Differential Diagnosis for Groin Pain in a Healthy Male
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Muscle strain: This is the most common cause of groin pain, especially in athletes or individuals who engage in physical activities that involve sudden stops, changes of direction, or kicking. The pain is usually localized to the groin area and can be accompanied by swelling and bruising.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Inguinal hernia: An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The pain can be severe and may be accompanied by a bulge in the groin area.
- Osteitis pubis: This is an inflammatory condition that affects the pubic bone and the surrounding muscles. It is often seen in athletes who participate in sports that involve kicking or rapid changes of direction.
- Epididymitis: This is an inflammation of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. The pain can be severe and may be accompanied by swelling, redness, and discharge.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Testicular torsion: This is a medical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. The pain is usually severe and sudden, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Appendicitis: Although the appendix is located in the lower right abdomen, the pain can sometimes radiate to the groin area. The pain is usually severe and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- Kidney stone: A kidney stone can cause severe pain that radiates to the groin area. The pain is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination.
- Rare diagnoses
- Avulsion fracture: This is a rare injury that occurs when a fragment of bone is pulled away from the main bone. It can occur in the groin area, especially in athletes who participate in sports that involve sudden stops or changes of direction.
- Sportsman's hernia: This is a rare condition that occurs when there is a weakness in the abdominal wall, usually in the inguinal canal. The pain can be severe and may be accompanied by a bulge in the groin area.
- Referred pain from lumbar disc disease: In some cases, pain from a lumbar disc disease can radiate to the groin area. The pain is usually accompanied by back pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs.