Genital Pain Relief Tips

This One's for the Girls: Causes of Groin Pain in Women

Women are just as susceptible to pain in the groin area as men. Conditions such as muscle strains, infections, nerve entrapment, and herpes cross the barrier of the sexes. But there are some causes of groin pain that are reserved for the ladies:

• Osteitis pubis- While this condition can affect men, it is much more common in women. Osteitis pubis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the front portion of the two bones of the pelvis. The cause of this ailment is unknown, but genital pain is the symptom.
• Ovarian cysts- The female reproductive organs are housed in the lower portion of the abdominal cavity. If something goes wrong, pain in the groin area is likely. Ovarian cysts, which can occur in either ovary and range in size and substance, are the most common cause of this type of discomfort.
• Endometriosis- During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus will thicken and slough off, often causing cramping and discomfort. Sometimes, this tissue somehow migrates outside the uterus, where it goes through the same hormonally-induced changes. This is called endometriosis and it can cause groin and genital pain.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease- If the uterus, cervix or vaginal canal are inflamed, there will be aching and tenderness on examination or with contact, and generalized pain in the groin and genital area.

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Just for the Boys: Causes of Groin Pain in Men

It's often used for comedic effect, and also in dramatic moments--a swift kick to the groin, and a guy is down for the count. Getting punched or kicked in the genitals is just one cause of male genital pain, but there are others that have nothing to do with defensive maneuvers. Causes of groin pain (groin and testicle are terms that are often used interchangeably to describe this region of the body in men) range from mild to serious, but keep in mind that sudden and acute pain in the testicles should never be ignored; it may be the sign of a medical emergency called testicular torsion.

Here are some common causes of groin pain:

• Inflammation of the epididymis: This is the tubular structure that connects the testicles and the vas deferens (the main duct that carries semen from the epididymis to the ejaculation duct). Inflammation causes swelling of the scrotum, testicle pain, pelvic discomfort, burning with urination, and possibly fever. An infection in the urethra or bladder is usually the cause of this condition.
• Inguinal hernia: If a small split or defect exists in the wall of a body cavity, tissue can protrude through it, resulting in a hernia. Symptoms of an inguinal hernia include a groin lump and/or localized swelling, which may or may not be painful. The lump may get bigger or hurt more with exertion that causes an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (like heavy lifting or coughing).
• Kidney stones: When solid masses of tiny crystals that form in the kidney pass through the ureter into the urethra (in the penis), men can experience severe genital pain. Other symptoms include blood in the urine, frequent or excessive urination, and pain that starts in the flank and moves into the groin.
• Testicular tumor: A benign or malignant condition may be the source of male genital pain.
• Testicular torsion: This condition involves a reduction or stoppage of blood flow from the testicle and is a medical emergency.
• Prostatitis: If the prostate is inflamed, symptoms include painful urination, fever, and pain in the pubic area and pelvic floor muscles.

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Testicular Torsion Causes Pain and Testicle Loss

A testicular torsion is a dangerous condition that involves the twisting of the spermatic cord and eventual loss of blood flow to the testicle. Without blood flow, testicular tissue can no longer survive. As a result, this agonizing condition is one of the most common testicle pain causes, and also a common cause of adolescent testicle loss. Testicular torsion can affect males at any age, and in most cases, results from an anatomic abnormality that spontaneously allows the spermatic cord to twist. When this happens, testicular torsion will create excruciating one-sided testicle pain.

Surgery is necessary to correct testicular torsion. If the condition is not handled promptly, symptoms will increase and eventually cause testicle loss. Pain can occur in the testicles and may also include swelling of the tissue. Other symptoms of testicular torsion include:

• Abdominal pain
• Elevation of testicles
• Fever

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What Is a Hydrocoele?

A hydrocoele is a gathering of fluid that surrounds the testicle by occupying the space called the tunical vaginalis. This condition, which only occurs in males, causes genital pain and swelling. When hydrocoele begins, it is normally painless. As the condition progresses, the pain may increase and other symptoms may arise.

Most cases of hydrocoele are congenital, meaning that they occur in young boys from birth. In these cases, the problem usually resolves itself within a year of birth. If the condition persists, surgical resolution maybe necessary to correct the problem. Secondary hydrocoeles will affect men of any age, and will occur on one or both sides of the scrotum, causing pain and other harmful symptoms. Symptoms of hydrocoele include:

• Pain, with possible infection
• Enlarged scrotum
• Heavy or dragging sensations

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