Red flags & when to go in person for Groin Pain

Audience: adult

Groin pain can arise from various causes, ranging from minor muscle strains to serious medical conditions. Telemedicine can help assess many cases of groin pain by gathering your history and symptoms, and guiding you on next steps. However, some signs mean you should seek in-person medical care promptly. These include severe pain, swelling, redness, fever, or symptoms affecting urination or mobility. Understanding when to use telemedicine and when to visit a healthcare facility can help you get the right care quickly and safely. This guide explains common causes of groin pain, red flags to watch for, how telemedicine can assist, and what to expect during and after a tele-visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe groin or testicular pain requiring emergency evaluation
• Swelling, redness, or warmth in the groin area accompanied by fever
• Difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or inability to move the leg

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate groin pain
• Providing advice on symptom management and home care
• Determining need for in-person evaluation
• Prescribing medications when appropriate

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination requiring palpation
• Ordering or conducting imaging and laboratory tests
• Managing surgical emergencies such as testicular torsion or incarcerated hernia
• Treating severe infections or trauma requiring immediate intervention

Common Causes of Groin Pain

Groin pain may result from muscle strains, hernias, joint problems, infections, or nerve issues. In men, testicular problems can cause groin pain. Women may experience pain related to reproductive organs. Sometimes, pain can come from the hip or lower back but felt in the groin area. Identifying the cause often requires a careful history and physical exam.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Certain symptoms require urgent medical evaluation. These include:

If you experience these, go to an emergency department or urgent care.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to consult a healthcare provider remotely. For groin pain, a provider can:

However, physical examination and some tests require in-person visits.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To make the most of your tele-visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow your provider's advice carefully. This may include:

Keep a record of your symptoms and treatments for follow-up visits.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for your tele-visit
• Test your device’s camera and microphone beforehand
• Prepare a list of your symptoms and their onset
• Note any recent injuries or activities related to your pain
• Have a family member or friend available if you need assistance
• Be ready to describe your pain’s location, intensity, and characteristics

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider’s instructions carefully
• Monitor your symptoms closely for any worsening
• Use prescribed medications as directed
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms appear
• Keep a symptom diary for future consultations

FAQs

Can telemedicine accurately diagnose the cause of groin pain?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it often cannot replace a physical exam or tests needed to diagnose the exact cause of groin pain.

When should I go to the emergency room for groin pain?

Go to the emergency room if you have sudden, severe pain, swelling, redness, fever, difficulty urinating, or inability to move your leg. These could indicate serious conditions needing urgent care.

Can muscle strains in the groin be treated at home?

Mild muscle strains often improve with rest, ice, compression, and over-the-counter pain relief. Telemedicine can guide you on proper care and when to seek further evaluation.

Is groin pain common in women and men?

Yes, groin pain can affect both women and men but may arise from different causes related to reproductive organs, muscles, joints, or nerves.

What should I do if my symptoms worsen after a telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person medical care promptly, even if you recently had a telemedicine consultation.

Sources

1. Groin Pain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Evaluation of Groin Pain — Mayo Clinic.
3. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. When to Seek Medical Care for Pain — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have red flag symptoms or concerns, seek immediate medical attention.