ENLmedical.com: Conditions And Concerns: Medical Encyclopedia

Groin pain

Considerations:
The area where the abdomen ends and the legs begin is called the groin. For males, the terms "groin" and "testicle" are sometimes used interchangeably, but what causes pain in one won't necessarily do so in the other.

Common Causes:

hernia
- occurs when the local support tissues weaken, allowing loops of the bowel to slip from the abdomen into the groin
- usually, but not always, seen as a bulge when standing upright, coughing , or bearing down (see groin lump )
enlarged lymph glands
testicular torsion
kidney stone
inflammation of the inguinal ligament

Note: There may be other causes of groin pain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for groin pain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Home care depends on the cause. Follow your health care provider's recommendations.

For groin pain caused by a hernia , surgery may be recommended in some cases.
For groin pain caused by enlarged lymph glands , appropriate treatment will depend on the cause.
For groin pain caused by a kidney stone , medical management may be required if the stone does not pass without intervention.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

there is any persistent and unexplained groin pain, particularly if it is a burning pain.
there is blood in the urine .

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting groin pain in detail may include:

Has there been any injury recently?
Has there been a change in activity, especially a recent strain , heavy lifting, or similar activity?
When did it develop?
Is it increasing?
Is it always present?
What other symptoms are also present? Is there a groin lump , pain in the groin, fever , swollen glands anywhere else in the body, blood in the urine , or other symptoms?

The physical examination will include examination of the groin area. A hidden hernia can be found by inserting one finger into the scrotal sac in men while asking the patient to cough . Coughing raises the pressure in the abdomen and pushes the loop of bowel into the hernia opening.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

urinalysis
routine blood tests such as a CBC or blood differential

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to groin pain, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.