The term “groin” is often used broadly, leading to confusion about its precise anatomical meaning, particularly regarding female anatomy. Given its frequent association with male-specific sports injuries, people often wonder if the area applies only to one sex. Anatomically, the groin is a defined region present in all individuals, regardless of sex. This article clarifies the precise location of the groin and explores the minor anatomical variations found within the female body.
Where is the Groin Located
The groin, medically known as the inguinal region, is the area on the lower anterior abdominal wall where the torso meets the thigh. This junctional area, located on either side of the pubic bone, is often marked by a visible crease. Its boundaries are defined by skeletal landmarks, running from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) down to the pubic tubercle.
The main underlying structure is the inguinal ligament, a dense band of tissue that forms the floor of the inguinal canal. The region also houses the attachments of the adductor muscle group, which are responsible for bringing the thighs together. These adductors and the hip flexors are often collectively referred to as the “groin muscles.”
The Groin is Universal Anatomy
The anatomical definition of the groin is sex-neutral; females possess the identical skeletal and muscular framework that defines the region. The underlying structures, including the inguinal ligament, the adductor muscles, and the general abdominal wall layers, are common to all human beings. Differences in the groin area are minor and focus on the contents of the inguinal canal, the small passage running parallel to the inguinal ligament.
In females, this canal transmits the round ligament of the uterus, a fibrous cord that extends from the uterus, passes through the canal, and attaches to the connective tissue of the labia majora. The inguinal canal also contains the ilioinguinal nerve and the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve in both sexes.
While the fundamental components are shared, the inguinal canal itself is typically smaller and less prominent in females compared to males. The deep inguinal ring, which is the internal opening of the canal, is also smaller in females. These differences are a result of developmental processes, as the male canal transmits the spermatic cord, a structure with a larger diameter than the female round ligament.
Common Causes of Pain in the Female Groin
Pain in the female groin often originates from the surrounding musculoskeletal structures. Muscle strains are a frequent cause, particularly involving the adductor muscles of the inner thigh or the hip flexors, often resulting from sudden movements or overexertion during physical activity. These strains manifest as a sharp, sudden pain that worsens when moving the leg toward the body’s midline.
Other conditions related to the lower abdomen and pelvis can also cause pain that radiates to the groin area. Lymph nodes in the inguinal region may become enlarged and tender in response to localized infection or inflammation in the lower limbs or pelvis. Inguinal hernias, while less common in females than in males, can still occur when tissue, such as a piece of intestine, pushes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall near the inguinal ligament.
Pain can also be caused by conditions specific to the reproductive organs. During pregnancy, the stretching and thickening of the round ligament can cause sharp, stabbing pain in the lower abdomen or groin, especially with sudden movements like coughing or turning over. Additionally, gynecological issues such as ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease may sometimes cause discomfort that is perceived as groin pain.