Swollen Lymph Nodes in Female Groin: Causes and Treatments

If you experience this type of swelling, working with your doctor to identify the underlying cause can help inform next steps.

Lymph nodes work as filters in our bodies, trapping infection and illness to prevent them from spreading. These smooth, pea-sized glands can become enlarged, swelling as big as a grape or tennis ball.

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin in women have many of the same causes as in men. A lower body infection, such as yeast infection or athlete’s foot, is the most likely cause.

A low-grade infection caused by injury while shaving your legs or pubic hair can also cause your groin lymph nodes to swell.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cancer are other possible causes.

This article covers all of these potential causes, other symptoms to be aware of, and when to see a doctor.

Swelling tends to occur in the lymph nodes closest to the area of infection. The groin lymph nodes, also called inguinal nodes, are usually affected by infection or illness in the lower body.

The following are the most common causes of swollen groin lymph nodes in women:

• vaginal yeast infection, which is caused by an overgrowth of the fungi candida
• bacterial vaginosis, a common infection that occurs when too much of a certain kind of bacteria alters your vaginal pH balance
• low-grade infection from shaving your pubic hair or legs
• athlete’s foot, a fungal skin infection that begins with a scaly rash between the toes
• urinary tract infection (UTI), an infection that can affect any part of your urinary tract
• cellulitis, a potentially serious skin infection that most often affects the lower legs and can spread to the bloodstream if not treated
• gonorrhea, a common STI that often causes no symptoms, but can damage the female reproductive system if not treated
• genital herpes, an STI caused by the herpes simplex virus that often begins with flu-like symptoms and swollen groin lymph nodes
• syphilis, a serious STI that starts with a sore and develops in stages with the potential to cause damage throughout the body if not treated
• HIV, the virus that causes AIDS and starts with flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes two to four weeks after initial infection

Though other causes are more common, cancer can cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin in women and men.

Cancer in the pelvis, back, and lower extremities can spread to your inguinal lymph nodes. Examples of such cancers include:

• melanoma
• ovarian cancer
• cervical cancer
• vulvar cancer
• vaginal cancer

Swollen lymph nodes can also be caused by lymphoma and leukemia, though these types of cancers are more likely to cause generalized lymphadenopathy. This is when more than one area of lymph nodes, such as the armpits and groin, swells.

Other conditions that can cause more than one area of swollen lymph nodes are:

• systemic viral infections, such as chickenpox, mononucleosis, and tuberculosis
• autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis
• certain bacterial and parasitic infections, such as Lyme disease, cat scratch disease, and toxoplasmosis

A lymph node is considered abnormal when it measures larger than 1 centimeter (0.4 inches). Along with swollen lymph nodes in your groin, you may experience other symptoms depending on what’s causing the swelling.

Swollen lymph nodes caused by infection, including STIs, are likely to be tender and the skin over them warm and red.

If your swollen groin nodes are caused by infection, you may also have one or more of the following symptoms:

• fever
• skin rash
• skin abscess
• infected cut
• skin redness and warmth
• vaginal itching
• vaginal discharge
• groin pain
• blisters or ulcers on or around the genitals
• pelvic pain
• painful urination
• cloudy urine

Warning signs of cancer include:

• lymph nodes that are swollen for more than two weeks
• nodes that feel hard and fixed in place
• rapidly growing lymph nodes
• persistent fever
• fatigue
• night sweats
• unexplained weight loss

To diagnose the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the groin, a doctor will begin with reviewing your medical history, including information about your sexual practices.

They’ll want to know how long your lymph nodes have been swollen and any other symptoms you’re experiencing.

The next step is a physical exam to check the nodes for:

• size
• consistency
• pain
• redness

The doctor may also check for lymphadenopathy and other signs of injury or infection.

Other tests your doctor may ask for include:

• a pelvic exam, which includes a visual and physical examination of your reproductive and sexual organs
• a pap test to check for cell changes and abnormal cells in the cervix
• STI tests, which can include swabs, blood, or urine tests
• urinalysis to check for UTI and other infections
• blood tests to check for infection or signs of certain cancers
• imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan to view your abdomen, pelvis, and groin
• lymph node biopsy, if other tests don’t find the cause and to rule out cancer

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of swollen lymph nodes.

