What could cause pain in the inner thigh near the groin in males?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Inner thigh pain near the groin in males is often caused by nerve-related conditions like genitofemoral neuralgia or obturator nerve entrapment. Other common causes include inguinal or femoral hernias, muscle strains, hip joint problems, and referred pain from the lower back or pelvis. Because the groin area contains overlapping nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, pinpointing the exact source can be difficult without proper evaluation.

Understanding the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment—nerve entrapment, hernias, and musculoskeletal issues each require very different approaches. Since symptoms often overlap, guessing can delay relief and lead to complications. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your pain 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 in males can have several causes. One possible cause is genitofemoral neuralgia, which is a condition where a nerve called the genitofemoral nerve is irritated or damaged. This nerve runs through the groin area and can cause sharp or burning pain if affected.

Another possible cause is obturator nerve entrapment. This occurs when the obturator nerve, which also travels through the groin, gets compressed or trapped, often due to physical activities or injuries. This can lead to pain, especially in athletes who engage in sports that require repetitive leg movements. Other conditions, such as hernias, can also cause pain to the thigh and groin region in males.

Lastly, a stepwise approach to diagnosing groin pain may be necessary, as groin pain is a common symptom with various potential causes. This approach involves systematically examining the groin area and considering different possible conditions that might be causing the pain.

If you are experiencing persistent or severe groin pain, you can use our free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

(References)

de Bruijn KM, Franssen G, & van Ginhoven TM. (2013). A stepwise approach to 'groin pain': a common symptom, .... BMJ case reports, 24042206.
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.

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