Groin Protectors & Cups - Varicocele Risk

Microtruama from Groin Protectors

Microtrauma: Repeated minor physical hits to a region that over time adds up to inflammation and real physical damage.

Any sport or activity that places pressure on the groin, scrotum, or perineum typically accompanies microtrauma risks. 
These sports or activities include but are not limited to biking/cycling, motorbiking, sledding, horseback riding, long-duration masturbation, even sex, and to a degree many other sports (e.g., soccer, cricket, martial arts, hockey, rugby, etc.)​

Moreover, any sport that requires you to wear a groin protector or cup puts additional pressure on the inguinal region, bumping into and irritating the area. The inguinal irritation is why many men who play soccer or cricket or practice martial arts experience varicocele and testicular pain.

​Hyperthermia from Groin Protectors

​Hyperthermia: The term for overheating of the body is hyperthermia.​

One of the major contributors to varicocele is hyperthermia. While most sports and physical activity increase scrotal temperature, the testicles can quickly vent and cool. Groin protectors, on the other hand, trap too much heat, significantly increasing the associated risks.

How to Better Manage It - 3 Essential Tips

When it comes to managing the associated risks of wearing a groin protector, three things are essential:

1. ​Cooling treatments
2. Better products
3. Managing general exercise risk​ ​

1. Cooling Treatments
​After exercising, make sure to run cold water over your scrotum, perineum, and inguinal regions. Cooling alleviates general inflammation and blood pooling, and also promotes recovery.

2. Better Product
If possible, avoid wearing groin protectors in general. However, you risk a blunt injury to the testicles with sports like cricket and soccer, and using a groin protector can be essential. So, when possible, follow these tips:

• Select well-fitted over loose or tight protectors
• Purchase thinner, more breathable, and with more ventilation
• Some padding on the inguinal area is a plus

3. Managing General Exercise Risk​ ​
Follow the pre-, during-, and post-exercise precations and treatments that we recommend on our Exercising with Varicocele blog. 

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