When an infection causes swollen lymph nodes, treatment can include one or a combination of the following, depending on the type of infection:

• topical antibiotics
• over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream
• OTC yeast infection treatments
• oral antibiotics
• IV antibiotics for severe infections
• antiviral drugs for genital herpes
• antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV

If cancer is the cause of your swollen lymph nodes, a number of factors help determine treatment, including the type of cancer and stage, your age, and your overall health.

Cancer treatment may include:

• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapy
• stem cell transplant
• surgery

Any new groin lump should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if the lump is hard and fixed in place or it’s been present for more than two weeks.

See a doctor right away if:

• your swollen lymph nodes appeared for no obvious reason
• there’s a chance you’ve been exposed to an STI
• your swollen lymph nodes are accompanied by persistent fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
• you have signs of a serious infection, such as a high fever, rapid heart rate, and breathing

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Most of the time, swollen lymph nodes in the groin in women are caused by a lower body infection. This can be a mild skin infection, caused by damage or injury to your skin when shaving your legs or bikini area, to a more serious infection caused by an STI.

Cancer can also cause your inguinal nodes to swell, but it’s a far less common cause. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about a swollen lymph node. They can help determine the cause.

Swollen Lymph Nodes in Groin: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin are often caused by infections or injuries affecting the lower body, but they can also be a sign of something more serious. A doctor can help determine the cause and best course of treatment.

Lymph nodes are tiny glands that play an essential role in your body’s immune system. Your body’s cells and tissues dispose of waste in lymphatic fluid. Your lymph nodes then filter out foreign substances, including bacteria and viruses, from that lymphatic fluid.

Normal lymph nodes are approximately the size of a pea. When they come into contact with foreign substances in lymphatic fluid, they may swell. Lymph nodes can grow significantly, sometimes getting as big as a tennis ball.

Lymph nodes in the groin are also called inguinal lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin can be caused by an injury or skin infection anywhere in the leg, such as athlete’s foot. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cancer can also cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

More often than not, swollen inguinal lymph nodes are caused by infections or injury affecting the lower body. This can include the:

• groin
• genitals
• urinary tract
• leg
• foot

Examples of these include:

• Athlete’s foot: a fungal infection that usually begins with a scaly rash between the toes
• Jock itch: a fungal infection that causes a red, itchy rash in the groin area
• Vaginal or penile yeast infection: a common infection caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida
• Urinary tract infection (UTI): a common infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract
• Cellulitis: a common and potentially serious skin infection that most often affects the lower legs, and cause redness and swelling
• Balanitis: a skin irritation on the foreskin and head of the penis that is more common in those who are uncircumcised
• Prostatitis: a swelling of the prostate gland that can be caused by a bacterial infection or injury
• Cystitis: inflammation of the bladder most often caused by a UTI, but can also be caused by certain medications or irritating hygiene products
• Genital herpes: an STI that often begins with flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes in the groin, before an outbreak of genital blisters
• Gonorrhea: a very common STI that often causes no symptoms, but can cause discharge and painful urination
• Syphilis: a serious STI that begins with a sore called a chancre and develops in stages, leading to serious complications if not treated
• HIV: a virus that affects the immune system and begins with flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes
• Cat scratch disease: or cat scratch fever, which is a bacterial infection spread by cats that occurs if a cat bites or scratches a human or licks their open wound

In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes in the groin could be due to cancer. Cancer in the back, pelvis, and lower extremities can spread to the inguinal lymph nodes. Some of these types of cancer include:

• melanoma
• testicular cancer
• ovarian cancer

Swollen lymph nodes can also be caused by other cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia. These types of cancers are more likely to cause multiple areas of lymph nodes to swell.

Immunodeficiency disorders and infections, such as mononucleosis and chickenpox can also cause swollen lymph nodes.

Normal lymph nodes are small, painless, and move under the skin when pushed.

Most of the time, lymph nodes will swell in one area, close to the site of an injury or infection. When more than one area of lymph nodes swells, it’s called generalized lymphadenopathy.

Certain infections and cancers are more likely to cause multiple areas of lymph nodes to swell, including lymphoma, leukemia, and HIV. Measles, conditions that affect the immune system, and certain medications can also cause generalized lymphadenopathy.

A lymph node larger than 1 centimeter in diameter is considered abnormal.

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin may be painful to the touch and the skin over them may look red and inflamed, depending on the cause.

