While groin pain can be mild and temporary at times, it can also indicate a serious medical problem. That’s why it’s important for people who experience recurrent or severe groin pain to consult a healthcare professional. Correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment will help identify the underlying problem and provide relief from groin pain.
What causes groin pain?
Inguinal pain may be due to various reasons, or it may appear specifically on one side. Muscle pain can manifest itself as left groin pain or right groin pain. Groin pain is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the groin area. The inguinal region is an area in the lower part of the pelvic region filled with muscles, tendons, ligaments, and internal organs. Right groin pain or left groin pain can occur for many different reasons and can sometimes turn into a mild discomfort or sometimes a severe pain. The causes of groin pain can be:
- Pain may be felt when tension, contraction or tearing occurs in the muscles in the left groin area.
- Left groin pain can be caused by problems with the gut, spleen, kidney, urinary tract, or reproductive organs.
- Conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract infection, intestinal infection or appendicitis can cause pain in the left groin area.
- Inguinal hernia is a condition that occurs when the internal organs are pushed outward as a result of weakening or tearing of the tissues in the inguinal region.
- Left groin pain can be caused by a blockage in the gut, digestive system issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or ulcers.
- In women, mild pain may be felt in the left inguinal region due to the contraction of the uterus during the menstrual period.
Symptoms in groin pain can vary in severity and duration. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if groin pain is severe, persistent, or worrisome. The doctor will make the necessary evaluations to make the correct diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
How does groin pain go?
Groin pain usually resolves with treatment of the underlying cause. However, you can try some methods to relieve pain and provide relief. Give the affected area adequate rest to relieve groin pain. Provide rest to muscles and tissues by limiting physical activities. You can relieve pain by applying an ice pack or cold compress to the painful area. Cold application helps reduce inflammation and calm muscles.
In some cases, applying heat can also be effective to relieve groin pain. Taking a hot shower or applying a hot water bottle can provide relief. If your doctor approves, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers (for example, ibuprofen or paracetamol). However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using these drugs.
It may be helpful to sit or lie down in a position that supports the area of groin pain to provide relief. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if groin pain is severe or persistent, accompanied by other symptoms, or persists for a long time. Your doctor will work with you to identify the underlying cause of the pain and recommend appropriate treatment.
You can try some herbal and natural remedies to relieve groin pain and provide relief. Some herbal methods that are good for groin pain:
- Ginger can relieve groin pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. You can benefit by preparing ginger tea or consuming it directly.
- Chamomile has relaxing and antispasmodic properties. It can relieve groin pain by relaxing the muscles. Drinking chamomile tea or massaging with chamomile oil may be helpful.
- Lavender oil or lavender tea can relieve groin pain with its muscle-relaxing and relaxing effects.
- Clove has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use clove oil to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Castor oil can relieve groin pain with its muscle-relaxing and inflammation-reducing effects. You can use a few drops of castor oil for massage.
Before using these herbal and natural remedies, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to be sure of any allergies or drug interactions. It is also important to consult a doctor if your groin pain is severe or persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.
Is it normal to have groin pain during pregnancy?
It is very common to experience groin pain during pregnancy. During pregnancy, many changes occur in the body and these changes can cause groin pain. Groin pain is often associated with stretching of the ligaments in the pelvic area or enlargement of the uterus. Groin pain during pregnancy can often be mild and temporary. However, sometimes more severe and continuous pain can be experienced. In this case, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Because some conditions, especially in early pregnancy, can be a sign of a potential problem.
Your healthcare provider will evaluate your groin pain, consider other factors associated with your pregnancy, and make the necessary investigations. Commonly recommended treatments for groin pain during pregnancy include rest, hot or cold compresses, wearing comfortable clothing, and choosing an appropriate position. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if the pain is becoming severe and unbearable.
What are the causes of groin pain in women?
Other possible causes of groin pain in women include ovarian stimulation syndrome, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and urinary stones. It is important to seek help for the correct diagnosis and treatment by consulting a healthcare professional when there is any complaint of groin pain. There are many possible causes of groin pain in women. Here are some common causes of groin pain in women:
- During menstruation, groin pain may be experienced due to uterine contractions and shedding of the inner layer of the uterus.
- Cysts that form on the ovaries can cause groin pain as they grow or burst.
- Fibroids, which are benign tumors found in the uterus, can sometimes cause pain, especially if they are large or numerous.
- Infections in the cervix or vagina can cause pain in the groin area.
- Endometritis, an infection of the tissues lining the uterus, can cause groin pain and pelvic pain.
- Inflammation of the ovaries can cause groin pain.
- When there is an infection in the urinary tract, pain may be felt in the groin area.
- Tumors in the reproductive organs such as the ovaries, uterus, or cervix can cause groin pain.
There can be various causes of groin pain in men. Here are some common causes of groin pain in men:
- It is a condition that affects the muscles and ligaments in the groin area. A hernia is a condition in which the internal organs protrude from the inguinal region or form a hernia.
- It is an emergency caused by the rotation of the testicles. It causes severe testicular pain and requires treatment.
- It is an inflammation of the tubes located behind the testicles called the epididymis. It is usually caused by sexually transmitted infections or urinary tract infections.
- It is an inflammation of the prostate gland. It can be seen with symptoms such as groin pain, difficulty urinating, frequent urination.
- Stone formation in the urinary tract can block the flow of urine and cause groin pain.
- When prostate cancer progresses, groin pain and other symptoms may occur.
- Injuries to the muscles and tissues in the groin area may occur as a result of sports activities, falls or blows.
- In some men, the testicles do not descend into their normal place and remain in the groin area. This can also cause groin pain.
Because groin pain can be a sign of a serious health problem, it’s important to see a healthcare professional in case of severe or persistent pain. It is necessary to seek professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Which department should I go to for groin pain?
In the case of groin pain, it is recommended that you consult a general practitioner or family doctor primarily. Your family doctor can evaluate possible causes of groin pain and refer you to a specialist doctor if necessary. In addition to the family physician, the primary referral place for inguinal pain is the Department of General Surgery. The doctor you should consult may vary depending on your symptoms, gender, and other factors. Referring to the right specialist with the guidance of your family doctor will make your diagnosis and treatment process more effective. Some doctors who specialize in groin pain include:
- Urologist: Urologists deal with health problems related to the urinary tract, kidneys, bladder, prostate and reproductive system. Problems with groin pain in men are usually evaluated by urologists.
- General surgeon: General surgeons are doctors who can perform a variety of surgical procedures and diagnose and treat ailments in different parts of the body. Conditions such as inguinal hernia and appendicitis can be evaluated by general surgeons.
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist: In case of groin pain in women, an obstetrician and gynecologist can be consulted. These specialists evaluate and treat problems with the female reproductive system.