Maybe you’ve felt it. You may have heard about it. You might be wondering if this is real.
What is “it”?
Blue balls are a condition that is described as “blue balls” by many people. Medical professionals refer to it as “epididymal Hypertension” (high blood pressure) and the epididymal structure, which is the area above the testicles where sperm passes.
This slang is so common that you might think blue balls are everywhere. Testicles are constantly at risk of turning blue.
In reality? Sure, blue balls can happen, says urologist Petar Bajic, MD. It’s not nearly as alarming as you might have thought. This is not going to have any long-lasting effects, and there’s no reason to feel compelled to perform sexual acts.
Dr. Bajic helped us separate the truth from the fiction.
Are blue balls really real?
Blue balls are not a recognized medical condition. Even if it has a fancy name such as epididymal hypotension, it doesn’t mean that doctors consider it to be a medical condition.
It’s well known that some people can feel pressure or discomfort when they become sexually aroused but don’t reach orgasm. This phenomenon has become known as blue balls.
Dr. Bajic says that there can be a discomfort associated with not excreting after sexual arousal. It’s not been studied because there’s no danger to your health.
Why does this happen?
As your body prepares to sex, your genitals can be flooded with blood. Pressure builds. The pressure is released if you achieve orgasm and everything returns to normal.
If you don’t orgasm it can build up like a valve of pressure that doesn’t release. The blood will stay in your genitals for a bit longer. It can cause a temporary feeling of pressure or discomfort until the blood flow is restored.
Blue balls: Myths busted
Let’s clear up some of the myths about blue balls.
False: Blue balls are harmful
Many people wonder if failure to ejaculate will affect their prostate or fertility.
What is the answer? Dr. Bajic is adamant that the answer is “no.”
He says that blue balls pose no danger or harm. It won’t cause any damage or problems to the testicles and reproductive tract.
It is not a serious disease. This is not a life-threatening condition. It’s not always uncomfortable.
Blue balls are never (ever, even, ever) a good reason to force someone into a sexual encounter.
Dr. Bajic says that blue balls can be uncomfortable or inconvenient for a brief period of time. But it should never be used to force anyone into sex.
False
Each person has a different threshold for pain. Others may not feel anything at all. Any pressure that comes with not ejaculating should not be debilitating or severe. Uncomfortable, perhaps. Not much more.
Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing pain in the genital area to rule out any possible medical conditions.
False
The term “blue balls” describes the sensation of prolonged sexual stimulation. It is colorful, but it’s not very accurate. Your testicles won’t turn blue due to a lack of ejaculation.
False. It’s just a “guy thing”
Any person can feel discomfort if sexually aroused without achieving orgasm. Blood flow to the clitoris and vulva can also cause discomfort. The “blue vulva”, or “blue bean”, is a reference to clitoris.
Sexual arousal increases blood flow to the genitals. The area is lubricated and engorged as blood rushes into the vagina, which is the collective name for labia, clitoris, and the vaginal opening. The vulva can feel heavy or swollen if the pressure is not released by orgasm.
Blue bean, like blue balls is not harmful to health. It should never be used to force anyone to engage in sexual activity. Your anatomy will not actually turn blue.
False: Only sex can cure blue balls
Blue balls (or the blue bean) are not a good reason to have sex. Sex is not the only way to relieve discomfort.
You can achieve orgasm even without a partner if your beliefs allow masturbation. Distracting yourself with less-arousing activities and thoughts can also help. Showering can help to reduce blood flow, which will relieve symptoms.
Blue balls or another ball?
Blue balls are often associated with a temporary, fleeting discomfort that is associated with sexual arousal. It’s possible that genital discomfort or pain is a sign of a more serious problem if you experience it at other times.
Dr. Bajic says, “If you feel discomfort in your testicles after sexual arousal but without ejaculation I would say it is not serious.” If you are experiencing genital discomfort under any other circumstance, a urologist, or primary care physician, should be consulted. You should always get checked out.
Healthcare providers can help if you have concerns or questions about reproductive health. While it may be uncomfortable to discuss intimate details about your body with healthcare providers, they are available to answer any questions.
