Contents
- 1 Key Takeaways:
- 2 What causes groin pain in men?
- 3 Can a urinary tract infection cause groin pain in men? (UTI)
- 4 Can cystitis cause groin pain?
- 5 Can prostatitis cause groin pain?
- 6 Can urinary stones cause groin pain?
- 7 Can benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) cause groin pain?
- 8 Can sexually transmitted infections (STI) cause groin pain?
- 9 Can appendicitis cause groin pain?
- 10 Can irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cause groin pain?
- 11 Can a hernia cause groin pain?
- 12 Can a pelvic fracture cause groin pain?
- 13 When should men seek medical help for groin pain?
- 14 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- 15 A/Professor Andrew Quoc Dutton Orthopaedic & Sports Clinic Insurance
Key Takeaways:
- Beyond Muscle Strain: Groin pain in men can be caused by a wide range of conditions beyond a simple pulled muscle, including urinary tract infections, hernias, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Systemic Connections: Pain in the groin can be a symptom of conditions affecting the urinary system, such as prostatitis and urinary stones.
- Diagnosis is Key: It is essential to seek a proper medical diagnosis for persistent groin pain to identify the root cause and ensure appropriate treatment.
- Don’t Ignore Symptoms: Unaddressed groin pain can worsen and disrupt daily activities, so early professional medical attention is crucial for effective management.
Groin pain in men can affect daily activities and may be linked to conditions involving the urinary, digestive, musculoskeletal, or reproductive systems. While some causes are minor, others may require medical attention. Understanding possible causes can help guide appropriate next steps.
What causes groin pain in men?
Groin pain in men may be caused by muscle strain, urinary tract infections, prostatitis, kidney stones, hernias, benign prostate enlargement, sexually transmitted infections, bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, appendicitis, and pelvic fractures. Because symptoms can overlap across different conditions, a proper medical assessment is important to determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate care.
Not sure why your hips, lower back, and groin hurt? There are several conditions linked to persistent groin pain in men. If examined closely, the reason can go beyond a pulled muscle, and if you don’t get it checked or seek medical attention, that pain and whatever is causing it may worsen.
To help you get a full grasp of what’s at risk, here are ten possible reasons behind pelvic discomfort.
Can a urinary tract infection cause groin pain in men? (UTI)
Yes. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria build up anywhere in the urinary tract. In men, infections may involve the bladder, urethra, prostate, ureters, or kidneys. UTIs can cause pelvic discomfort that may radiate to the groin.
Common symptoms:
- Pelvic pressure
- Painful urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Bloody urine
What to do:
- Urine testing
- Medical review if symptoms persist
UTIs are common in women, but men get them too. It’s an infection caused by an unhealthy bacteria buildup anywhere in the urinary tract.
Doctors usually identify them as “upper tract” or “lower tract” infections. The first involves the ureters and kidneys, while the second affects the bladder, prostate and urethra. Your symptoms will vary depending on the area that is infected.
Book a consultation with A/Professor Andrew Quoc Dutton today.
Can cystitis cause groin pain?
Yes. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder or lower urinary tract, often caused by bacterial infection. It may lead to pelvic or groin discomfort together with urinary symptoms.
Common symptoms:
- Pelvic discomfort
- Frequent urination
- Strong-smelling urine
- Intense urge to urinate
What to do:
- Urine testing
- Medical assessment to identify contributing factors
Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder or the lower urinary tract. It comes in different types based on what causes it. As such, it is either called:
- Bacterial cystitis
- Drug-induced cystitis
- Foreign body cystitis
- Chemical cystitis
- Radiation cystitis
Symptoms vary depending on the type of cystitis a person has. Typically, it includes pelvic pain, frequent urination, strong-smelling urine, and an intense urge to urinate.
Male infections tend to worsen compared to those in females. Infections can be aggravated by underlying conditions such as a prostate infection, a urinary tract obstruction, prostate enlargement or cancer.
Can prostatitis cause groin pain?
Yes. Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate gland, which sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum . It may cause pain in the groin, pelvis, perineum (between the scrotum and rectum), or genitals, and is sometimes associated with urinary tract infections.
