“Blue balls” is a slang term for a medical condition calledepididymal hypertension.
This condition shows up when prolonged sexual arousal without ejaculation causes fluid to build up in the testicles.
Exercise, over-the-counter painkillers, and masturbation can help speed recovery.
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What Is Blue Balls?
There is no hard-and-fast definition of blue balls given that post-arousal pain can occur for many different reasons.
Because of this, some providers prefer to call the condition sexual arousalorchialgiaor simplyacute testicular pain.
There is also controversy about blue balls and its role in sexual consent.
Symptoms
Symptoms of blue balls can mimic those of other diseases or conditions affecting themale reproductive tract.
The principal symptoms include:
Symptoms generally last for a few minutes to an hour.
While uncommon, cases have been reported to last for several hours or days.
Swelling, redness, and inflammation are not characteristic of blue balls.
This can occur when ejaculation does not follow sexual excitement or arousal.
Ejaculation relieves the pressure resulting from the build-up of semen.
If ejaculation does not occur, the epididymis can become congested to the point of pain and discomfort.
If the pain persists, the go-to remedy for blue balls is masturbation to the point of orgasm.
Ejaculation releases built-up fluid, causing epididymal pressure to ease.
Epididymal hypertension can be identified based purely on your symptoms along with the exclusion of all other possible causes.
If the pain is persistent, call your healthcare provider orurologistto explain your symptoms.
Symptoms include pain, discomfort, or a sensation of heaviness in the testicles.
Masturbation with ejaculation is the go-to remedy for blue balls.
Other options include OTC pain relievers, exercise, or taking a cold shower.
Speak with a healthcare provider or urologist if you experience blue balls regularly or have other symptoms.
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