What specific conditions might cause pain in the inner thigh near the groin in females?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Inner thigh pain near the groin in females is often caused by genitofemoral neuralgia, obturator nerve entrapment, or an inguinal or femoral hernia. Genitofemoral neuralgia produces burning or shooting pain in the groin and upper inner thigh, often after pelvic surgery. Obturator nerve entrapment causes deep aching or numbness along the inner thigh, typically worsened by walking or exercise. A hernia may present as a visible bulge, pressure, or sharp pain that intensifies with lifting or straining.

Because these conditions share overlapping symptoms but require very different treatments, pinpointing the cause early is essential to avoid complications and get relief faster. Take a free, instant, AI-powered symptom check to better understand your symptoms and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain in the inner thigh near the groin can come from different conditions. One possible cause is genitofemoral neuralgia, which happens when the genitofemoral nerve is irritated or damaged. This nerve runs through the groin area and can cause sharp or burning pain if it is affected.

Another cause is obturator nerve entrapment. This can happen in athletes or active individuals when the obturator nerve, which is located in the pelvic area, gets compressed. This can lead to pain and sometimes weakness in the inner thigh.

Lastly, an obturator hernia can also cause pain in this region. This is when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscles of the lower abdomen, pressing on the obturator nerve. This type of hernia is rare but can cause significant discomfort in the groin area. Patients can also have a femoral hernia and this can also cause thigh pain.

If you experience this kind of pain, you can use a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes before consulting with a healthcare provider to determine the exact diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

(References)

Cesmebasi A, Yadav A, Gielecki J, Tubbs RS, & Loukas M. (2015). Genitofemoral neuralgia: a review. Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.), 25377757.
Bradshaw C, McCrory P, Bell S, & Brukner P. (1997). Obturator nerve entrapment. A cause of groin pain in athletes. The American journal of sports medicine, 9167824.
Belli AK, Memiş G, Dere Ö, Koşan U, & Nazlı O. (2016). Obturator hernia should be considered in the differential .... Ulusal travma ve acil cerrahi dergisi = Turkish journal of trauma & emergency surgery : TJTES, 28074454.

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