Groin pain is a common symptom because different tissues and organs intersect in this area, which can cause localized (local) soreness). The reason should be sought in the genitourinary or musculoskeletal system. A specific disease can be suspected by the nature of the pain, which can be weak, dull or strong, aching or sharp, constant or intermittent. Sometimes additional redness and swelling appear. It all depends on what caused the symptoms to appear. In this regard, we suggest studying the most possible causes of groin pain in men.
Inguinal hernia
A hernia in the groin area is the most common of all types of hernias, and is 6 times more common among men than among women. With this disease, the peritoneum and internal organs of the abdominal cavity (usually the intestines) protrude under the skin through the inguinal canal. This is faced by men who are associated with hard work and have an enlarged inguinal and umbilical ring. A hernia occurs because the thinnest and weakest parts of the abdominal wall are located in the groin area.
At first there may be no pain, just a bulge. Sometimes it can be reduced, but in a lying position it may disappear. But with further development of the disease, complications are possible. Thus, pain in men in the left groin is caused by strangulation of a left-sided inguinal hernia. The same can happen on the right side if the protrusion occurs on the right.
Therapy methods
Treatment for sprained inguinal rings must be competent and timely. Without proper therapy, the risk of serious complications is high. Among the most dangerous is an inguinal hernia.
Conservative methods are used to treat sprains.
- Immediately after injury, it is necessary to apply cold to the sore spot.
- A day later, warming and anti-inflammatory ointments may be prescribed.
- If the pain is very severe, you cannot do without painkillers.
- The damaged area must be fixed in one position. A splint or splint may be required.
After an inguinal ring sprain, you should avoid physical activity until complete recovery. During rehabilitation, it is recommended to combine the use of medications with physical therapy, massage and other types of manual intervention.
Treatment of inguinal ring sprains is carried out by experienced specialists at our clinic. To make an appointment with a urologist and for more information, please call.
Diseases of the reproductive system
Orchitis is inflammation of the testicles. In addition to pain in the groin, there is pain in the perineum and the affected testicle. If the disease has become chronic, then the man experiences aching pain in the groin.
Testicular torsion. Causes severe groin pain in men. It is acute, initially occurs in the scrotum, and very suddenly. The pain is so severe that it can cause nausea and vomiting.
Funiculocele is a cyst of the spermatic cord. Causes discomfort in the scrotum, which intensifies after physical activity, and a feeling of fullness. Pain is more often observed during sexual intercourse.
Varicocele is a varicose vein of the spermatic cord. The pain can be either mild or severe. Shooting and burning pain in the groin in men is most often caused by varicocele.
Other possible reasons:
- acute prostatitis,
- prostate adenoma,
- vesiculitis,
- balanoposthitis,
- prostate cancer.
Contraindications to strengthening the pelvic muscles
Physical exercise has contraindications, so you must first consult a gynecologist or other specialized specialist so as not to harm your health. You should not do exercises for the perineum in the following cases:
- damage to the mucous membranes of the vagina and uterus;
- chronic diseases at the time of exacerbation (cystitis, endometritis);
- recent surgeries on the pelvic organs;
- the presence of neoplasms of any type;
- erosion of the uterine wall;
- pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.
Other contraindications relate to increased uterine tone, the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Diseases of the urinary system
Urolithiasis disease. This is one of the common causes of acute groin pain in men. If the resulting stone has blocked the left or right ureter, the symptom may appear in the groin on the left or right. This is associated with renal colic. In addition to pain in the groin, a man will feel acute pain along the ureter (in the abdomen), which radiates to the external genitalia and bladder. Additionally, there is a frequent urge to urinate and blood in the urine.
Other diseases of the urinary system can cause pain:
- urethritis,
- cystitis,
- hydronephrosis,
- bladder cancer.
Symptoms
There are two forms of pathology – acute and chronic. The first is characterized by:
- acute pain syndrome,
- the occurrence of swelling in the groin in the area of the injured ring,
- inability to move the leg to the side,
- changes in muscle tone,
- local increase in temperature in the affected area.
In the chronic form, there are practically no symptoms. The pathology does not manifest itself immediately, but only at the stage of scar changes in the muscles. This form most often occurs in men who are professionally involved in sports.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
ARS syndrome is inflammation and degeneration of tendons and ligaments attached to the pubic bone and symphysis. Athletes face this. Pain is observed in the lower abdomen and groin area, intensifying with hip abduction.
Hip sprain. May be caused by a fall or sudden abduction of the hip while performing any exercise.
Coxarthrosis, arthropathy, femoral neck fracture. These are diseases associated with damage or disease to the hip joint and the proximal part of the femur where it attaches to the joint.
First aid for sprains in the groin area
The main condition, the fulfillment of which will give the patient quick relief, is cold. To do this, apply ice, a bottle of cold water, or something frozen to the injured area where the ligaments hurt. After this, a tight tourniquet is applied to the injured leg. During its fixation, it is necessary to stop moving and ensure complete rest for the joint.
