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Groin Problems and Injuries - Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

A problem with the penis, scrotum, or testicle: Go to the topic Male Genital Problems and Injuries.
A urinary problem: Go to the topic Urinary Problems, Age 12 and Older or Urinary Problems, Age 11 and Younger.
Exposure to a sexually transmitted disease (STD): Go to the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
A cut: Go to the topic Cuts.
A hip injury or problem: Go to the topic Hip Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older or Hip Problems and Injuries, Age 11 or Younger.
Lower abdominal pain: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older or Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger.
A rash on other parts of your body as well as in the groin: Go to the topic Rash, Age 12 and Older or Rash, Age 11 and Younger.
A problem develops after a groin operation: Go to the topic Postoperative Problems.

Note : If you recently had a medical procedure such as a heart study (coronary angiogram) and have developed a lump or bulge, pain, or bleeding in your groin area, report your symptoms immediately to the doctor who did the procedure.


	Yes

Have you had an injury to the groin?


	Yes

Do you have pain in the groin but you have not had an injury?


	Yes

Do you have a lump, bulge, or swelling in the groin?


	Yes

Do you have a rash in the groin area?


	Yes

Do you have severe pain that has not improved after 5 minutes?


	Yes

Are you unable to put weight on the leg affected by your groin injury?


	Yes

Do you have moderate pain that has not improved after 1 hour?


	Yes

Do you have swelling and bruising in the groin that has not decreased after 24 hours of home treatment?


	Yes

Does your child have mild groin pain without other symptoms that has not improved after 48 hours of home treatment?


	Yes

Do you have mild pain that has not improved after 1 week of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you have dark or red urine?


	Yes

Do you have severe pain and know or think you have a fever?


	Yes

Do you have severe pain and swelling in the scrotum?


	Yes

Do you have moderate pain without other symptoms?


	Yes

Does your child have groin or knee pain and he or she is limping?


	Yes

Does your child have mild pain that has not improved after 48 hours of home treatment?


	Yes

Do you have mild pain that has not improved after 1 week of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you have severe pain and a lump or swelling in the groin?


	Yes

Do you have severe pain and a known inguinal hernia?


	Yes

Do you have diabetes and a new lump or swelling in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?


	Yes

Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system and a new lump or swelling in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?


	Yes

Do you have moderate pain and a lump or swelling in the groin?


	Yes

Do you have a new lump or swelling in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?


	Yes

Do you have new swelling or bulging in the groin after lifting or straining?


	Yes

Do you have a new lump or swelling in the groin that you think is a swollen gland (lymph node)?


	Yes

Do you have a new swelling in the groin for longer than 24 hours but do not have pain?


	Yes

Do you have mild pain and swelling with redness less than around the affected area after 24 hours of home treatment?


	Yes

Have you had any lump or swelling in the groin without other symptoms for longer than 2 weeks?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you have diabetes and a rash in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?


	Yes

Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system and a rash in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?


	Yes

Do you have a rash in the groin with signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus?


	Yes

Do you have sores or blisters in the groin area that have not been evaluated by a doctor?


	Yes

Do you have small red bumps spread over the groin area and severe itching, especially at night, for longer than 24 hours?


	Yes

Do you have mild pain and swelling with redness less than around the affected area after 24 hours of home treatment?


	Yes

Do you think you have jock itch and the rash has not gotten better after 1 week of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 24, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.