Epididymal hypertension –– more commonly known as “blue balls” –– is an uncomfortable medical condition arising from being in a state of sexual arousal (e.g., having an erection) for too long without ejaculating.
Blue balls can happen anytime a person is in a state of prolonged sexual orgasm without release and orgasm. This can happen during solo play, during sex with partners, or during a heightened, prolonged state of emotional or erotic arousal.
And while epididymal hypertension is real, there’s not much at all written about it in medical literature. An October 2000 case report indicated that the blue balls are caused by the aforementioned mechanism of action. However, more research is needed to gain a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes of blue balls.
What causes epididymal hypertension?
Each time you produce an erection, blood vessels in your genitals fill with blood, therefore hardening and elongating the penis. The penis increases in size as blood flow builds up. After climax and orgasm, or after arousal subsides, so does the blood flow from the penis, which goes back into the rest of the body.
However, when that surplus of blood remains in the genitals without release, the heightened blood pressure – which accounts for the “hypertension” part – remains. This extended period of pressure in the genitals can lead to aching testicles, which are known the world over as “blue balls.”
Getting ED medication has never been easier
Connect with a US-licensed healthcare provider for a FREE evaluation!
Free Express
Shipping
Discreet
Shipping
No Waiting
Rooms
Do females get blue balls?
Individuals with vaginas may not have testicles or penises, but they can definitely experience epididymal hypertension or blue balls. However, it’s not referred to as such for obvious reasons. Instead, it’s called “blue bean,” “blue vulva,” or “pink pelvis.”
The female clitoris is homologous to the male penis, meaning that it is loaded with nerve endings and blood vessels that cause it to swell upon achieving a state of sexual arousal. The vulva, meanwhile, may also experience sexual arousal and engorge and grow in size. If there is no release in the form of orgasm to relieve the stimulation in the vulva or clitoris, then females may experience symptoms similar to epididymal hypertension.
What do blue balls feel like?
Epididymal hypertension symptoms may include:
- A heavy feeling in the scrotum
- Mild discomfort or pain in the testicles
- An aching sensation in the genitals
In individuals with vaginas, symptoms resembling an aching or heavy feeling in the clitoris or vulva have been reported.
Besides blue balls, conditions such as the following may cause testicular pain requiring immediate medical attention. If you experience persistent, severe testicular pain that lasts for several hours reoccurs over time, or is accompanied by the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Scrotal swelling
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent urination
- Discolored/bloody urination
How long does epididymal hypertension last?
As yet, there are no published studies that examine exactly how long blue balls last. Some individuals experience blue balls for only several minutes, while others may experience symptoms lasting up to 3 hours.
However, if you experience blue balls, discomfort, or pain that lasts for hours, you should get in touch with a healthcare professional to rule out any other more serious underlying conditions. Testicular pain can be something requiring immediate medical attention.
Getting ED medication has never been easier
Connect with a US-licensed healthcare provider for a FREE evaluation!
Free Express
Shipping
Discreet
Shipping
No Waiting
Rooms
How do I treat blue balls?
The truth is, since there isn’t much scientific research into blue balls, there aren’t any documented treatments for the condition.
But since blue balls are thought to arise from extended erections and prolonged states of sexual arousal, treatment approaches that reduce arousal and erection intensity are thought to help treat the condition. Such treatments include:
- Taking a cold shower
- Masturbation
- Engaging in sexual activity with a consenting partner
- Reading a book, listening to music, or working on a hobby
- Exercising
Blue balls can be unnerving, but the treatments are quite cut-and-dried. Most individuals don’t experience blue balls on a regular basis. But if you notice that you’ve been experiencing blue balls or any sort of discomfort on a regular basis, or if you have any questions at all about your sexual health, consult your healthcare provider.
