I have groin pain. Is it an STD?

Consistent groin pain can be really worrying. When you get it, it’s natural to wonder if something serious might be going on.

While not all instances of groin pain indicate a serious problem, it’s crucial to be aware of what might be causing it. And one of the causes of groin pain may be STDs.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the various STDs that could cause groin pain. We’ll also discuss other potential causes, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of this complex symptom.

Let’s get started.

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What are STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are a group of infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact. These infections can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Some STDs can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, complications in childbirth, and even certain cancers.

What counts as groin pain?

Groin pain can refer to discomfort or pain experienced in the area where the abdomen meets the upper thighs. This area is known as the groin region.

Groin pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain, and may be localized or radiate to other areas such as the inner thighs, lower abdomen, or genital region.

The groin contains many important structures: arteries, veins, tendons, ligaments, muscles, the hip joint and lymph nodes.

Don’t let the thought of having an STI affect your peace of mind.

What STDs can cause groin pain?

Groin pain is almost never caused by STIs. However, here are a few STIs that may cause it.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium, can cause groin pain.

In some cases,

the lymphatic system which receives the bacteria from the infected area will arrive at the lymph nodes and cause them to swell. When they grow in size they may cause groin pain.

An extremely rare complication of chlamydia infection is called “reactive arthritis” and may cause groin pain coming from the hip joint.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhooea, another common sexually transmitted infection (STI), can also cause groin pain in certain cases. where the infection has passed from the genitals to the lymph nodes in the groin. Rarely there is also a “reactive arthritis” described with Gonorrhoea infections that may affect the hip joint..

Herpes

Herpes is a well-known viral infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including groin pain in some cases.

Genital Herpes, most often caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV 2), can lead to painful sores or blisters in the genital area, which includes the genitals, anus, upper thighs, and groin.

During an initial Herpes outbreak, individuals may experience intense groin pain accompanied by the appearance of painful blisters or lesions. This pain is due to the lymph nodes swelling, but Herpes is famous for being a “more painful” condition than other STIs, and these lymph nodes may be sore to the touch.

Even during recurrent outbreaks, some individuals may experience milder groin pain or discomfort.

Could the groin pain be due to something else?

With the very long list of anatomical structures that go through the groin area, groin pain is more likely to be related to one of those than an STI.

Muscle and ligament sprains, and other sports injuries commonly affect the groin area or produce hip joint problems. A painful lymph node needs to be investigated as the groin lymph nodes receive any infection in the legs (any bacterial infection from the toes up to the groin will enlarge lymph nodes) and they will also enlarge in respond to cancers too.

If you have a persistent lump in your groin, speak to your doctor for advice and a physical examination.

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How did I get the STD that caused this groin pain?

If an STD is causing your groin pain, you likely got it through unprotected sexual activity.

• Vaginal sex: This is perhaps the most common mode of transmission for STIs.
• Anal sex: Anal sex can sometimes more easily transmit STIs. The anus is prone to tearing during anal sex, making the transmission of certain infections more likely if mucous membranes are exposed to blood.
• Oral sex: Oral sex is a common mode of transmission for certain infections, such as oral Chlamydia infections or oral Herpes infections. You are more likely to get infected if you perform oral sex on an infected person than the other way around.
• Genital contact: Some STIs like Syphilis and HPV can be transmitted by simple skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s genitals.

However, you can get STIs in other ways:

• Blood transfusions: Blood-borne STIs like HIV and Hepatitis B can be transmitted through contaminated blood transfusions, though this is increasingly uncommon in the UK.
• Sharing needles: Sharing needles for intravenous drug use can transmit certain STIs like HIV.
• Sharing personal hygiene items: Sharing razors or toothbrushes with an infected person can put you at risk of contracting infections like Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
• Unsterilised tattooing equipment: If tattooing equipment isn’t properly sterilised between uses, it can transmit infections like HIV.
• Kissing: Mouth-to-mouth kissing is the most common way to get Oral Herpes.
• Childbirth: Many STIs can be passed from mother to child during childbirth. As the infant passes through the birth canal, they can come in contact with bacteria and viruses and become infected themselves.

What else can cause groin pain?

While your groin pain may be caused by an STI, some other things could be causing it.

Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of potential causes.

Muscle strain

The groin area is home to several important muscles, including the adductor muscles, which are responsible for pulling the legs together. These muscles can become strained or overworked due to intense exercise, sports that involve rapid lateral movements, or sudden changes in direction.

When these muscles are strained, individuals may experience groin pain ranging from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain, particularly during movements that involve stretching or contracting the affected muscles.

Hernia

A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body, such as a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue, protrudes through a weakness or opening in the surrounding muscle or tissue wall.

Hernias can occur in the groin region, where they are known as inguinal hernias. These hernias can cause a bulge or swelling, accompanied by pain or discomfort, especially when coughing, straining, or lifting heavy objects.

The pain associated with an inguinal hernia may be dull or aching, or it can be sharp and intense, depending on the severity of the condition.

Kidney stones

As kidney stones travel through the urinary tract, they can become lodged in the ureters, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. When this happens, it can lead to severe pain in the groin area, as well as the lower abdomen or back.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis primarily affects the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to its gradual breakdown over time.

When osteoarthritis affects the hip joint, it can result in groin pain due to the proximity of the joint to the groin area. As the cartilage wears down, the bones may begin to rub against each other, causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

Testicular torssion

Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle rotates, twisting the cord that brings blood to the testicle. This can cause sudden, intense groin or scrotal pain, often accompanied by swelling, nausea, and vomiting.

If left untreated, testicular torsion can lead to the loss of the affected testicle due to a lack of blood supply.

Final thoughts

Groin pain can be a concerning symptom with lots of potential causes, from STDs to other medical conditions.

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe groin pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Better2Know’s reliable and confidential urine, swab, and blood tests will provide you with the answers you need, allowing you to take the necessary steps toward proper treatment and care.

If you don’t know what STI to get tested for, try Better2Know’s Full Screen, which test for the UK’s 7 most common STIs.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Chapman, 16/07/2025.

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