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Groin pain or swelling
7-minute read
If you or someone else has sudden, severe pain and swelling in the scrotum, this may be testicular torsion. Call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
If you have a painful lump or swelling in the groin with nausea, vomiting or bowel obstruction symptoms, this may be a strangulated hernia. Call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
Key facts
- Groin pain is discomfort in the area where your upper thighs meet your lower abdomen (tummy).
- Groin swelling is a lump or enlargement in the groin area.
- Common causes include injury, infection and hernias.
- Some causes, such as testicular torsion or strangulated hernia, need immediate medical treatment in a hospital.
- See a doctor if your symptoms are ongoing or getting worse.
What is groin pain or swelling?
Groin pain is discomfort in the area where your upper thighs meet your lower tummy. It can also include the skin between the thighs and the area around your genitals and anus.
Groin swelling is a lump or enlargement in this area.
Groin pain or swelling can affect people of all sexes and genders.
Read more about groin irritation and infection.
What causes groin pain or swelling?
Common causes
Common causes of groin pain or swelling include:
- a groin injury or groin strain — from sport or exercise
- infections — may cause swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the groin, often from skin infections or sexually transmitted infections (STI)
- a hernia — when body tissue pushes through a weak area in the abdominal (tummy) wall
Less common causes
Sometimes groin pain or swelling may be caused by:
- a bone injury or stress fracture
- a kidney stone
- a pinched nerve or sciatica
- problems with your hip joint
When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor if you have ongoing groin pain that is not sudden or severe, and does not involve swelling, nausea or vomiting.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
- If you need to see your doctor but cannot wait for an appointment, you may be able to get treatment at a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Use the Service Finder to find your nearest one.
When to seek emergency care
- Some causes of groin pain or swelling need immediate medical attention, including:
- problems with your testicles, such as testicular torsion
- a strangulated hernia (when the blood supply to the tissue is cut off)
If you or someone else has sudden, severe pain and swelling in the scrotum, this may be testicular torsion. Call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
If you or someone else has a painful lump or swelling in the groin with nausea, vomiting or bowel obstruction symptoms, this may be a strangulated hernia. Call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
Go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- sudden, severe pain and swelling in your testicles
- groin pain with fever, muscle or joint aches or headaches
- sudden, sharp groin pain with blood in your urine (wee)
- groin pain or swelling with nausea and vomiting
- groin pain or swelling with symptoms of bowel obstruction — such as severe abdominal (tummy) pain or being unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement (poo)
How is groin pain or swelling treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of your groin pain or swelling. Non-emergency management may include rest, changes to your activity or other treatments. It may take several weeks for the pain, swelling or injury to improve.
Self-care at home (for non-emergency groin pain)
Self-care will depend on the cause of your groin pain or swelling.
Here are some tips to help relieve symptoms caused by a groin injury:
- If you are experiencing significant pain, you should avoid bending and lifting things until you see your doctor.
- Try not to wear tight clothing around the painful or swollen area.
- You can use an ice pack to help ease discomfort and relieve swelling in some cases.
- If your symptoms are caused by physical activity or injury, avoid activities that make your pain worse.
- See your doctor or pharmacist for advice about pain medicines, if you need them.
Other treatment options
Other treatment options depend on the cause of your groin pain or swelling.
Some conditions don't need surgery and can be managed with physical or exercise-based therapies.
Sometimes surgery may be needed, for example to repair a hernia or treat other medical conditions.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
What are the complications of groin pain or swelling?
Some conditions can become serious if not treated, such as:
- a hernia can become trapped or lose its blood supply
- testicular torsion can lead to the loss of the testicle if treatment is delayed
- Emergency surgery is needed to treat these complications.
Can groin pain or swelling be prevented?
Some causes of groin pain or swelling, such as injuries related to sport or physical activity, may be prevented. Avoid overuse and maintain muscle strength to help lower your chance of injury. You can visit a physiotherapist for advice.
Not all causes of groin pain or swelling can be prevented. This is because some are caused by underlying medical conditions.
Resources and support
- Healthy Male has information on testicular torsion.
- Children's Health Queensland has information on testicular torsion in children.
- Australian Hernia Centre has information on abdominal wall hernias.
- Government of Western Australia Child and Adolescent Health Service has information on hernias in children.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.