Symptoms · Groin
A bulge or pain in the groin
The short answer
A soft bulge in the groin or scrotum that shows when you stand, cough or lift, and may go away when you lie down, is most often an inguinal hernia. A hernia does not heal on its own, but a small one that causes little trouble can often be watched. See a doctor to confirm what it is. Go to the emergency room if the bulge becomes hard and painful and cannot be pushed back, especially with vomiting.
How patients describe it
- A lump in the groin when I stand
- A swelling that goes down when I lie down
- A heavy or dragging feeling in the groin
- Pain when I lift or cough
- Swelling in the scrotum
Go to the emergency room now if you have
- A bulge that is hard, very painful, and cannot be pushed back
- Vomiting, or a swollen belly with no wind or stool
- Redness or a dark colour over the bulge
- Fever with a painful groin lump
- Sudden severe pain in the scrotum (men)
What can cause it
Inguinal hernia
A bulge that appears with coughing, standing or lifting and settles when you lie down.
Next step: Examination, and an ultrasound if it is unclear.
Femoral hernia
A small lump just below the groin crease, more common in women. It can get stuck more easily.
Next step: See a doctor soon.
Swollen lymph node
A tender lump, often with an infection or sore in the leg, foot or genital area.
Next step: Examination; treating the infection usually settles it.
Scrotal swelling (hydrocele or similar)
A smooth swelling of the scrotum that does not go down when you lie down.
Next step: Examination and ultrasound.
Muscle strain
Pain after sport or lifting, with no lump.
Next step: Rest and physiotherapy; see a doctor if it does not settle.
What you can do now
- Avoid heavy lifting and straining
- Treat constipation and a long-lasting cough, because straining pushes the hernia out
- Note when the lump appears, and whether it goes away when you lie down
- Do not push hard on a painful lump
- Book a clinic visit, and sooner if the lump is getting bigger or more painful
Tests your doctor may order
- Examination standing up and while coughing
- Ultrasound of the groin if the diagnosis is unclear
When is surgery needed?
- A hernia is repaired by an operation, by keyhole or open surgery. Repair is advised when it causes symptoms.
- A small hernia with little or no trouble may be watched. Your surgeon will explain which applies to you.
- Hernias in children do not go away on their own and are repaired.
Questions people ask
Will a hernia go away on its own?
No. A hernia is a weak spot in the belly wall, and it does not close by itself. Some small ones cause little trouble and can be watched under a doctor's care.
Will the hernia come back after the operation?
It can, but not often: about 2–5 in 100 after keyhole repair and about 5–10 in 100 after open repair.
When can I lift or exercise again?
Avoid heavy lifting and sport for about 4 weeks after keyhole repair and 4–6 weeks after open repair.
Does the operation affect sexual function?
It rarely does. Most people return to normal activities, including intimacy, once the pain settles.
This page gives general information and does not replace the advice of your treating team. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room.