Genitofemoral neuropathy is a treatable condition, however, if it is left untreated, it can become worse. – So if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, contact us to make an online or in-person appointment as soon as possible.
As your Pain Doctor will explain to you, genitofemoral neuropathy is a long-term neuropathic pain condition which is brought about by compression or direct damage to the genitofemoral nerve. It the majority of instances, it occurs post-inguinal hernia surgery [1]. Note: the genitofemoral nerve serves as a mixed peripheral nerve in the lower limb. It has two branches: the Femoral branch (which goes on to the upper, anterior thigh); and the Genital branch (which enters the inguinal canal and gives sensation to the male scrotum and female labia majora). In men, the Genital branch of the nerve is responsible for the cremasteric muscle reflex. When stimulated by touch, sensory fibres stimulate the cremaster to elevate and lower the testes [1,2].
The nerve pain from genitofemoral neuralgia is due to compression neuropathy that impacts all sexes. In a nutshell, a pinched/compressed nerve generates pain in the inner thigh, groin area and lower abdomen [2]. “Diagnosing genitofemoral neuralgia is challenging due to the close anatomical relationship & overlapping cutaneous innervation with the ilioinguinal nerve, thus necessitating [a Pain Specialist] to review patient history and conduct a physical exam for an accurate diagnosis. Specific nerve blocks [offered by the London Pain Clinic] can help differentiate between the genitofemoral & ilioinguinal nerves” [1].
To that end, as soon as an accurate diagnosis has been established by one of our highly experienced Pain Consultants, you will be given a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan. This is likely to include both conventional treatment as well as the latest science-backed state-of-the art injectables, which you can get started on right away.
Genitofemoral Neuralgia 101
This condition is known for producing continual discomfort or pain along the superior inguinal ligament, and this spreads out to the genitals and anterior thigh, thus generating increased sensitivity or numbness in the genitofemoral nerve’s distribution [1].
Genitofemoral Neuropathy can be generated by (a): peripheral neuropathy (b): compression to the psoas muscle, or (c): pelvic or abdominal surgery or trauma. Alternatively, it may also come about for no known reason
What Genitofemoral Neuralgia Symptoms Should I Look Out For?
Symptoms to report to your Pain Doctors include:
- The key genitofemoral neuralgia symptom is localised pain in the groin area, however, this can also involve:
- Numbness or pain in the abdomen or/and between the legs (the pain can be defined as throbbing, shooting, sharp or burning)
- Tingling
- Increased sensation (hyperaesthesia)
- Lost sensation (hypoaesthesia)
- Weakened abdominal muscles
- Pain becoming more pronounced on rotating the leg [2]
So What Are the Causes Behind Genitofemoral Neuralgia?
This disorder can come about as a result of:
- Compression on the psoas muscle
- An abdominal tumour
- Peripheral neuropathy as a result of existing medical conditions
- Issues with the spinal cord
- Trauma to the abdomen
- Trauma to the pelvis
- Bodily changes in the third trimester of pregnancy
- The result of inguinal hernia repair surgery [2]
What Treatment Options Does the London Pain Clinic Offer?
When it comes to genitofemoral neuralgia, our Pain Specialists frequently offer a synergy of treatments in order to produce optimum faster results. These may comprise:
- Injections using steroids and local anaesthetics (which our Pain Doctors regard as top-line pharmacological management for neuropathic pain)
- Topical lidocaine, menthol and capsaicin patches
- Specific pharmaceuticals
- Specialised physiotherapy
References
[1]. Lobaina M, Leslie SW, Shanina E. Genitofemoral Neuralgia. [Updated 2024 Aug 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK606133/
[2]. Sammons, V. (2025). “Genitofemoral Neuralgia.”
https://drvanessasammons.com.au/nerves/pelvis-and-leg-nerves/genitofemoral-neuralgia/
