Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- Stone pain comes in waves, starts in the back or side and runs down to the groin. A hernia usually shows a lump.
- A hernia ache builds through the day on standing and eases on lying down. Stone pain does not ease with any position.
- An ultrasound can look at the kidneys and the groin at the same visit, so a single scan often answers the question.
Pain in the groin has many causes. Two of the commonest are a hernia and a stone moving down from the kidney.
They are treated very differently. The good news is that they usually feel quite different too.
How stone pain behaves
A stone in the tube from the kidney causes sudden, severe pain. It comes in waves.
It usually starts in the back or the side, below the ribs. It then runs down to the groin, and in men into the testis.
People cannot keep still. They often feel sick. The urine may burn, or turn pink.
How hernia pain behaves
A hernia usually gives a dull ache or a dragging feeling in the groin itself. It builds through the day and with work.
There is often a soft lump that shows on standing or coughing. Lying down usually makes it go back and the ache fade.
Our page on what hernia pain feels like goes into this in more detail.
Groin pain: hernia or kidney stone
| Clue | Hernia | Kidney stone |
|---|---|---|
| Where it starts | In the groin itself | In the back or side |
| How it comes | A dull drag, worse by evening | Sudden waves, very severe |
| A lump | Usually, on standing or coughing | No |
| Lying down | Often eases | No position helps |
| Urine | Normal | Burning, or blood in the urine |
Groin pain and not sure where it comes from? Bring any urine test and scan you have had, and we will examine you.
When it could be both
Both are common, so some people have both at once. A stone can also strain the belly, and make a hernia more noticeable.
That is why the examination matters. The groin is checked for a lump, and the urine for blood.
The tests that sort it out
A urine test looks for blood and infection. An ultrasound can look at both kidneys and both groins at the same visit.
If the stone is not clear on ultrasound, a CT scan of the kidneys is often done. It is very good at finding stones.
If you have both
The stone is usually dealt with first. If a small tube called a stent has been placed in the kidney, the hernia repair waits until it is out.
The urine should be clear of infection before any mesh repair.
Go to hospital the same day for stone pain with fever. Do the same for a hard, painful groin lump that will not go back.
Frequently asked questions
Can a kidney stone cause pain in the groin?
Yes. Stone pain often starts in the back or side and runs down into the groin, in waves.
How can I tell a hernia from a kidney stone?
A hernia usually shows a lump and eases lying down. Stone pain is severe, comes in waves and has no lump.
Which scan checks for both?
An ultrasound can look at the kidneys and the groin at the same visit. A CT may follow for a stone.
If I have both, which is treated first?
Usually the stone. Any stent comes out and the urine is clear of infection before a mesh repair.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.