A swollen lymph node in the groin can happen due to infections, inflammation, or, in some cases, more serious conditions like cancer. Lymph nodes usually swell as part of the body’s immune response to fight off viruses, bacteria, or other irritants.
This swelling may be accompanied by symptoms like pain, redness, or warmth in the groin, and sometimes fever or fatigue. Infections such as sexually transmitted infections, skin wounds, or urinary tract infections are among the most common causes.
Treatment for a swollen lymph node in the groin depends on the underlying cause and may involve antibiotics, antivirals, or anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, medical evaluation and imaging tests are recommended to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious conditions.
Common causes
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin are most commonly caused by:
1. Skin inflammation
Skin inflammation in the groin, caused by irritation from soaps, deodorants, minor injuries, folliculitis, or ingrown hairs, can lead to swollen lymph nodes. This swelling is your body’s natural response to local irritation or infection in the area.
What to do: Try applying a warm compress to the area three times a day and wash the area thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap. Depending on the cause, a dermatologist may prescribe antibiotic ointments.
2. Yeast infection
A yeast infection is caused by Candida albicans fungus, and is associated with symptoms like intense itching, redness, and white discharge. This infection can also cause lymph nodes in the groin to swell as part of the body’s immune response to fight off the infection.
Yeast infections are most common in women, and are generally caused by an imbalance in vaginal flora from stress, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system. However, it can also occur in men, due to poor hygiene habits, untreated diabetes, or autoimmune diseases. See male yeast infection.
What to do: It's important to see your primary care provider for assessment and treatment as necessary. Treatment may involve antifungal pills or ointments, like miconazole, itraconazole, or fluconazole.
Check out these home remedies for yeast infections that can help speed up recovery, as well as the candida diet that you can incorporate into your lifestyle while undergoing treatment.
3. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection that happens when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, allowing Gardnerella vaginalis and other bacteria to grow too much. This condition is associated with symptoms like intense itching, burning during urination, a fishy vaginal odor, and white or gray discharge.
In addition, bacterial vaginosis can lead to swollen lymph nodes in the groin area.
What to do: Treatment for bacterial vaginosis is managed by a gynecologist, who may prescribe medication like metronidazole in the form of ointments, pills, or vaginal suppositories.
4. Balanitis
Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis that is often caused by Candida albicans fungus. It can also occur as the result of a bacterial infection or an allergy.
The most common symptoms of balanitis are redness, itching, and swelling of the head of the penis, as well as swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
What to do: Men are advised to consult a urologist to identify the underlying cause of balanitis. Treatment may involve improving hygiene habits, using cotton-based underwear, and applying ointments as necessary. A doctor may opt to prescribe corticosteroids, antibiotics, or antifungals if needed.
5. Prostatitis
A swollen lymph node in a man’s groin can result from prostatitis, which is often caused by a bacterial infection such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella, or Proteus species. Inflammation in the area can also occur after an injury or surgery.
Prostatitis can also cause symptoms like pain with urination, a weak urine stream, pain between the scrotum and rectum, and the presence of blood in the urine and/or sperm.
What to do: Treatment for prostatitis should be guided by a urologist, who may prescribe the use of analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications to relieve symptoms as well as antibiotics to treat the infection.
6. Sexually transmitted infections
STIs such as genital herpes, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, or HIV can cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin. This happens due to fluid build-up meant to help remove viruses and bacteria from the area to fight the infection.
Generally, swollen lymph nodes in the groin from STIs are also be accompanied by other symptoms like discharge, itching, fever, pain, and burning with urination.
What to do: It's important to consult a healthcare provider if you suspect you may have contracted an STI. The provider will order testing and initiate treatment based on the results.
7. Mpox (formerly monkeypox)
Mpox is an infection caused by a virus from the Orthopoxvirus family. Common symptoms include a rash with blisters that may itch, fever, and chills. Many people also develop swollen lymph nodes in the groin, along with possible pain or swelling in the penis and anal area.
Mpox can spread from person to person through contact with respiratory droplets, fluids from skin lesions, or contaminated objects. It can also be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity when lesions are present in the genital area.
What to do: Consult your primary care provider or an infectious disease specialist to confirm a diagnosis. They may prescribe treatment with antivirals, such as tecovirimat. The doctor may also recommend acetaminophen to help relieve symptoms. Patients are advised to remain in isolation to prevent transmitting the disease to others.
8. Jock itch
Jock itch, or tinea cruris, is a fungal infection of the skin. It usually affects the skin in the groin and pubic area and is associated with an itchy red rash. It can also cause blisters in the area or swollen lymph nodes along the groin.
This fungal infection is caused mainly by Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes fungi that can multiply on the skin due to excessive sweating, damp clothing, and inadequate hygiene. Diabetes and a compromised immune system are also risk factors in developing jock itch.
What to do: Treatment for jock itch should be managed by a primary care provider or dermatologist, who may prescribe antifungal ointments or pills, such as miconazole, clotrimazole, or terbinafine. In addition, you should keep the genital area clean and dry, and avoid using very tight clothing.
9. Lymphoma
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin can be a result of lymphoma, which is a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes. It can lead to swelling or lumps in the groin that persist for longer than 2 months and continue to grow.
Generally, this type of cancer presents with other symptoms, such as fever, night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
What to do: It's important to consult your primary care provider, who may refer you to a hematologist or oncologist for further testing. This may include blood work, a CT scan, or a PET scan.
Results of these tests can help identify the type of lymphoma and guide the most appropriate treatment, which typically involves chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
10. Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can significantly affect the immune system. In these conditions, immune cells may accumulate in the lymph nodes, causing them to swell.
Swollen lymph nodes can appear in multiple areas of the body, including the groin. Common associated symptoms include muscle pain, nausea, and night sweats.
What to do: If you suspect you may have an autoimmune disease, you are advised to see your primary care provider or a rheumatologist for testing and treatment as necessary.
11. Ganglionar tuberculosis
Ganglionar tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It can lead to swollen lymph nodes in the groin, as well as in the neck, chest, or armpits.
This type of tuberculosis is most common in people infected with HIV and women between 20 and 40 years of age.
What to do: You should consult a pulmonologist (lung specialist), infectious disease specialist, or your primary care provider, who may advise antibiotics like rifampicin, isoniazid, or pyrazinamide for at least 6 months.
12. Bacterial cellulitis
Bacterial cellulitis is a skin infection caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria that contaminate wounds and penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. It can occur in the groin area if a wound, cut, bug bite, or skin condition (like eczema or dermatitis) are present.
This type of infection typically causes swelling, pain, warmth in the area, redness, fever, chills, and weakness.
What to do: Treatment for bacterial cellulitis is typically managed by a primary care provider, who will prescribe oral or IV antibiotics, depending on severity.