After providing first aid, you should proceed to a full course of treatment, which will allow the joint to return its former elasticity and painless mobility. During therapy, you will have to give up an active lifestyle, and especially sports.
Why is it important to see a doctor?
There are many causes of groin pain, and the nature of the symptom can only be determined after a thorough diagnosis.
Self-medication can make the problem worse, so it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The State Urology Center provides qualified medical care under the compulsory medical insurance policy, so the procedures and treatment prescribed by the doctor will be free for you. First, sign up for a consultation with a specialist, then we can relieve you of unpleasant symptoms and restore your health. April 19, 2021
Hakobyan Gagik Nersesovich - urologist, oncologist, MD, doctor of the highest category, professor
All the symptoms of the disease...
Diagnosing groin strains
If you receive an injury of this nature, you should consult a traumatologist or orthopedist. When diagnosing the resulting sprain, they establish all the circumstances of the incident. This technique allows you to recognize damage and be able to judge its shape and degree of complexity. For this purpose, the patient is interviewed.
To make a final diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment, an examination using diagnostic equipment can be carried out. It can be:
- Ultrasonography
- CT scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Radiography
Based on the results obtained, a final diagnosis is made. Depending on the severity of the injury and the age of the patient, the most appropriate course of treatment is prescribed.
What to do?
Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. There are surgical methods, but we will not discuss them. There is electrical stimulation, in which an electrode is placed on the vagina or rectum. However, the ability of electrical stimulation to increase skeletal muscle strength remains questionable, and side effects are common with this procedure. In most cases, patients complain of soreness, local irritation, pain and psychological discomfort.
Drug therapy does not strengthen the muscles, but can reduce resting pressure in the urethra by increasing the tone of its smooth or striated muscles. Alpha adrenergic agonists commonly used are ephedrine, norepinephrine, or phenylpropanolamine; imipramine, clebuterol, duloxetine, estrogen. Clinical studies confirming the effect of these drugs are few.
The urethra is sensitive to the effects of estrogen, data on its effectiveness is conflicting, and use is fraught with side effects, such as an increased risk of coronary heart disease and cancer.
For incontinence, experts recommend bladder training—scheduled urination. Their essence is that the patient urinates according to an individual plan, at certain intervals, and restrains untimely urges by contracting the sphincter. Gradually, the intervals between urination increase. It is believed that this restraint will increase the activity of the pelvic floor muscles. This method has been practiced since the 1960s, mainly for urge incontinence, but its effectiveness is questionable.
The first choice method is exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic floor exercises and other physical activities
No matter how strong and strong a person is, if his pelvic floor function is impaired, it is necessary to restore it. There is no need to give up regular sports activities, but for all types of training: cardio, endurance training or strength training, the number of repetitions, sets and frequency of training should depend on the reaction of the pelvic floor. If necessary, you need to reduce the intensity, impact, load, number of repetitions or duration of the workout, and then, as your pelvic floor functions improve, gradually return to the previous regime.
It is better to coordinate the training program with specialists, because people are different, and what suits one person may not suit another. But there are some general rules:
- Avoid high-impact or high-intensity exercises that reduce pressure on the pelvic floor.
- Don't lift heavy objects unless absolutely necessary.
- Before lifting weights, tighten your pelvic floor muscles.
There are two ways to assess the load on the pelvic floor. It is large if you feel heaviness or leak urine during the exercise, and if you are unable to tense your pelvic floor muscles while doing the exercise.
It's unrealistic to constantly think about your pelvic floor muscles during an hour-long workout, but it's helpful to pay attention to them regularly. If you can't engage and contract your muscles while doing a squat, biceps curl, or biking up a hill, you may need to cut your workout short or choose something easier. If your pelvic floor isn't ready for running, you can go for a walk in the hills. If five squats are tiring, do three. Over time you will progress.
Rehabilitation
Full restoration of the functionality of the hip joint after a second or third degree sprain is impossible without performing physical therapy exercises. You should start doing simple exercises immediately after swelling and pain are relieved. It is advisable to conduct the first classes under the supervision of a doctor. The amplitude and number of repetitions of movements are increased gradually.
As soon as your legs are ready to support your body weight, you need to start walking. First, with crutches and partial support on the foot. Then gradually increase the load to full. Next, you should give up crutches, start walking and do light squats. You should proceed to running, lunging and jumping only after complete restoration of the ligaments and surrounding tissues.
Physiotherapy and massage promote rapid regeneration of collagen fibers and restoration of motor functions of the hip.
Prevention
A sprained groin ligament is not the most common household injury. More often this happens when playing sports. The risk of such damage cannot be eliminated, but the likelihood and severity of damage can be reduced if you follow simple recommendations:
- Always warm up before doing physical exercise.
- Daily exercises maintain muscle tone, elasticity of ligaments and soft tendon joints.
- Use a balanced diet that satisfies all the body’s needs for microelements and vitamins.
- Seek medical help in a timely manner and treat injuries until the damaged organ is fully functional.
Following these rules, of course, will require effort and time, but in many cases it will protect you from injury and help maintain your health for many years.