What is blue balls?
Blue balls are formally known as epididymal hypertension (EH); this is a condition which negatively affects the genitals of a man. It is not a severe issue, but it causes immense pain and aching in the penis after an erection without an orgasm.
Blue balls are frequently associated with a blueish hue in the penis, although most men do not experience epididymal hypertension regularly. If you usually experience an unexplainable heaviness or pain in your testicles, you might be suffering from blue balls.
An increased flow of blood in your genital area during your sexual activities stimulates your genitals enough for you to get an orgasm and get aroused. If a man is in a state of arousal for too long without achieving an orgasm, it can result in painful sensation because of the excess blood in your testicles.
Sexual arousal often results in expansion of arteries in the testes of a man for increasing the circulation of blood in that particular area. As a result of this, the veins of the penis prevent the flow of blood from returning.
Symptoms of blue balls include:
- Pain
- Discomfort
- Aching
- Bluish discolouration of the scrotum.
- Heaviness
Causes of Blue Balls
The vasoconstriction in the genitals of a man is responsible for blue balls or epididymal hypertension. If you become sexually aroused, the arteries that transport blood to the penis start to swell while the veins that depart from the penis become small, allowing the little amount of blood to leave.
After a short period, the penis begins to expand and stiffen, and this results in an erection. The testicles tend to increase in size during an erection which would cause them to feel heavier. After orgasm has been reached during sex, this blood is released.
However, some men retain some of this blood in their genitals, and after some time, it begins to cause discomfort and pain. You are very much more likely to develop blue balls if you get easily stimulated.
If your masturbation technique causes a delay in your orgasm, your chances of developing blue balls are increased.
Other causes of pain in the testicles
It is most likely that you have blue balls if you usually experience pain and discomfort when you are aroused.
However, if you experience pain and discomfort when you are not sexually aroused, it could be an indicator that you might have other underlying conditions, such as:
Diabetic neuropathy in your genital area
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are formed on the lining of the kidney as a result of dispositions of minerals.
As long as these kidney stones are on the kidney, they do not cause harm, but once they move from the kidney to the bladder, it becomes a severe problem. Kidney stones cause acute pain in the testes of a man.
Orchitis or mumps
Orchitis or mumps is caused by a bacterial infection which mostly develops from the course of epididymitis; an infection of the tube responsible for the transportation of semen out of the testicles. This is a condition known as epididymal-orchitis.
Testicular cancer
This is referred to as the lump which grows on the testicles. Signs of testicular cancer include pain, swelling and lump in the groin or testicles.
Testicular torsion (twisted testicles)
This happens when the atesticle rotates, which would, in turn, wrap the spermatic cord and disrupt the flow or circulation of blood to the scrotum.
When the veins that are located in the loose bag of skin that is responsible for holding the testicles become enlarged, a condition known as varicocele has been developed.
Hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum)
This is a type of swelling which occurs in the scrotum as a result of fluid being collected in the sheath surrounding the penis.
A hydrocele is very common in newborns, and it quickly fades away even without being treated. Hydroceles are known to cause chronic pain to the testes.
Inflammation of the testicles, a condition known as epididymitis
This is the inflammation of the coil tube which is located at the back of the testicle that stores and transports sperm. As a result of the inflammation, you begin to experience severe pains in your genital area.
Infection with chlamydia
If you are infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea, it can cause an inflammation of the epididymis, which would result in chronic pains of the testicles.
An inguinal hernia
This is referred to as a bulge or lump in the inguinal area. An inguinal hernia develops when an intestinal or fatty tissue protrudes out of a weak abdominal wall.
Testicular trauma
This happens when the testicles have been injured. An injury to the scrotum or testes can disrupt the initial configuration of these organs.
When the cover of the testicles is wounded, blood leaks from the wounded area and begins to stretch the scrotum, and this can cause an infection to the testes.
Spermatocele
This is a sac filled with fluid that grows in the epididymis, which is a small tube located near the upper testicle that is responsible for the collection and transportation of sperm.
Retractile testicle
This is a condition which causes severe discomfort and pain in boys. The testicle retracts into the abdomen and causes immense pain, and it usually occurs in boys.
Pains in the testicles could also be an indicator that you have testicular torsion. This happens when there is a sudden twisting of your testicles, causing it to swell up and cause you pain. The treatment for this condition is mostly emergency surgery.
Various ways in which you can reduce your level of blue balls include:
Heavy lifting
If you have blue balls, the best option for you to reduce the excess blood in your penis is by lifting something substantial to release the pressure in your testicles.
Studies have shown that when you lift heavy things you, the weight releases the tension in your testicles which helps you induce a process known as Valsalva maneuver (the forceful exhalation of something).
Indulging in exercises
Engaging in exercises like jumping, running, squat jumps and burpees can help in diverting the circulation of blood from your penis to other parts of your body—these exercises aid in putting pressure in the male genitals and remove the weight. You can do push-ups or even hop on the treadmill.
Getting out the sexual mood
Being in a sexually aroused state even after the pain can increase your problem. It is imperative your mind on other things other than any sexual-related idea.
Reducing your sexual arousal has the same effect that exercises have in reducing your level of blue balls. It can divert the blood from your penis to other parts of your body. You need to avoid any sexual thought, adult movie or anything that can cause arousal for a while.
Get a good massage
You can reduce your level of blue balls by getting a massage. Someone can offer you a gentle, relaxing massage, and this would help divert the blood from your penis to other organs in your body. Apart from your body, your genitals can also be massage to reduce the blue balls.
Opt for meditation
You can opt for testosterone boosters to increase your testosterone levels and give you naturally occurring erections rather than steroids or other medications which can give you unwanted erections.
Try solo sex
The most common way of getting rid of blue balls is by ejaculating, if possible. But there would be a problem in letting the sperm out because the condition prevents easy and smooth ejaculation.
You can try masturbating with your own hands instead of your partner, and this might enable you to discharge little semen.
If you can reach orgasm, you would be relieved because the pressure on your penis is lessened and your blood can easily circulate to the other parts of your body. You can also try out sound intercourse or oral sex.
Use ice
You can relief your balls when you are feeling pains with an ice cube. Putting ice on your testicles can help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by blue balls.
Or you can place the ice on your lower abdomen area, which would allow for natural circulation of blood from your testicles to other parts of your body. Cold temperature shocks your body and diverts your mind from intimate thoughts which can cause sexual arousal.
Conclusion
Blue ball is a condition that occurs when the erection of a man does not lead to orgasm and causes him discomfort and pain. Blue balls is a naturally occurring condition that needs immediate attention once noted.
Symptoms of blue balls include an ache, discomfort and pain in the testicles. There are various treatments to lower the level of blue balls you experience, and these ways include exercising, lifting weights, getting out of the sexual mood, using sex and engaging in solo sex.
