When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Groin pain associated with back, abdomen or chest pain
• Sudden, severe testicle pain
• Testicle pain and swelling accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, chills or blood in the urine

Schedule a doctor's visit if you have:

• Severe groin pain
• Groin pain that doesn't improve with home treatment within a few days
• Mild testicle pain lasting longer than a few days
• A lump or swelling in or around a testicle
• Intermittent intense pain along the lower side of your abdomen (flank) that may radiate along your groin and into your testicle
• Blood in your urine

Self-care

If your groin pain is caused by a strain or sprain, these self-care measures might help:

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
• Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a protective layer such as a towel, on the sore area for 20 to 30 minutes two to four times a day.
• Temporarily stop participation in athletic activities. Rest is essential to heal any strains or sprains to your groin.