If your swollen lymph nodes are due to a lower body infection or injury, your other symptoms may include:

• a skin rash, irritation, or injury near the genitals or lower body
• vaginal or penile discharge
• skin blisters or ulcers on or around the genitals
• skin redness and inflammation
• itchiness
• fever

Other symptoms are more common when swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer. These include:

• lymph nodes that are swollen for more than two weeks
• fatigue
• night sweats
• persistent fever
• lymph nodes that are hard and fixed or immovable
• lymph nodes that are growing quickly
• generalized lymphadenopathy
• unexplained weight loss

To diagnose the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the groin, your doctor will begin with your medical and sexual history. They’ll ask about your symptoms, including how long your lymph nodes have been swollen.

Since certain medications can cause lymphadenopathy, the doctor will also want to know what medications you are taking.

Your doctor may also need to do additional testing, which may include:

• Physical exam. Your doctor will examine your swollen lymph nodes for size, consistency, pain, and warmth. They’ll also check for other lymphadenopathy and signs of infection and illness, including STIs.
• Urinalysis. You may be asked to provide a sample of your urine to check for signs of a UTI or other infection, including STIs.
• Pap test. A Pap test checks the cervix for abnormal cells and cervical cancer. An HPV test may be performed as well. HPV has been linked to cancer of the:
  • vulva
  • vagina
  • cervix
  • anus
• STI testing. Along with cervical swabs and urine and blood samples, urethral swabs and other STI tests may be performed if an STI is suspected.
• Blood tests. Certain blood tests can help diagnose an underlying condition, including infections and leukemia. The blood tests ordered will depend on what your doctor suspects is causing your swollen lymph nodes. This may include a complete blood count (CBC), blood culture, and HIV tests.
• Imaging tests. Your doctor may order one or more types of imaging tests to help determine possible sources of infection or locate tumors. Imaging tests used may include an ultrasound of your abdomen, pelvis, and groin, or a CT scan of the affected area.
• Lymph node biopsy. If other tests don’t provide a diagnosis or cancer is suspected, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. A sample from a lymph node or an entire lymph node may be removed. The doctor will usually choose to biopsy the largest lymph node.

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin are a symptom, not a condition. Treatment depends on the underlying issue that’s causing your lymph nodes to swell.

If an infection is the cause, treatment depends on the type of infection and may include a topical treatment, oral treatment, or a combination of both.

Treatments include:

• topical antibiotics for a skin infection
• OTC antifungal cream for athlete’s foot or jock itch
• OTC yeast infection treatments, such as creams or suppositories
• oral antibiotics for infections, including some STIs
• antiviral drugs, such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir (Zovirax) for genital herpes
• antiretroviral therapy for HIV

If cancer is causing your swollen lymph nodes, treatment depends on the type of cancer, the stage, and your age and overall health. Options may include:

• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapy
• stem cell transplant
• surgery

How long until the swelling goes down?

Swollen lymph nodes usually return to normal when the underlying condition gets better. For instance, if you have a minor skin infection, such as athlete’s foot, your lymph nodes should go back to their normal size once you’ve treated the infection.

Swollen lymph nodes are a sign your body is doing its job to fight off an infection or illness, so you shouldn’t take steps to prevent this process.

That said, these tips can help you stay healthy and prevent illness and infection to begin with.

• Wash your hands regularly.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your face, including your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Refrain from sharing personal items like utensils and toothbrushes.
• Stay on top of your recommended vaccinations.
• Practice safe sex.
• Interact safely with animals.
• Steer clear of others who are sick.

Any lump in your groin should be evaluated by a doctor. See your doctor if:

• the swelling appeared for no obvious reason, such as a skin infection or injury
• the swelling is present for more than two weeks or continue to enlarge
• your lymph nodes feel hard or don’t move when you push on them
• the swelling is accompanied by persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats
• you’ve been exposed to an STI

Most swollen lymph nodes in the groin are caused by a lower body infection or injury, but it could be something more serious. Talk with your doctor, especially if you have other symptoms.

Why do lymph nodes inflame in the groin and what to do with them

Likbez

Health

December 30, 2020

This problem will definitely not resolve itself. So see a doctor as soon as possible.

You can listen to the article. If it’s more convenient for you, turn on the podcast.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes, scientifically known as lymphadenitis, is a condition in which the lymph nodes become enlarged, hard, and can become painful and accumulate pus.

There are many lymph nodes in the body: they are located in clusters along large veins. And any of them can become inflamed, sometimes for harmless reasons that do not require treatment. Unfortunately, the latter does not apply to inguinal nodes. Their inflammation is a sure sign of problems.

