There are many possible causes of groin pain on the left side, such as a pulled muscle or minor infection. In some cases, left-side groin pain may require medical treatment.
This article provides more information about pain on the left side of the groin in females, including some of the possible causes and their treatment options.
Injury to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments can cause left side groin pain.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the soft tissues that people most commonly injure are the ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
A person may sprain, pull, or strain one of the ligaments, muscles, or tendons that make up the pelvic region.
An injury can occur due to sudden movements, overstretching, or overuse.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the injury, a doctor may recommend rest, physical therapy, ice, stretching, or anti-inflammatory medications.
Another common cause of pain in the groin or pelvis is one or more broken bones. A broken pelvic bone can cause pain that radiates to the groin.
Possible causes of a broken pelvis include falling from a significant height or experiencing a high impact accident, such as a car crash.
Treatment
Standard treatments for mild injuries to the pelvis include bed rest and pain relief medications. For serious pelvic fractures, treatment often involves surgery.
As a kidney stone passes through a person’s system, it can cause pain in the groin.
Pain from kidney stones can occur in the groin when the stone passes from the bladder to the urethra.
Treatment
A person can try at-home treatment first, which involves drinking plenty of fluids and taking over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help alleviate the pain.
If the pain does not pass, a person should talk to their doctor as soon as possible.
A UTI occurs when bacteria travel into the urethra and bladder. According to the Urology Care Foundation, there are more than 8 million cases of UTIs in the United States each year.
A UTI can cause a burning sensation, pain, the need to urinate more frequently, and reduced urine output.
Treatment
Treatment typically involves completing a short course of antibiotics. For more severe infections, a person may need to take antibiotics for longer.
An inguinal hernia appears when the contents of the abdomen bulge through a weak area in the abdominal wall.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, inguinal hernias can occur on either side of the groin.
Treatment
Surgical procedures are the
Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs that grow on the ovaries. According to the
They can cause various issues, including pain in the pelvis and pain during sex.
Treatment
For smaller cysts, a doctor may suggest that people take pain medications or use hormonal birth control. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the cysts.
The
Lymph nodes play an important role in the body’s immune system. They help collect viruses and bacteria from various tissues in the body. As a result, they contain waste materials from the body, as well as fluid.
There are many lymph nodes in the groin area. According to the
Treatment
If a person has enlarged lymph nodes, they may feel a bit of pain or pressure in their neck, groin, or underarms. The underlying cause of the swelling will determine the treatment.
The symptoms of pregnancy can include pain in the groin. In many cases, round ligament pain is the cause.
Round ligament pain occurs when the ligaments that surround the uterus stretch or weaken. This often happens as the uterus grows in size in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
According to a
A person may find relief from the pain by taking a warm bath or lying on their side with a pillow between their legs for support. They could also consider taking OTC acetaminophen, but it is best to speak to a doctor or midwife before doing so.
A person should also talk to a healthcare professional if they experience lower back pain, fever, chills, or other symptoms in addition to pain in the groin.
If pain occurs in the groin when a person is walking, running, or doing other activities that involve the lower body, they have likely strained or pulled one or more of the muscles or tendons that meet at the pelvis.
The treatment for muscle strains can include ice, rest, compression, home exercises, and physical therapy.
At-home treatments can vary depending on what is causing the pain. In some cases, resting from activity can help.
A person can often treat pain with OTC pain relief medications, rest, and compresses.
A person should talk to their doctor if they experience pain in their groin that they cannot explain. A doctor can examine the person and help determine and treat the cause.
Groin pain on the left side is often not a major cause for concern. Common causes include a strained muscle, broken pelvic bone, or kidney stone. Other causes can include UTIs, ovarian cysts, enlarged lymph nodes, and pregnancy.
The cause of the pain will determine the treatment options.
Left side groin pain is often due to strains or minor infections. In many cases, a person can treat pain at home with OTC medications, rest, and compresses.
A person should talk to their doctor about unexplained or persistent pain.