Blue balls also called “lover’s nuts” or epididymal hypertension is a condition that causes scrotal and testicular pain. Epididymal hypertension can occur after prolonged sexual stimulation without sexual release.
In other words, being sexually excited by foreplay or other sexually arousing activities that do not end in ejaculation or orgasm can lead to tender and painful testicles.
Medically speaking, the condition known as blue balls is poorly understood. There is little to no research into the causes and treatments of epididymal hypertension and there is only one known case report present in the current medical literature.
This lack of published research is because epididymal hypertension is not a medical emergency and has no long-term negative effects on health. It is a real condition, but it is nothing to be alarmed about.
What are the symptoms of blue balls?
The primary symptoms of blue balls are pain and tenderness in the scrotum and testicles. The skin of the scrotum can also develop a slightly bluish tint.
The experience varies between individuals but can be described as aching, heaviness, or fullness of the testicles. The discomfort may also be felt in the groin and lower abdomen.
Blue balls do not cause swelling, bleeding, discharge, or fever. The pain subsides within a few hours (or less) without requiring treatment.
What causes blue balls?
While epididymal hypertension is not well understood, it is believed that a buildup of excess blood in the testicles after sexual arousal causes blue balls. Blood flows into the penis and testicles during sexual arousal and normally leaves the genitals after achieving orgasm. However, when the blood does not leave the testicles it can lead to pain.
Treating blue balls
There are several ways to relieve the pain of blue balls:
Give it time: blue balls typically only lasts for a few hours at most before resolving on its own.
Sexual release: ejaculating or having an orgasm through intercourse or masturbation can relieve blue balls quickly … read more.
