What does it mean to have "blue balls"?
"Blue balls" is a colloquial term and it refers to the condition of temporary fluid congestion in the testicles, and it is accompanied by testicular pain. It is thought to be caused by prolonged sexual arousal in males without ejaculation. The term has been in use since 1916. The medical term for blue balls is epididymal hypertension (EH). It causes pain and aching in the testicles after having an erection without an orgasm. A blueish hue in the testicles is sometimes noted. The condition is sometimes associated with delayed ejaculation or inhibited ejaculation.
Symptoms of "blue balls", or epididymal hypertension
The symptoms of blue balls pertain to the testicles and include pain, discomfort, heaviness and aching. When a man is sexually aroused, the blood vessels to the penis and testicles expand to allow a greater volume of blood flow. Over time, this blood causes the penis to expand and stiffen, leading to an erection. The testicles also increase in size, causing them to feel heavier. Typically, this blood is released after orgasm or as a result of a decreased physical arousal. Too much blood may stay in the genital area of some people who become aroused for an extended period without a release or decrease of arousal.
Masturbation techniques that delay orgasm may predispose a man to develop the condition. It is important to exclude other causes of testicular pain like:
- epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)
- infection
- kidney stones
- orchitis (inflammation of the testicles)
- tight pants
- testicular torsion
If one experiences strong, persistent testicular pain not associated with sexual activity, it is pertinent to seek medical evaluation.
Treating "blue balls"
The treatment for the condition EH is essentially sexual release through ejaculation during orgasm. This can be done through masturbation, oral sex, or protected sexual intercourse. After an orgasm, the pain will go away slowly. Some patients also find physical exercises like running and jogging useful as they can shift the blood flow away from the testicles to the limbs. It is not a serious condition but it will be pertinent to exclude other medical causes of testicular pain.
