I have a pain in my lower left quadrant. practically in my left side groin area. is there a way to find out if it is a strain or a hernia? no bulge

Hernia/strain: A strain or pulled muscle will settle down and resolve in a few weeks. A hernia will continue to have symptoms in that location and eventually a bulge will show up. If you develop increasing pain, or fever get checked sooner. Otherwise a trip to your primary is fine. Imaging with ultrasound is often diagnostic.

Exam : A physical examination is the best way to tell whether not you have a hernia in your groin. This can be done by your primary care provider. On occasion, dynamic ultrasound or ct scan can help, but this is unusual.