Groin Pain in Men

Groin is basically the area where the abdomen ends and the legs begin. This lower abdominal region where the muscles of abdomen, thighs, and pelvis meet is the most sensitive region and if these muscles are stressed or strained, it results into a sharp groin pain. Sometimes the pain is so intense and unbearable that it refrains a person from carrying simple activities like bending down, lifting an object, walking, etc. Generally the terms 'groin' and 'testicle' are sometimes used interchangeably, and quite often many people have the wrong notion that groin pain means pain in testicles in scrotum. However, whether it is lower right or lower left groin pain, the severity of the condition mainly depends on its underlying cause.

Though there are various reasons that contribute to a sharp or dull groin pain, some of the most common ones are given below:

Direct Blow: Being the most sensitive area, a direct blow or injury to the scrotum can cause a severe groin pain in men. In extreme cases, bruising or swelling of the testicles can be the result of a direct blow that may settle down after a couple of days by using supportive underwear, painkillers and warm baths.

Enlarged Lymph Glands: Lymph nodes are the most important part of our immune system that help to fight infections and other foreign substances. Enlarged or swollen lymph glands actually refers to the enlargement of one or more lymph nodes in the groin area which may occur due to different bacterial or viral infections.

Inguinal Hernia: Inguinal hernia is a protrusion of structure, tissue, or a part of an organ through the abdominal wall that can intrude into the space holding the spermatic cord. The protrusion can also move into the scrotum (the skin pouch containing the testicles, below the penis), causing sharp groin pain. This condition is more commonly seen in men having weak abdominal wall or groin muscles.

Epididymitis: Epididymitis is a condition that occurs due to the swelling or inflammation of the epididymis, a tube that connects the testicle with the vas deferens. One of the most common cause for groin pain, it usually develops due to a bladder infection. Diseases like gonorrhea, Chlamydia, cystitis, etc. can also contribute to epididymitis in men. The ailment is more commonly seen in homosexual men.

Kidney Stone: Another common cause is kidney stone which is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals in the kidney. Formation of one or more stones in the urethra or kidney primarily occurs when the urine contains excess of certain substance and the body is dehydrated.

Testicular Tumor: Also termed as Leydig cell tumor, it is tumor of testicles that develops from leydig cells (the cells responsible for releasing male hormone, testosterone). Though its causes are unknown, testicular tumor is commonly seen in men between ages 20 - 60.

Orchitis: Another probable cause is orchitis which is basically inflammation or swelling of either one or both testicles. This disorder is more common in men between ages 19 - 35 and occurs due to certain bacterial or viral infection like epididymitis and even some STD like gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Testicular Torsion: Testicular torsion is basically twisting of the spermatic cord that disrupts blood supply to the testicle or surrounding structures like scrotum. The condition commonly occurs due to a trauma to the scrotum or after a strenuous exercise.

Before resorting to any treatment for groin pain, it is recommended to diagnose its actual cause. However, patients having pain due to a muscle pull or minor injury can practice some muscle strengthening or stretching exercises to relieve the pain and avoid the condition from happening in future. While people having more intense causes for groin pain should undergo a proper medical examination for necessary medication.