Blue Balls

Blue Balls

Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved

Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more .

Medically reviewed by
Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD

Learn about our
Medical Expert Board

Where does blue balls get its name?

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Your Testicle Pain May Be From a Serious Condition

How the Male Reproductive System Works

Does an Epidydimal Cyst Just Go Away on Its Own?

Is a Vasectomy Reversible? Roe v. Wade News Prompts Questions

The Anatomy and Function of the Testes

What You Should Know About Orchitis

The scrotum is the sac that protects the testicles and keeps them cool

Post-Vasectomy Pain Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment

Can STIs Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Is It Normal for One Testicle to Be Bigger Than the Other?

What Tests Are Used to Diagnose Testicular Cancer?

What Your Semen Says About Your Health

What Exactly Does Testicular Surgery Entail?

Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved

Verywell Health is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

Rod Brouhard is an emergency medical technician paramedic (EMT-P), journalist, educator, and advocate for emergency medical service providers and patients.
Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, is a board-certified urologist and Chief of Surgery at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.

Blue balls is the colloquial term for pain or a heavy feeling in the testicles caused by prolonged sexual arousal without orgasm in males. Blood vessels swell during arousal, and that subsides after ejaculation . If ejaculation is withheld or delayed (impaired), fluids build up, resulting in blue balls.

The condition itself—also known as epididymal hypertension—is uncomfortable, but not dangerous. It is common in newly pubescent boys, but it can also affect adult males. 1

This article discusses what blue balls mean, what happens in the body to cause them, and how you can get relief.

Blue balls is not a diagnosis, per se, but rather a way to characterize pain in the scrotum associated with prolonged sexual arousal without ejaculation. 1

Of course, the term is one you're more likely to hear in casual settings, rather than a healthcare provider's office. While most males will never need to see a healthcare provider about blue balls, as they are acutely aware of their cause, scrotal pain that is chronic or occurs independently of sex should be evaluated. 2

Medical providers will more often use the term acute scrotal pain. Prolonged sexual arousal is a very likely cause, but there are many other possible reasons for pain in the scrotum, testicles , epididymis (the tubes behind the testes that transport sperm ), and spermatic cord. 2

Whatever blue balls are called, the term acts as a placeholder until the doctor investigates the cause and ensures that a more serious condition is not involved. 2

Symptoms of blue balls can include: 1

Despite its name, blue balls doesn't cause the scrotum or testicles to turn blue. If bluish or purplish discoloration occurs with acute pain and swelling, this may be a sign of a medical emergency known as testicular torsion . 3

Blue balls is thought to be caused by the excessive accumulation of fluid in the epididymis during prolonged arousal. Without ejaculation, the "back up" of fluid can cause the epididymis to expand, causing discomfort or pain. 1

Blue balls may be also the consequence of:

Because the symptoms are non-specific, doctors investigating blue balls will almost always investigate other possible causes of acute scrotal pain. These include: 2

Blue balls may be differentiated from other types of acute scrotal pain in that the discomfort doesn't prevent sex. 6 By contrast, scrotal pain caused by trauma will often interfere with the ability to have sex.

If you truly have blue balls, the symptoms will typically resolve on their own. If you can't tolerate the discomfort, there are a few remedies that may help:

People with blue balls should never pressure their partners to engage in any sexual activity without full consent or engage in any form of coercion.

Blue balls is a phenomenon that definitely affects some people. It can be temporarily painful or uncomfortable, but it is serious or a threat to your health. It typically resolves on its own with some time.

However, if your symptoms recur, are chronic, or impact sexual activity, contact your healthcare provider. This may be a sign of another, more potentially serious problem. 7

If the pain is severe and accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, scrotal swelling, abdominal pain, and frequent urination, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. 3

