches (1 cm), because this can affect the way you walk.

What to do: Specific treatment is usually not needed for a mild muscle injury, and the pain may improve on its own. Resting from activities that worsen the pain and applying ice to the affected area can help relieve discomfort.

If the pain gets worse or you think one leg may be shorter than the other, you should see an orthopedic specialist. A physical exam and imaging, such as X-rays, may be used to assess leg length. Depending on the difference, a shoe lift or insert may be recommended to help reduce groin pain and discomfort.

4. Hernias

Groin pain can also be caused by an inguinal or abdominal hernia. This occurs when a small portion of the intestine pushes through a weak area in the abdominal wall, causing a bulge in the groin that may lead to pain and discomfort.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), inguinal hernia symptoms may worsen with straining, lifting, coughing, or standing for long periods.

What to do: Apply ice to the area for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times per day, and rest while avoiding intense activities such as running or jumping. Depending on the severity of the hernia, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to repair the weakened area and treat the hernia.

5. Sciatica

Sciatica can also cause groin pain. The pain often radiates down the leg and may cause a burning sensation that gets worse when walking or sitting.

What to do: Avoid excessive physical activity and see a primary care provider or orthopedic specialist for an evaluation. Treatment commonly includes anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy.

6. Infections

Some viral, fungal, or bacterial infections can cause swollen, painful lymph nodes in the groin. This usually happens when the body is fighting an infection in the groin, genitals, legs, or feet.

What to do: If there are no other symptoms, the swollen lymph node may go away on its own over time. However, if you develop other symptoms, such as genital discharge or pain when urinating, you should see a healthcare provider to identify the cause and start appropriate treatment.

7. Ovarian cyst

Ovarian cysts can cause groin or pelvic pain and discomfort, including pain during menstruation. Other symptoms may include pain during sex, bloating, or unexplained weight gain.

What to do: You should see a gynecologist if you have symptoms of an ovarian cyst. An ultrasound may be ordered to determine whether a cyst is present and help guide treatment.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), many ovarian cysts go away on their own and can be monitored over time. Hormonal birth control may be prescribed to help prevent new cysts from forming, while surgery may be recommended if a cyst is very large, persists, causes symptoms, or has concerning features.

8. Unequal leg length

Unequal leg length, also known as leg length discrepancy, can cause groin pain and discomfort. It may also increase the risk of developing arthritis earlier in life.

What to do: You should see an orthopedic specialist, who may order an X-ray to identify the difference in leg length. Treatment often includes special shoe inserts to help even out leg length and reduce groin pain and discomfort.

9. Cancer

Cancer affecting the groin area may cause groin pain, a lump or nodule in the groin, fever, or unexplained weight loss.

This may occur due to lymphoma involving the groin or cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the groin, such as prostate cancer, penile cancer, melanoma, vaginal cancer, or uterine cancer.

What to do: Treatment should be guided by an oncologist and will depend on the type of cancer. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, biologic therapy, or immunotherapy.