The term “groin pain” is sometimes used to describe pain in the genitals but also includes the surrounding areas between the abdomen and thigh. Many different organs could be the culprit for pain including muscles, tendons, bones, reproductive organs or nerves. This pain can be sudden or persistent depending on the cause. Injury, infection, aging, obesity and chronic illnesses can all be contributing factors. In most cases, groin pain will heal with no need to see a doctor but sometimes the underlying cause can be more severe and require medical attention. Getting the advice of your doctor is important if the pain gets worse or does not lessen within a week. You should also consult your physician if new symptoms appear a few days after the onset. These are five things to consider if the cause of your groin pain is unclear:
Mumps. This is a common childhood disease with which most people are familiar. It is a viral infection that can cause one or both of the testicles to swell. This swelling can cause mild to severe discomfort. If associated with Mumps, this type of pain would be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting and generally just feeling bad. It may take weeks to fully recover from the tenderness and can cause lasting problems with fertility.