Lymphatic system. Author: Alila Medical Media / Shutterstock

How to understand that the lymph nodes in the groin are inflamed

Inguinal lymph nodes are located in the fold between the thigh and the pubis. Usually they cannot be seen or felt. But with inflammation, they become larger. And under the skin, one or more hard or elastic oval knots, at least the size of a bean, begin to be felt.

Whether other symptoms appear, such as redness or pain, depends on the cause of the lymphadenitis.

Why do the lymph nodes in the groin become inflamed

The lymph nodes in the groin can become inflamed and enlarged due to problems that affect the body as a whole. But more often the damage to the external genitalia and legs is to blame. Because it is from them that the lymph is collected in the inguinal nodes.

So, let’s start with the most harmless causes of inflammation.

Taking certain medications

The most common causes of swollen lymph nodes in the groin or elsewhere are malaria prophylaxis drugs, some antibiotics, high blood pressure medicines, and phenytoin-based anticonvulsants.

Mononucleosis

This disease, resembling SARS, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is transmitted along with saliva when kissing or, for example, sharing dishes. For many, mononucleosis goes away without visible symptoms, but sometimes there are:

• weakness;
• increase in temperature to 39.5–40 °C;
• sore throat.

In addition, groups of lymph nodes located on the neck, armpits or groin become inflamed. Individual nodes can reach 1–3 cm in diameter, become dense, and hurt when pressed. But the skin above them remains healthy and does not turn red.

In some people, the lymph nodes are palpable and sore even after recovery.

Toxoplasmosis

It is caused by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which lives in cats and other animals. It is from them that a person most often becomes infected.

95-99% of people do not develop symptoms after infection. But sometimes, with a decrease in immunity, the disease can abruptly turn into an acute form with vivid signs:

• pain in muscles and joints;
• lethargy, weakness;
• high fever, neck muscle tension, photophobia;
• headache;
• swollen lymph nodes throughout the body.

Genital herpes

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin can be caused by the herpes virus type 1 or 2. It is transmitted sexually, penetrates into the nerve nodes located in the sacrum, and does not manifest itself for quite a long time.

But with a decrease in immunity, the virus is activated. A rash appears on the skin of the genitals and around the anus in the form of blisters with liquid, and the lymph nodes may become enlarged and hurt, or may remain invisible. Sometimes because of herpes it is painful to urinate, constipation develops.

Syphilis

This STD is caused by Treponema pallidum. At the site of penetration of the bacteria, a hard chancre is formed – a small, painless sore. Lymph nodes in the groin increase, become dense, but do not hurt. Chancre heals in 3-12 weeks and lymphadenitis disappears at the same time.

If syphilis is left untreated, more severe symptoms will appear later, which can lead to serious complications.

Chancroid

Another sexually transmitted disease is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. The first symptoms appear 3-7 days after infection. Eruptions appear on the skin of the thighs and in the groin. Gradually, they turn into small painful sores with an inflamed red rim and a white coating in the center. At the same time, the lymph nodes in the groin increase and hurt. Sometimes pus accumulates in them, an abscess forms.

Erysipelas

Erysipelas is caused by group A streptococci. They affect the upper layers of the skin and the lymphatic vessels located in them. Most often, the disease develops on the legs. Due to the inflammatory reaction, the outflow of lymph from the extremities is disturbed, and bacteria can penetrate into the inguinal lymph nodes and cause lymphadenitis.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis bacteria primarily affects the lungs. But sometimes the infection can spread through the lymph or blood to other organs. In women, the uterus is often infected, so the menstrual cycle is disturbed, and uterine bleeding is disturbing. And in men, tuberculous orchitis develops – inflammation of the testicle when it enlarges and turns red. These changes can lead to lymphadenitis.

Cancer

Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin may be a sign of cancer. It is usually one of the types of leukemia, or blood cancer. Sometimes the inflammation is associated with lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. The symptoms are the same:

• frequent fever for no apparent reason, chills;
• severe fatigue;
• weight loss;
• bone pain;
• bruising or small rash on the skin;
• heavy sweating, especially at night;
• epistaxis.

HIV

The immunodeficiency virus causes the death of cells of the immune system. 1-4 weeks after infection, the first symptoms appear:

• malaise and weakness;
• sore throat;
• fever;
• sore joints;
• painless enlargement of lymph nodes all over the body.

