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Why do Blue Balls Happen? Exploring Epididymal Hypertension

5 min read
Why do Blue Balls Happen? Exploring Epididymal Hypertension

One of the most frequently asked questions surrounding this topic is 'Are blue balls real?'

Despite the slang term 'blue balls' often being used to describe frustration at a lack of sexual encounters, the condition it derives from, epididymal hypertension, is very much a real thing.

The good news for anyone encountering the phenomenon is that despite being an uncomfortable sensation, it's quite harmless and nothing to worry about.

However, several other conditions that cause pain within the male genitals are cause for concern and should be checked out immediately. Today, we're going to discuss what Blue Balls really are and the other more serious conditions that can cause genital pain.

Why do Blue Balls Happen:  At a Glance

  • Blue Balls (epididymal hypertension) is a real but harmless condition caused by prolonged sexual arousal without release.
  • It can cause mild pain, heaviness, and aching in the testicles but usually resolves on its own.
  • Relieving Blue Balls can be done through ejaculation, exercise, or other activities that reduce arousal.
  • While Blue Balls isn't dangerous, persistent testicular pain may indicate more serious conditions like testicular torsion or epididymitis.
  • Sexual frustration is never a valid reason for coercion; masturbation is a healthy and effective way to alleviate the discomfort.

What is 'Blue Balls'?

Blue Balls (epididymal hypertension) can occur when someone is sexually aroused for an extended period of time without release.

Blue Balls can be uncomfortable, causing mild pain, aching, and heaviness in and around the testicles. It can last a few minutes to a few hours but normally resolves on its own over time.

The condition isn't exclusive to those with male genitals.

People with female genitals can also experience the same mild pain, although it's less prevalent than for those with a penis, as found in the study “Blue Balls” and sexual coercion from the journal Sexual Medicine.

For those with female genitals, the condition is known as Blue Vulva or Blue Bean and happens within the erectile tissue in the clitoris of the vulva.

The only other study available on the topic, Aspects of Psychosomatic Orchidalgia, was carried out way back in 1952, exploring painful sensations during 'prolonged petting.'

Do the testicles actually turn blue?

Some people who have suffered from Blue Balls have claimed they experience a faint blue tinge to the scrotum skin surrounding the testicles. This is suggested to be from the additional blood flow into the genitals, but with so little research into the topic, there's no medical confirmation about this phenomenon.

What causes Blue Balls?

During sexual arousal, increased blood flow causes the arteries in the genitals to expand, allowing more blood into the erectile tissue to create an erection. The veins that usually ensure the blood flows back out of the penis and testicles trap it in place until orgasm and ejaculation. As sexual intercourse arrives at its climax, the blood vessels return to their usual state, ensuring the blood flows out of the penis, returning to its normal size.

During sexual arousal, increased blood flow causes the arteries in the genitals to expand, allowing more blood into the erectile tissue to create an erection.

If, after prolonged sexual arousal, there has been no release, the excess blood remains in the genitals, causing the aching and mild discomfort associated with Blue Balls or Blue Vulva.

It tends to happen more to younger people, again, as found in the study “Blue Balls” and sexual coercion from the journal Sexual Medicine.

What to do to relieve the tension

There are several ways to relieve the discomfort caused by Blue Balls, usually by lowering levels of sexual arousal, allowing the erection to dissipate, and allowing blood flow to return to normal.

WHAT TO DO HOW IT HELPS RELIEVE TENSION
Ejaculation

The fastest way to release the extra blood in the genitals is to ejaculate. As the erection and sexual arousal wanes, so should the symptoms subside.

Any form of sexual stimulation can be used to release orgasm, including masturbation, sexual intercourse, or oral sex.

Taking a shower or a bath A cold shower or any activity that encourages blood flow into the major muscle groups can help redirect the excess blood from the genitals to other parts of the body.
Exercising, typically strength training  Exercise is a good way to redistribute blood. While many forms of cardio might not be practical with an erection, lifting heavy weights is ideal for moving blood into other muscle groups.
Applying a hot compress or taking painkillers Both of these help to alleviate the pain caused by blue balls once the erection has passed.
Distraction Focussing on a problem or task until you're no longer aroused is another good remedy for Blue Balls.

Sexual frustration isn't a reason to coerce a partner into sex

There is very little research available on the topic of epididymal hypertension, but the one major study that draws attention to how the condition is often used as a bargaining tool to get partners to engage in sex. 

A survey found that some people have used the condition known as "blue balls" as a form of sexual coercion.

Participants who stated that blue balls/vulva were a fact either explicitly endorsed the phenomenon as being real or said that while they believed that it was real, they felt that people (especially men) overexaggerated their symptoms, sometimes to pressure a partner into engaging in sexual activity.

There is never a necessary need for a partner to be coerced into sex if they don't want to, whatever their position in the relationship.

Given masturbation is a perfectly functionary way to achieve orgasm and ejaculation, the sexual release required to alleviate Blue Balls is literally in the hands of the sufferer.

Remember: There is never a necessary need for a partner to be coerced into sex if they don't want to, whatever their position in the relationship.

Other causes of testicular pain

While Blue Balls isn't a serious medical condition, experiencing pain in the testicles can indicate others that are. If you experience any of the following, we suggest you seek immediate advice from your healthcare provider.

CAUSES EXPLANATION
Testicular torsion The cord that holds the testicles becomes twisted, cutting off blood flow and causing severe pain.
Kidney stones Kidney stones can cause pain in the testicles and groin. Other symptoms include blood in the urine, pain while urinating, nausea, and vomiting.
Epididymitis This is swelling of the epididymis, the tube behind the testicles. It may be due to an infection or STI. Other symptoms include tenderness, pain, swelling or inflammation in the scrotum, a burning sensation while urinating, or fever.
A genital injury Any sports or everyday injury to the testicles can cause pain, swelling, and bruising.

Should you go to a doctor?

For most cases of Blue Balls, there isn't a need to visit your healthcare providers. The situation should resolve quite normally over time. If the pain is more serious and isn't subsiding, then there's a chance it's a more serious condition, possibly one of those in our earlier section, that requires medical attention.

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Summary

While experiencing Blue Balls or Blue Vulva isn't comfortable, thankfully, it isn't dangerous either. For many, sexual arousal without orgasm won't lead to a case of Blue Balls, but for those that it does, masturbation is a quick way to achieve orgasm and alleviate the sensation.

While experiencing Blue Balls or Blue Vulva isn't comfortable, thankfully, it isn't dangerous either. 

Remember, nobody should ever feel pressured into having sex, whatever health conditions you may or may not be experiencing.

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