| Blue balls | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Epididymal hypertension, sexual arousal orchialgia |
| Specialty | Urology |
Blue balls is slang 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. Another slang term used for the condition is lover's nuts. Some urologists call this condition epididymal hypertension or sexual arousal orchialgia.
Most often it describes a temporary fluid congestion (vasocongestion) in the testicles, caused by prolonged sexual arousal in the human male without ejaculation.
Research
The phenomenon is sometimes associated with certain demographics, such as men who are experiencing and practicing delayed, multiple or inhibited ejaculation.
There is scant information on the phenomenon in scientific literature.
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."
Causes
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:
- diabetic neuropathy in the groin area
- epididymitis, which is an inflammation of the testicles
- infection, which is usually accompanied by inflammation
- kidney stones
- mumps
- orchitis
- testicular cancer
It may also be a sign of testicular torsion, which often requires emergency surgery.
Symptoms
The following indications and symptoms in the testicles may be experienced by people with blue balls:
- heaviness
- aching
- discomfort or mild pain
See also
- Delayed ejaculation
- Edging (sexual practice)
- Erotic sexual denial
- Prostatic congestion
- Sexual frustration
External links
- "Understanding Male Sexuality"
- "Blue Balls" by DiscoveryHealth.com writers
- "Blue Balls" by Paul Aitken at AltPenis.com on vasocongestion
- "Blue Balls: Understanding Epididymal Hypertension"