Are Blue Balls Real?

November 18, 2024

4 mins

Many men use the term “blue balls” to describe pain from having an erection and not reaching an orgasm. The name comes from severe pain near the scrotum that may cause the area to look slightly blue. The medical term for blue balls is epididymal hypertension.

While uncomfortable, blue balls are not a medical condition that is usually severe or requires medical attention from a healthcare provider. While the everyday use of the phrase is not exactly right, there is some truth to the pain that may occur after being sexually aroused.

Epididymal hypertension is pain in the scrotum after sexual activity. The epididymis is located directly behind the scrotum. However, there are other potential causes of pain near the scrotum that are not related to sexual activity.

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What are Blue Balls?

During an erection, blood rushes toward the penis. This is what increases the size of the penis and pressure in the area. You might experience mild discomfort afterward if you engage in sexual activity but don’t reach orgasm.

The pain from a build-up of semen in the penis does not affect your health in the long term. Sometimes, it can be a sign of an underlying health condition.

What causes testicular pain?

Pain in the testicles comes from trauma to the area. This includes any organs near the scrotum. While rare, pain that starts in the testicles can spread to the abdomen. 

Men may feel some pain or tenderness in the area from a sports injury. Other potential causes of testicular pain include:

• Testicular torsion: When the testicles are twisted and cut off from blood supply.

• Infection: Viral, bacterial, and sexually transmitted infections can all cause pain in the testicles. 

• Epididymitis: Inflammation in the epididymis caused by an infection. Chronic epididymitis can be treated by a healthcare provider.

• Kidney stones: A mass of minerals and salts in the penis can cause testicular pain.

• Varicocele: A health condition that leads to abnormal dilation of the veins in the penis.

How Can You Get Rid of Blue Balls?

Sexual intercourse is not the only way to get rid of blue balls. Directing the blood flow from your penis to other parts of your body can help relieve the pain. 

While most studies do not provide options to get rid of blue balls, remedies that  may help include:

• Applying a cold compress to the area

• Using OTC (over-the-counter) pain relievers

• Taking a cold shower

Who is Most Likely to Experience Blue Balls?

Epididymal hypertension is more commonly experienced in younger men. According to a study, men were less likely to experience epididymal hypertension as they got older. Most participants only experienced mild pain. Severe pain can occur but it’s rare.

Women can also experience a version of blue balls known as blue vulva. This occurs when women feel pain in their vulva when experiencing sexual arousal without an orgasm.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Be sure to speak with a healthcare provider if pain after sex lasts for more than a couple of hours. They can give you tips on the next steps and determine if there is an underlying cause of the pain. However, it’s much less common for men to experience pain after sexual arousal.

How Rex MD Can Help

Pain and discomfort near your penis is an uncomfortable experience. Besides testicular pain — some men may experience the inability to maintain an erection — which is a sign of erectile dysfunction.

If ED is interfering with intimacy in your everyday life, Rex MD can help. Rex MD offers access to a variety of erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) to treat unexpected erectile dysfunction. 

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