Typically, blue balls resolve on their own within one or several hours. The condition generally doesn't require medical attention. 2
Blue balls is a term that was coined as far back as 1916. 8 Despite its name, it rarely causes blue testicles.
A cold compress applied to the testicles may alleviate pain due to blue balls. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also help. 2 Masturbation has been described as a remedy for blue balls in some older medical journals, although few doctors today would recommend masturbation as a medical treatment.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
There was an error. Please try again.
Velasquez J, Boniface MP, Mohseni M. Acute scrotum pain . In: StatPearls [Internet].
Schick MA, Sternard BT. Testicular torsion . In: StatPearls [Internet].
Parnham A, Serefoglu EC. Retrograde ejaculation, painful ejaculation and hematospermia . Transl Androl Urol . 2016;5(4):592-601. doi:10.21037/tau.2016.06.05
Ayad BM, Van der Horst G, S Du Plessis S. Revisiting the relationship between the ejaculatory abstinence period and semen characteristics . Int J Fertil Steril . 2018;11(4). doi:10.22074/ijfs.2018.5192
Rockney R, Alario AJ. Blue balls . Pediatrics. 2001;108(5):1233-4.
Leslie SW, Sajjad H, Siref LE. Chronic testicular pain . In: StatPearls [Internet].
Dalzell T, Victor T. Sex Slang . London: Routledge; 2008. doi:10.4000/lexis.1889
There was an error. Please try again.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is the latest accepted revision , reviewed on 8 July 2022 .
Condition that arises during male sexual arousal when seminal fluid is not ejaculated

^ Wiener, SL (1990). "Testicular Pain". In Walker, HK; Hall, WD; Hurst, JW (eds.). Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations (3rd ed.). Boston: Butterworths. PMID 21250139 .

^ Fergusson, Rosalind; Eric Partridge; Paul Beale (December 1993). Shorter Slang Dictionary . Routledge . p. 21. ISBN 978-0-415-08866-4 .

^ Dalzell, Tom; Victor, Terry (December 2007). Sex Slang . Routledge . p. 16. ISBN 978-0-415-37180-3 .

^ Byrne, Lauren N.; Meacham, Randall B. (2006). "Management of Post-Ejaculatory Perineal Pain" . Journal of Andrology . 27 (6): 710–711. doi : 10.2164/jandrol.106.001370 . ISSN 1939-4640 . PMID 17079745 .

^ Yazmajian, Richard V. (1967). "The Influence of Testicular Sensory Stimuli on the Dream" . Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association . 15 (1): 83–98. doi : 10.1177/000306516701500103 . PMID 6032147 . S2CID 7093435 .

^ Glenn, Jules (1969). "Testicular and Scrotal Masturbation" . International Journal of Psycho-Analysis . 50 (3): 353–362. PMID 5387383 .

^ Parnham, Arie; Serefoglu, Ege Can (August 2016). "Retrograde ejaculation, painful ejaculation and hematospermia" . Translational Andrology and Urology . 5 (4): 592–601. doi : 10.21037/tau.2016.06.05 . ISSN 2223-4691 . PMC 5002007 . PMID 27652230 .

^ Perelman, Michael A. (2001). "Integrating Sildenafil and Sex Therapy: Unconsummated Marriage Secondary to Erectile Dysfunction and Retarded Ejaculation". Journal of Sex Education and Therapy . 26 (1): 13–21. doi : 10.1080/01614576.2001.11074377 . S2CID 141603559 .

^ Komisaruk, Barry R. ; Beverly Whipple ; Sara Nasserzadeh ; Carlos Beyer-Flores (November 2009). The Orgasm Answer Guide . The Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 70 . ISBN 978-0-8018-9396-4 .

^ Chalett, J.M.; Nerenberg, L.T. (2000). " 'Blue Balls': A Diagnostic Consideration in Testiculoscrotal Pain in Young Adults: A Case Report and Discussion" . Pediatrics . 106 (4): 843. doi : 10.1542/peds.106.4.843 . PMID 11015532 . S2CID 36966128 .

^ "Blue Balls: Understanding Epididymal Hypertension" . Healthline . 24 May 2017 . Retrieved 9 June 2021 .

Look up blue balls in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Blue balls is slang [2] for an uncomfortable testicular sensation that can occur during a state of male sexual arousal . The term is thought to have originated in the United States, first appearing in 1916. [3] Another slang term used for the condition is lover's nuts . [4] Some urologists call this condition epididymal hypertension or sexual arousal orchialgia .

