Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services or go to an emergency department if you have:
Sudden, severe testicle pain, especially with swelling or nausea
A painful, firm groin lump with vomiting or a swollen abdomen
Groin pain during a possible pregnancy with fainting, dizziness, shoulder pain, or vaginal bleeding
Severe pain after a major injury, especially with deformity or inability to stand
These symptoms can be time-sensitive.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Do not wait to see whether sudden testicle pain settles by itself.
Seek same-day medical care if the pain is rapidly worsening, you have fever or spreading redness, or a groin lump becomes painful and will not go away when you lie down.
You should also seek prompt advice for pain with repeated vomiting, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, or new testicle swelling.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if pain lasts longer than about two weeks, keeps returning, affects walking or sleep, or has no clear explanation.
Arrange an assessment if you notice any new groin lump, even if it is not painful.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Groin pain. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.