Is blue balls a real condition?

“Blue balls” is the slang term for a real condition called epididymal hypertension. It refers to aching or painful testicles. Some people may experience this after sexual arousal that does not result in orgasm.
This symptom may occur because blood builds up in the testicles during arousal, causing them to ache if the person remains aroused for too long.
Although blue balls may be uncomfortable, it does not usually last long. Ejaculation may also bring relief.
In this article, learn more about what blue balls is, other causes of testicular pain, and how to relieve discomfort.
What is blue balls?
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Blue balls can happen when a male remains aroused without orgasm. This causes a temporary buildup of blood in the testicles. The medical term for this is epididymal hypertension.
orgasm
Blue balls is a controversial topic because there is no medical consensus on its existence. There has also been very little research into this topic.
there is no
People with blue balls may describe the following symptoms in their testicles:
heaviness
aching
discomfort or mild pain
pain
Sexual arousal causes the arteries that carry blood to the male genitals to expand, increasing blood flow to this area. The veins that usually take blood away from the genitals restrict, trapping blood and causing an erection.
causes the arteries
After ejaculation, or if a person ceases to feel aroused, the blood vessels return to their usual size, together with the swollen penis and testicles.
ejaculation
People may be able to relieve the sensation of blue balls by ejaculating or by distracting themselves with an activity that is not arousing until the symptoms pass.
Myths
Blue balls is not dangerous. Any discomfort should subside once the erection passes and blood flow to the genitals returns to its typical state.
is not
A person does not need a partner to relieve blue balls through sex. They can get rid of the symptoms by ejaculating through masturbation or by engaging in a nonarousing activity to distract them.
masturbation
The testicles do not actually turn blue but may take on a faint bluish hue. This is due to the increased volume of blood in the area.
If a person does notice the testicles turning blue or purple, this could indicate a more serious issue called testicular torsion. Healthcare professionals consider this a medical emergency.
could indicate
testicular torsion
Treatment
Blue balls is a temporary aching sensation in the testicles that should pass once the extra blood flows away from the area and blood pressure reverts to its typical state. It does not usually last for long.
blood pressure
does not usually
People can relieve blue balls by ejaculating through masturbation or during sex with a consenting partner.
If a person cannot or does not wish to masturbate, they can use other techniques to relieve the blood pressure and end the arousal.
other techniques
Some ways to reduce arousal include:
ways to reduce arousal
taking a shower or bath
exercising to encourage natural blood flow in the body
exercising
lifting something heavy to exert pressure on other areas of the body, if possible
applying a warm compress to the testicles to ease the pain
focusing on work or problem-solving as a distraction
People may find that taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil), may help treat more intense pain.
over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief
ibuprofen
Anyone who experiences severe or prolonged pain in the testicles or has any symptoms of the conditions below should seek medical attention.
Other causes of testicular pain
Pain in the testicles may signal a more serious condition. The following sections look at some other conditions that cause testicular pain in more detail.
Kidney stones can cause pain in the groin and testicles.
Kidney stones
cause
People with kidney stones may also experience the following symptoms:
a burning sensation while urinating
burning sensation while urinating
blood in the urine
blood in the urine
nausea and vomiting
nausea and vomiting
Testicular torsion happens when the spermatic cord that holds the testicles becomes twisted, causing extreme pain. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency, as it cuts off blood flow to the testicles.
medical
Anyone with the following symptoms needs immediate medical help:
extreme pain in the scrotum, usually on one side
one testicle that becomes larger than the other
larger than the other
the scrotum appears red or darker than usual
nausea and vomiting
A person with testicular torsion will require surgery to untwist the spermatic cord.
Any injury to the testicles, such as a sports injury or an object impacting the groin, can cause pain, swelling, and bruising.
swelling
People can often manage the symptoms of minor injuries by taking OTC pain relievers and resting.
For more serious injuries, people should seek medical attention.
Epididymitis occurs when the tube behind the testicles, called the epididymis, becomes swollen. This swelling can be due to a sexually transmitted infection or urinary tract infection.
Epididymitis
can be
sexually transmitted infection
urinary tract infection
Some symptoms of epididymitis include:
tenderness or pain in the scrotum
swelling and inflammation of the scrotum
a fever
fever
a burning sensation while urinating
A person should contact a doctor to treat epididymitis. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications.
antibiotics
A varicocele occurs when the veins in the testicles become enlarged. A person may be able to see the enlarged veins. A varicocele usually happens on the left side of the scrotum.
varicocele
usually happens
Frequently asked questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about blue balls, which is known as epididymal hypertension.
Epididymal hypertension appears to resolve on its own within a few minutes to hours or following an orgasm.
few minutes to hours
Epididymal hypertension is not dangerous, though it may cause temporary discomfort or pain.
According to a 2023 cross-sectional study, females may also experience pain or discomfort following high levels of sexual arousal without achieving orgasm. This may be called “blue vulva” or “pink pelvis,” among other terms.
2023 cross-sectional study
Summary
“Blue balls” is the colloquial term for aching testicles after sexual arousal that does not result in orgasm. Doctors refer to this symptom as epididymal hypertension.
Epididymal hypertension is not dangerous, and any pain should pass once the person has an orgasm or stops feeling aroused.
Anyone who experiences lasting or severe pain in the testicles should contact a doctor, as it may be due to a medical problem.
Read this article in Spanish.
Read this article in Spanish.