One common form is chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which can cause ongoing pelvic or genital discomfort.
Common symptoms:
- Pelvic or perineal pain
- Discomfort when sitting
- Urinary irritation
What to do:
- Medical evaluation
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause
Treating UTIs right away can prevent any infection from spreading to the prostate. If sitting can cause pain to your perineum, see your doctor immediately. Early intervention also prevents it from progressing into chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Can urinary stones cause groin pain?
Yes. Kidney or urinary stones are hard mineral deposits that can cause sharp pain when moving through the urinary tract. This discomfort may radiate to the abdomen, pelvis, or groin. Blood in the urine, nausea, and vomiting may also occur.
It’s relatively common in both sexes, but renal stones are more likely to develop in men. Research shows that nearly 11% of males will experience a kidney stone, versus just 6% of females.
The symptoms and pain levels can vary, and the size of the stone isn’t necessarily a measure of how much pain it will cause. But you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Pain that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain medications
- Fever and chills
- Blood in the urine
- Distress that leads to nausea and vomiting
- Pain while urinating
Can benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) cause groin pain?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly affects older men. Enlargement may place pressure on the bladder and urethra, leading to urinary symptoms and lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort.
The prostate is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. An enlargement puts pressure on the urethra and bladder, leading to painful urination, constant urge to urinate, weak urine stream, smelly urine, and pain after ejaculation.
The symptoms of an enlarged prostate may come and go. As a result, most men wait several months or even years before seeing a doctor.
Common symptoms:
- Weak urine stream
- Frequent urination
- Persistent urge to urinate
- Pain after ejaculation
What to do:
- Medical review
- Monitoring or treatment depending on symptom severity
Can sexually transmitted infections (STI) cause groin pain?
Yes. Some sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, may cause groin or pelvic pain. These infections may be asymptomatic in early stages, with symptoms sometimes appearing weeks or months later.
Common symptoms:
- Penile discharge
- Itching or irritation
- Pelvic discomfort
What to do:
- STI testing
- Treatment as advised by a doctor
The only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested. Having no symptoms doesn’t mean that you’re negative. An early diagnosis is crucial in preventing complications such as long-term pelvic pain.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are both bacterial infections, for which doctors may prescribe one or two antibiotics treatment. In addition, you and your partner should undergo treatment to prevent reinfection.
Can appendicitis cause groin pain?
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and typically causes severe pain in the lower right abdomen. In some cases, pain may also be felt in the pelvic or groin region. Fever, nausea, and vomiting are common accompanying symptoms.
Common symptoms:
- Severe right-sided abdominal pain
- Fever
- Vomiting
What to do:
- Immediate medical assessment
A proper assessment can rule out other conditions with similar symptoms such as IBS, constipation, gastroenteritis or pelvic infection. Without prompt treatment, an inflamed appendix may rupture, which requires emergency surgery.
Can irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cause groin pain?
IBS is a digestive condition affecting large intestine function and may cause cramping, aching, or stabbing pain in the abdomen or pelvic region. While IBS does not cause structural damage, symptoms may be persistent and disruptive.
Common symptoms:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Bloating
- Changes in bowel habits
What to do:
- Dietary and lifestyle adjustments
- Medical advice for symptom management
Pelvic pain is a dominant symptom of IBS, a gastrointestinal disorder that affects large intestine function, causing digestive issues.
People with IBS use different descriptors to explain how the pain feels. For them, it can be cramping, aching, sharp, stabbing or throbbing in nature. It can be felt anywhere in the abdomen (belly), specifically in the pelvic region.
The chronic pain associated with IBS does not indicate structural damage, like ulcers. But the pain is just as real. Doctors may recommend diet and lifestyle changes to provide relief and medications to control other symptoms.
Can a hernia cause groin pain?
Yes. An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal contents protrude through a weakened area of the lower abdominal wall, sometimes forming a visible bulge in the groin.
Common symptoms:
- Groin lump or bulge
- Dull or dragging pain
- Burning sensation
If pain rapidly worsens or skin over the bulge changes colour, medical review is recommended.