Most often it describes a temporary fluid congestion ( vasocongestion ) in the testicles , [5] caused by prolonged sexual arousal in the human male without ejaculation. [6]

The phenomenon is sometimes associated with certain demographics, such as men who are experiencing and practicing delayed , multiple [7] or inhibited ejaculation. [8]

Since the pain level is usually low, it does not affect sexual activity —thus, is rarely considered to be pathological . This leads to a wide discussion, with scant information in the scientific literature. [9]

A brief article by Chalett and Nerenberg in Pediatrics agrees that little formal data exists regarding the condition. The article concludes that "the treatment is sexual release , or perhaps straining to move a very heavy object—in essence doing a Valsalva maneuver ." [10]

The cause of blue balls is a large amount of blood circulation to the genital area, specifically the penis and testicles, without the release of tension associated with orgasm/ejaculation. When a large amount of blood flows to the genital region, the penis becomes erect and the testicles also experience increased blood flow and swelling.

Other causes of painful symptoms include:

It may also be a sign of testicular torsion , which often requires emergency surgery. [11]

The following indications and symptoms in the testicles may be experienced by people with blue balls:

Epididymal hypertension, sexual arousal orchialgia [1]

We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy . Cookie Settings
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-1.jpg\/aid12139823-v4-728px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Have an orgasm to release the pressure. This is the quickest, easiest, and probably most enjoyable way to get rid of blue balls. Once you have an orgasm, all the blood drains away from your genitals, which gets rid of the problem. The sooner the better, so get started! You can do this alone through masturbation, or with a partner by having sex. As long as you have an orgasm and ejaculate, the method doesn’t matter. [1]
X
Research source

Never use blue balls as an excuse to pressure your partner into having sex. You can take care of the problem yourself if your partner isn't in the mood.
Women can also feel something similar if they get aroused without having an orgasm, and the solution is the same.

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-2.jpg\/aid12139823-v4-728px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Hold a cold compress on your testicles if you don't want to have an orgasm. Sometimes, it's not the right time to have an orgasm or you don't want to have one. Luckily, you also have some other choices to get rid of blue balls. Try holding a cold compress against your testicles. [2]
X
Research source

This might be a little uncomfortable at first, but it numbs the pain and also restricts blood flow. This should make you feel better until the blue balls pass.

A cold shower might seem like a cliché, but this works too! Try to focus the water on your testicles.
If you’re using a cold compress, always make sure you wrap it in a towel and don’t let it directly touch your skin. [3]
X
Research source

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-3.jpg\/aid12139823-v4-728px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Exercise to focus blood to other parts of your body. There is no real evidence that this works, but some men say it helps them. [4]
X
Research source

Try doing some exercise to drain blood away from your genitals and towards other parts of your body. At the very least, this can distract you from the pain until the blue balls clear up.
This might be uncomfortable for a little while until the blood drains away from your genitals.

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-4.jpg\/aid12139823-v4-728px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Distract yourself with other activities so you don't notice the pain. Even if you do nothing, blue balls will eventually go away on their own without any problems. In the meantime, anything can distract you from the pain until it passes. [5]
X
Research source

Do something you enjoy for a little while until the blood drains naturally.

Something that requires mental concentration, like solving a puzzle or playing a complicated videogame, could work well as a distraction.
You might find physical activities like sports more distracting. These work, too.

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-5.jpg\/aid12139823-v4-728px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Focus on non-sexual thoughts so the problem doesn't get worse. Unless you’re working on having an orgasm, then sexual thoughts won’t help your blue balls. Instead, they’ll keep you aroused and the blood won’t drain from your genitals. Clean out your dirty mind and focus on non-sexual thoughts while you’re trying to distract yourself. [6]
X
Research source

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-6.jpg\/aid12139823-v4-728px-Deal-with-Blue-Balls-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Notice an aching heaviness in your testicles when you’re aroused. Blue balls only happen when you’re aroused. If you were aroused without having an orgasm and notice some pain or aching in your genitals, then it’s a good bet that you have blue balls. [7]
X
Research source

You can get started trying to relieve the pain now.

This might feel slightly different for everyone. Some men say their testicles feel heavy or full, rath
Natalie Mars Dp
Fucklicking Stories
Angel Of Temptation Literotica

Blue Balls

Report Page