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Groin pain

Alternative Names:
Pain - groin; Lower abdominal pain; Genital pain; Perineal 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
  • Orchitis (inflammation of the testicle)
  • Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)
  • Inflammation of the inguinal ligament
  • Testicular tumor
  • Superficial skin infection



Review Date: 10/20/2005
Reviewed By: David R. Knowles, M.D., Advanced Urologic Surgeons, Mt. Vernon, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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