Groin pain
Many young men come to see me because they feel something or have an ache in there groin. Sometimes this can be a serious condition: testicle torsion (twist on its blood supply, hernia, testicle mass or other growth outside the testicle. In other cases it can be a muscle strain, or dilated veins to the testicle – a varicocele, or pain without a growth: epididymitis or orchitis.
torsion is an emergency- if a young man is doubled over in pain from the testicle they should go to an emergency room and be evaluated surgical exploration is warranted in a timely fashion often an ultrasound can be done quickly to examine the blood flow to the testicle
a hernia is a communication between the abdominal contents ( where you bowels sit) and the groin. This can happen in children or adults. Young people should have it evaluated and fixed if you are very elderly it sometims can be watched. Masses in the testicle should be examined by a urologist, and ultrasound should be performed to look at the structure of the testicle and blood flow.
a varicocele is dilated veins to the testicle this can be painful (usually a dull ache) not sharp pain and can also contribute to infertility. I have authored several review articles for urologist to read on this topic. Featured in the book Infertility in the Male, 4th Edition and Urology Clinics of North America. Stay tuned for more on microsurgery for male infertility on this blog.
young men with epididymitis usually have an hidden gonorrhea or chlaymdia infection and can be treated with antibiotics. advil or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used and often elevation of the scrotum and a jock strap or tight underwear is helpful.
groing pain can also be referred pain from a kidney stone or muscle strain
if you have testicle or groin pain you should be evaluated by a urologist this blog is not a substitute for seeking medical evaluation. Do not take prescription medicine without perscription from a doctor
