Lower Groin Pain in Men: What It May Mean and What to Do

Groin pain sits where the abdomen, hip, and upper inner thigh meet. A sudden change of direction, kicking, or forceful stretching can irritate the adductor muscles. Hip Impingement may cause deep groin pain with sitting, squatting, or turning. A Hip Labral Tear can be associated with catching, clicking, or pain during hip rotation. Hip Osteoarthritis may cause stiffness and reduced hip movement. Pain can also arise from the abdominal wall, hernia, urinary system, or testicle, so a musculoskeletal explanation should not be assumed from location alone. The pattern, examination, and any swelling or urinary symptoms help separate these possibilities.

See [Groin Pain](/symptoms/groin-pain/) for the symptom overview, with more on [Hip Impingement](/conditions/hip-impingement/) and [Hip Labral Tear](/conditions/hip-labral-tear/).

Temporarily avoid sprinting, kicking, deep squats, and side-to-side movements that reproduce the pain. Keep comfortable walking if it does not cause limping. Do not force wide-leg stretches or test the pain repeatedly. Note whether symptoms change with coughing, hip rotation, meals, urination, or testicular movement, as this helps the clinician. Sports Physiotherapy can assess hip and trunk control, adductor strength, and movement technique, then build a graded programme. A supportive approach should be chosen after the source is clearer, especially if pain is sudden or accompanied by swelling.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe testicular pain, a high-riding or swollen testicle, a painful groin bulge that cannot be pushed back, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, or inability to pass urine. Arrange prompt assessment after an injury if you cannot bear weight or the hip appears abnormal. Book a clinical review for persistent pain, a new lump, pain with urination, or symptoms that keep returning during sport.

Ask whether the pain appears to come from the hip, adductors, abdominal wall, or another area. Ask whether you need a hernia or testicular examination, which activities are safe, and how to rebuild hip and groin strength without provoking symptoms.