What to do:
- Medical assessment
The lump isn’t always painful but some people may feel dull pain when they cough, bend over or lift heavy objects. It can also cause groin weakness or a burning sensation in the area. If the pain intensifies quickly and the bulge turns red or purple, seek medical care immediately.
Can a pelvic fracture cause groin pain?
Yes. Pelvic fractures usually result from trauma such as sports injuries or falls. They may cause significant groin, hip, or lower back pain and difficulty moving or bearing weight.
Common symptoms:
- Deep groin or hip pain
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Reduced mobility
Treatment varies depending on injury severity and may range from rest and pain management to other medical interventions as advised by a doctor.
What to do:
- Urgent medical assessment
It can cause considerable pain, even when you sit or lie down. In severe forms, this injury can lead to a lifelong disability, which can be life-threatening.
In younger males, sports is the common reason for pelvic fractures. But among the elderly, falls are the usual culprits for broken hips. In addition, the likelihood of these injuries increases in this demographic due to bone degeneration.
The main symptom is a pain in the groin, hip or lower back, which worsens when you move your legs. You may also feel discomfort if the muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissues that support the hip joint are damaged. If it’s the socket of the hip joint that is damaged, a person can be disabled permanently.
There’s a range of treatments for fractures depending on the extent of damage and the patient’s age. Some may only require pain relievers and rest, while others need an external device or surgery to immobilise the pelvis.
To know more about other causes of hip pain, here’s a quick word from A/Professor Andrew Dutton:
When should men seek medical help for groin pain?
Seek medical attention if groin pain is severe, lasts more than 48 hours, or is accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in the urine, a growing lump, or difficulty walking.
Comparison of Common Causes | |||
Cause | Pain Type | Key Symptom | Urgent? |
UTI | Burning, aching | Painful urination |
|
Kidney stones | Sharp, radiating | Blood in urine |
|
Hernia | Dull, dragging | Bulge in groin |
|
Appendicitis | Severe right-side pain | Fever, vomiting |
|
Pelvic fracture | Deep groin/hip pain | Cannot bear weight |
|
Hip pain requires proper diagnosis, especially when you are experiencing the 10 symptoms we’ve mentioned above. With that, doctors can run tests to rule out other conditions or injuries with similar symptoms.
For groin pain in men that stems from musculoskeletal injuries, it’s advisable to get it checked as soon as possible, primarily if it’s disrupting your daily activities. You can get in touch with A/Professor Andrew Dutton for an evaluation. Give us a call at (+65) 6836 8000.
Medically reviewed by:
A/Professor Andrew Quoc Dutton, Orthopaedic & Sports Surgeon, Singapore
Subspecialty: Hip, groin & pelvic musculoskeletal disorders
Summary for patients
If you have persistent groin pain, especially with urinary symptoms, fever, a visible lump, or difficulty walking, avoid self-diagnosis. A medical assessment can help identify the underlying cause and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
If symptoms continue or interfere with daily activities, consider seeking advice from a qualified medical professional. Patients who wish to seek further evaluation may do so through the clinic’s official contact channels.
Contact Information
A/Professor Andrew Quoc Dutton
Orthopaedic & Sports Surgeon, Singapore
Phone: (+65) 6836 8000
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are frequent causes of groin pain in men?
Muscle strain is a frequent cause, particularly in physically active individuals. However, urinary, digestive, and prostate-related conditions may also contribute. A medical assessment helps determine the exact cause.
Can groin pain come from the prostate?
Yes. Conditions such as prostatitis or prostate enlargement may cause discomfort in the groin or pelvic region, often together with urinary symptoms.
How do I know if groin pain is serious?
Groin pain may require medical attention if it is severe, persistent, or associated with fever, vomiting, urinary changes, a visible lump, or difficulty walking.
Does hip injury cause groin pain?
Yes. Hip or pelvic injuries can refer pain to the groin, especially when surrounding muscles, tendons, or bones are affected.
A/Professor Andrew Quoc Dutton Orthopaedic & Sports Clinic Insurance
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