Differential Diagnosis for Inner Groin Pain in Women
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Ovarian cysts: Inner groin pain in women is often related to gynecological issues, and ovarian cysts are a common cause of pelvic pain that can radiate to the groin area.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs can cause pain in the groin area, especially if the infection has spread to the kidneys.
- Hernias: Femoral hernias, in particular, can cause inner groin pain in women, especially when coughing, lifting, or straining.
- Endometriosis: This condition can cause chronic pelvic pain, including pain in the groin area, due to the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause pain in the lower abdomen and groin area.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic pregnancy: Although less common, an ectopic pregnancy can cause severe inner groin pain and is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Appendicitis: Although the appendix is typically located in the lower right abdomen, an inflamed appendix can cause pain that radiates to the groin area.
- Ovarian torsion: This is a rare but life-threatening condition where the ovary twists around its ligaments, cutting off blood supply and causing severe pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Nerve entrapment: Entrapment of the ilioinguinal or genitofemoral nerves can cause chronic groin pain in women.
- Pudendal neuralgia: This is a rare condition characterized by chronic pain in the distribution of the pudendal nerve, which can include the groin area.
- Lymphadenitis: Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin area can cause pain and swelling, although this is a rare cause of inner groin pain in women.