What Can Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Groin?

Lymph nodes are part of your immune system and may become swollen due to an infection. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin may indicate an infection near the area. Lymph nodes are small kidney-shaped glands that help your body fight off infection. Your lymph vessels transport body waste, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances in lymphatic fluid.

When this fluid reaches your lymph nodes, immune cells in the nodes filter, trap, and destroy the harmful substances.

This article lists the possible causes of swollen lymph nodes in the groin and the treatment options.

Staphylococcus aureus is a strain of bacteria in 20% of people and does not usually cause infections. Sometimes, these bacteria enter the blood, and a serious skin infection develops.

This skin infection is cellulitis. Infection in the lower leg or foot or a foot injury can lead to cellulitis. As your body fights off this infection, you may develop swollen lymph glands in the groin.

Treatment options for cellulitis include antibiotic creams, oral antibiotics, and IV antibiotics.  

Learn more about treatment for cellulitis.

Sexual contact without a condom or another barrier method could lead to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs include:

• gonorrhea
• syphilis
• genital herpes
• HIV

STIs can cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

A doctor may recommend antibiotics or antiviral drugs based on the type of STI.

Learn about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Balanitis is a skin irritation on the foreskin and head of the penis. The condition affects 3–11% Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of people assigned male at birth. It is more common in people who are uncircumcised.

The warm, moist area under the uncircumcised foreskin provides the ideal environment for a fungus such as Candida albicans to flourish.

Treatment for balanitis can involve applying topical antifungal creams for 1–3 weeks.

Parasites on the skin can cause a fungal infection called ringworm. Jock itch is a form of ringworm infection. Ringworm spreads through contact with a person who has the infection. Symptoms include:

• swollen lymph glands in the groin
• severe itching in the groin
• flushed, scaly skin

Treatment includes over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream, powder, or gel. You may need to use the antifungal medication every day for up to 4 weeks.

Learn when to see a doctor for jock itch.

Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate gland. Bacteria or certain surgical procedures, such as a prostate biopsy, can lead to prostatitis. Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, before surgery can lower the risk Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of prostatitis after a prostate biopsy.

Symptoms include pelvic pain and urinary tract symptoms. Without treatment, you may experience fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Most people with prostatitis respond well to oral antibiotics.

Yeast infections can develop in the vagina or penile area when the balance between healthy bacteria and yeast cells is disturbed. An overgrowth of Candida albicans can lead to this common infection. Symptoms include:

• painful itching
• flushed skin and swelling
• discharge with a strong odor
• swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Home remedies to treat a yeast infection include adding yogurt to your diet or applying it to the irritated skin. You can use antifungal medication to treat a yeast infection.

Learn home remedies for vaginal yeast infections.

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. Causes of cystitis include:

• urinary tract infection (UTI)
• some medications and radiation
• long-term use of a catheter

Treatment can involve antibiotic medication.  

Cat scratch fever is a bacterial infection that may develop when a cat bites or scratches a human or licks an open wound. Cat scratch fever may lead to fever and swelling of the lymph nodes draining the area where a cat scratch or bite occurs.

In most cases, no treatment is necessary, and the condition resolves on its own within 2–4 weeks Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source .

Learn about treating a cat bite.

Athlete’s foot is a form of ringworm infection. Wearing damp socks and shoes may lead to athlete’s foot. Symptoms include:

• red, itchy skin on the toes, sole, and heel
• swelling and peeling of the skin
• blisters

Home remedies include washing your feet often with soap, salt water, or diluted vinegar. Antifungal cream, powder, and spray can help fight the infection.

Learn when to see a doctor for athlete’s foot.

Although it is not common, swollen lymph nodes in the groin can sometimes indicate cancer. Research from 2022 Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source shows that cancer can appear in the lymph node as the primary site of cancer or can spread to the lymph nodes from another primary site.

Common tumors that metastasize to the lymph nodes in the groin area include cancers of the vulva, penis, and anus.

Learn to tell the difference between a lump and a lymph node.

Your lymphatic system is part of your immune system. The lymphatic system comprises vessels, nodes, and fluid. Lymph fluid flows through the network of lymph vessels that connect with your lymph nodes.

The lymph node development starts at 11 weeks Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of gestation. Your lymph nodes act as a filter. They trap or destroy anything harmful in the body.

Speak with your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Your lymph nodes are persistently swollen, painful, or hard.
• The swelling is accompanied by fever.
• You suspect you may have an STI.

Learn more about lumps in the groin area.

Your doctor may reach a diagnosis after asking about your medical history and a physical exam.

If the swelling continues, your doctor may recommend imaging tests or a lymph node biopsy.

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin are a sign of an infection.

If the swelling persists and is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.