The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on mental health worldwide, with increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. These psychosocial stressors have been linked to the exacerbation of chronic pain conditions, an association that has spurred interest in understanding the effects of the pandemic on idiopathic scrotal and groin pain in boys. This study investigates the correlation between heightened pandemic stress and the incidence of unexplained scrotal and groin pain in a pediatric population, focusing on changes in pain frequency and severity during this period. Our study was motivated by prior research indicating that chronic pain often worsens with elevated stress, especially in young individuals more vulnerable to the psychological impact of significant life disruptions.
The methodology included a retrospective review of clinical data and ultrasound imaging records from pediatric cases presenting with idiopathic scrotal or groin pain before and during the pandemic. We examined clinical factors, including pain intensity, frequency, and associated psychosocial symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Ultrasound served as the primary imaging tool for evaluating scrotal pain, helping to rule out structural or pathological causes while confirming idiopathic origins. Results demonstrated a notable increase in reported cases of idiopathic scrotal and groin pain during the pandemic, alongside a rise in associated anxiety and depression symptoms.
This trend suggests that the pandemic’s unique stressors may have heightened the perception or development of pain symptoms, supporting the relationship between chronic pain and psychological distress. These findings underscore the need for healthcare providers to consider psychosocial factors in pediatric pain management, especially in cases lacking physical pathology. Increased attention to mental health support and pain management strategies for pediatric patients may mitigate these effects in future stress-laden contexts.
