A sore groin can have a variety of causes, ranging from mild to severe in nature. Some of the most common reasons for this type of pain include arthritis, infection, or physical injury. Kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and recent surgery are possible causes of discomfort in the groin region of the body. Groin pain in men may be due to swelling of the scrotum or a condition known as testicular torsion, while women may experience a sore groin as a result of pregnancy or ovarian cysts. A doctor should be consulted in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis concerning the reason for the development of groin soreness.
Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or bursitis may case a sore groin, especially when the hip joints are affected. Lower back injuries and pinched or compressed nerves frequently cause intermittent pain in the groin area. Infections that spread into the lymph nodes sometimes cause this area of the body to become sore or sensitive to touch. Several forms of cancer can lead to groin discomfort, so it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional any time that unexplained pain occurs in this region.
Urinary tract infections and kidney stones are known to lead to a sore groin. The bladder, kidneys, and tubes designed to transport urine to the outside of the body are located near this area, and inflammation can cause compression of surrounding nerves, adding to the discomfort. Recent surgical procedures affecting the lower back or abdomen may cause temporary groin discomfort.
Potential reasons for a sore groin in men include swelling of the scrotum or testicles, physical trauma to the genital area, and some sexually transmitted diseases. A severe complication known as testicular torsion is characterized by extreme pain and occurs when the cord responsible for blood flow to the testicles becomes twisted. This is considered to be a medical emergency and almost always requires surgical intervention.
Sore groin issues peculiar to women may include pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids. The round ligaments supporting the uterus stretch as the developing fetus grows and can cause pain in the lower abdomen. Ovarian cysts are abnormal masses that may develop in one or both ovaries, while uterine fibroids are tumor-like growths in the uterus. Hormonal inconsistencies are thought to be largely responsible for the presence of these masses, and treatment may include surgical intervention, sometimes prolonging groin pain.