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The colloquial term “blue balls” refers to epididymal hypertension. This is the experience of aching, discomfort, or pain in the testes when orgasm and emission isn’t achieved following strong feelings of arousal and/or an erection.
Dr. Steven Sterious with Einstein Healthcare Network, tells O.school that the term may have gotten its origin “because the scrotum can have a bluish tint because of the deoxygenated blood that is congested in the testicles.”
The term has permeated pop culture to describe any sort of sexual frustration.
The simple truth is, while uncomfortable, blue balls are in no way a threat to one’s health or future sexual experiences, nor does it last very long and it definitely isn’t an appropriate excuse to coerce a partner into helping “resolve” the issue.
What are the symptoms of blue balls?
Though research on epididymal hypertension is limited, according to healthcare professionals, anecdotal descriptions of symptoms include:
- Discomfort
- Tenderness
- Mild pain
- Heaviness
- Slight bluish tint
- Aching
Why do blue balls happen?
During sexual arousal, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, and the blood vessels of both the penis and testes expand. This allows for increased blood flow towards the penis and testes while trapping the blood in that general area. Eventually, the penis and testes become engorged with blood, causing both to swell and become stiffer and enlarged, and the penis to become erect.
When orgasm and emission is reached, or arousal decreases, the blood in the penis and testes is released back into the body, and the penis and testes return to an unaroused and unengorged state. However, if someone in a state of arousal is unable to reach orgasm, they may experience a period of discomfort, heaviness or mild pain.
People who are easily aroused or stimulated may experience epididymal hypertension more frequently.
Can “blue balls” happen in people with vulvas/vaginas?
Yes, people with vulvas can experience “blue vulva.”
“Vasocongestion just means blood filling the genital region,” sexual physiologist and founder of sex biotech company Liberos LLC, Dr. Nicole Prause, PhD tells O.school. She adds people with vulvas can absolutely experience a similar aching sensation or feeling of heaviness in their general vulvar and clitoral area if sexual arousal and stimulation goes unresolved.
How is blue balls resolved or treated?
According to Jennifer Litner, sexologist and founder of Embrace Sexual Wellness, LLC, the quickest way to resolve epididymal hypertension is to achieve an orgasm. “There is no reason that this has to be through sexual intercourse, oral sex, or hand to genital sex,” she says. “Masturbation is just as effective.” If you are with a partner, you can discuss exploring things like mutual masturbation as well.
Since the symptoms will start to resolve as arousal decreases, if someone is unable to reach orgasm or, for whatever reason, cannot engage in genital stimulation, epididymal hypertension can be resolved by becoming unaroused. Over time, the blood will drain from the genitals, allowing symptoms to slowly cease.
Try these things to turn yourself off and ease pain:
- Take a cold shower
- Focus on something non-sexual and unarousing
- Distract yourself with an activity like watching TV, listening to music or podcasts, or working
- Apply a warm compress to the area to alleviate soreness
- Apply a cold compress to the area to constrict the blood vessels and not allow further blood flow to the testicles
- Lay down to encourage blood flow in the body
- Exercise to get normal blood flow going
These same methods can be employed for those experiencing “blue vulva.”
Relieve blue balls by climaxing
If you are able to become aroused, you can solve blue balls yourself by masturbating until you climax. Try using your hand or a sex toy to help you get there. There are plenty of sex toys out there meant for solo play that can help you achieve climax fast, relieving your blue balls pretty quickly.
Editor’s pick for best masturbator
Lelo’s F1s V2 is a massager for men or penis owners that offers four vibration patterns and two powerful motors. It comes with a pliable sleeve that fits a wide range of shapes and sizes. Designed with patented Cruise Control technology and SenSonic motion, F1s V2 massages with deep sonic waves that offer unique sensations. You can also connect your device to your phone for wireless control.
- Smart toy
- 4 vibration modes
- Waterproof
- USB rechargeable
- Body-safe materials: silicone, ABS plastic, aluminum alloy
- Compatible with water-based lube
What are other causes of testicular pain or soreness?
- Testicular torsion
- Varicocele
- Chronic Orchialgia
- Epididymitis
- Injury
- Infections
These conditions are considered more serious, and if you experience the following coinciding symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- Severe, acute pain in the penis or testes
- Nerve pain or nerve damage in the penis or testes
- Lower back pain
- Sores or outbreaks on the penis
- Discoloration of semen
If you are experiencing “blue balls” that are causing distress in your everyday life, or in your relationship(s), you may want to talk to a sexual health specialist or sex therapist.
The bottom line
Blue balls is normal and very treatable. Follow our tips to relieve your blue balls, or solve it yourself more immediately by reaching climax. There are plenty of sex toys out there to help you orgasm fast. We recommend checking out our list of best sex toys for men if you’re a penis or prostate owner experiencing blue balls.
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