Signs of the disease can last up to two weeks and disappear without a trace. But the virus continues to live and multiply in the body. Therefore, for 2–15 years, mild manifestations of infection may appear, including periodic enlargement of lymph nodes in the groin or other places. This happens both because of the virus itself and because of the activation of other infections.

What to do if the lymph nodes in the groin are inflamed

Go to the doctor. And as soon as possible. If the pain is too severe, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment. But warming the lymph nodes, trying to pierce them or doing some other self-treatment is impossible in any case! This can be very harmful to health and slow down recovery.

If you have recently had unprotected sex and suspect an STI, see a gynecologist, urologist or venereologist. In all other cases, you can make an appointment with a therapist.

The doctor will order an examination to find the cause of the lymphadenitis. You may need:

• Complete blood count. It helps to see signs of inflammation in the body.
• Ultrasound. Usually, an enlarged group of lymph nodes is examined, as well as organs of the small pelvis.
• PCR diagnostics. It is used for suspected viral infections.
• Biopsy of lymph nodes. Using a thick needle, a tissue sample is taken from the largest node, or sometimes the entire node is removed and sent to the laboratory.

Only after receiving the result of the examination, the doctor will be able to accurately name the cause of lymphadenitis and prescribe treatment.

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Inguinal lymphadenitis, treatment, causes and consequences

The task of the human lymphatic system is to provide protection against infections. With the help of blood flow, microbes enter the lymph nodes, where a healthy body successfully fights them. With a weakened immune system, the presence of chronic infections, lesions occur that cannot be dealt with. In these cases, the lymph nodes begin to swell, lymphadenitis develops. It can manifest itself in different places, depending on the provoking factor. So, the lymph nodes located in the groin are responsible for the lower part of the body. Therefore, the disease can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, pathologies in the legs, buttocks, anus.

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact a specialist.

Symptoms

Signs of lymphadenitis in the groin are quite easy to notice. The symptoms of this disease are clearly expressed and are not even determined by a specialist. It is much more difficult to determine the cause that caused inguinal lymphadenitis. The therapy will depend entirely on its nature. She is sent for the treatment of a provoking ailment, after which the lymph nodes can return to normal on their own. The main symptoms of the disease are considered to be:

• Thickening and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin area. Often there are “bumps” that are visually easy to recognize.
• Redness of the skin in the affected areas. They can sometimes be confused with mosquito bites, but with lymphadenitis, these places do not itch.
• Occurrence in the groin of unpleasant painful sensations, which are especially strongly felt during walking or during physical exertion.
• Increased body temperature due to inflammatory processes.

Sometimes inguinal lymphadenitis can spread to other lymph nodes. If symptoms of the disease are detected, it is recommended to seek medical help. Otherwise, complications are likely that will require difficult and lengthy treatment.

Lymphadenitis in the groin in women

Lymph nodes collect almost all the fluid from the lower extremities and pelvic area. Therefore, it can be quite difficult to identify the cause of their inflammation. The disease can be provoked by a variety of diseases, at first glance, not related to the lymphatic system. The causes of lymphadenitis in the groin in women can be:

• Chronic cystitis, kidney stones and other diseases of the genitourinary system.
• Fungal diseases of the feet, venereal pathologies.
• Diseases of the reproductive organs.
• Infectious lesions of the pelvis, formation of ulcers in the lower part of the body.
• Transferred viral diseases: influenza, acute respiratory infections and others.
• Cancer neoplasms.

It is not difficult for women to identify the symptoms of the disease. They are clearly defined when holding a hand in the inguinal region. Lymph nodes increase significantly and become like small balls. In addition, there are characteristic pain sensations.

Inguinal lymphadenitis in men

In a strong half of humanity, the disease occurs with the same symptoms as in women. There is an increase in lymph nodes, unpleasant painful sensations occur, redness of the skin is visually determined. There are two types of this disease in men. Primary – when the infection enters the body through open wounds and scratches, and secondary, which is provoked by other diseases of the body. The main causes of the disease in men are:

• Venereal diseases.
• Injuries (both sports and domestic).
• Past infectious diseases.
• Bacterial lesions of the body.
• Inguinal hernia.

Sometimes allergic reactions to certain medicines can provoke an illness. The bacterial form of the disease appears only when the skin is damaged. In its normal state, it acts as a barrier to the penetration of bacteria and microbes into the body.