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Blue balls

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"Blue balls" redirects here. For other uses, see Blue Ball.
Blue balls
Other names: Epididymal hypertension; sexual arousal orchialgia;[1] blue balls; blue vulva; blue bean; throbbing crotch syndrome;[2] deadly sperm buildup (DSB)
It results in mild discomfort around the genitals and lower abdomen.
SpecialtyUrology
SymptomsUncomfortable genitals[3]
CausesProlonged sexual arousal without orgasm[3]
TreatmentOrgasm, distraction, cold shower, physical activity[4][2]
PrognosisNone serious[2]
FrequencyCommon[5][6]

Blue balls is an uncomfortable sensation in the genitals due to prolonged sexual arousal without orgasm.[3][5] The pain is rarely severe and both sides are affected.[2][5] In women it may affect the clitoris or vulva.[3] There is no evidence; however, that anythig turns blue.[3][2]

The underlying mechanism has been proposed to involve epididymal hypertension, a temporary fluid congestion; however, evidence to support this is lacking.[7] It is not recognized as a medical condition, with very little discussion in the academic literature.[3][5]

It is not serious and resolves without specific treatment.[7] It usually resolves within hours or sooner if orgasm occurs.[4] Orgasm can occur through masturbation and it is not a justification for sexual intercourse with a partner.[3][2] Distraction, a cold shower, or physical activity may also help.[4][2]

Blue balls has been reported by 56% of males and 42% of females.[6] It most commonly affects younger males.[2] The term "blue balls" is thought to have originated in the United States, around 1920.[8][9] Though lesser known, the equivalent in females is referred to as "blue vulva" or "blue bean".[4]

Signs and symptoms

The following symptoms may be experienced by both sexes:[4]

  • heaviness
  • aching
  • discomfort or mild pain

Cause

There is little information on the phenomenon in scientific literature.[10]

Mechanism

The mechanism may involve a large amount of blood circulation to the genital area, specifically the penis and testicles, without release associated with orgasm and ejaculation. When a large amount of blood flows to the genitals, the penis becomes erect and the testicles also experience increased blood flow and swelling.[3] In the vulva, the blood flow increases in erectile tissue, causing it to expand. After orgasm, the tissue shrinks back to its initial size as most of the blood leaves. When this does not occur, it is proposed to cause mild discomfort.[4]

Treatment

The treatment is to achieve orgasm, or alternatively strain to move a very heavy object—in essence doing a Valsalva maneuver.[11]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Wiener, SL (1990). "Testicular Pain". In Walker, HK; Hall, WD; Hurst, JW (eds.). Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations (3rd ed.). Boston: Butterworths. PMID 21250139.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Broderick, Timmy. "The First In-Depth Study on 'Blue Balls' Reveals a Lot about Sex". Scientific American. Archived from the original on 2024-01-08. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 "Is Blue Balls Real?". Cleveland Clinic. 2023-01-18. Archived from the original on 2023-12-03. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Bhattacharya, Mallika. "What Is Blue Vulva Syndrome?". WebMD. Archived from the original on 2023-11-29. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Chalett, Jonathan M.; Nerenberg, Lewis T. (1 October 2000). ""Blue Balls": A Diagnostic Consideration in Testiculoscrotal Pain in Young Adults: A Case Report and Discussion". Pediatrics. 106 (4): 843–843. doi:10.1542/peds.106.4.843. PMID 11015532.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Levang, Samantha; Henkelman, Megan; Neish, Robin; Zukerman, Wendy; Terrell, Blythe; Jackman, Victoria; Coyle, Shannon; Brahmbhatt, Jamin; Pukall, Caroline (1 March 2023). ""Blue balls" and sexual coercion: a survey study of genitopelvic pain after sexual arousal without orgasm and its implications for sexual advances". Sexual Medicine. 11 (2). doi:10.1093/sexmed/qfad016. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Jones, JM; Cedermark, K; Barham, D; Gross, MS (30 January 2024). "Does blue balls exist, and why should we care?". The journal of sexual medicine. 21 (2): 88–89. doi:10.1093/jsxmed/qdad161. PMID 38314627.
  8. ↑ Dalzell, Tom; Victor, Terry (December 2007). Sex Slang. Routledge. p. 16. ISBN 978-0-415-37180-3.
  9. ↑ "blue balls noun". OED. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  10. ↑ Komisaruk, Barry R.; Beverly Whipple; Sara Nasserzadeh; Carlos Beyer-Flores (November 2009). The Orgasm Answer Guide. The Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 70. ISBN 978-0-8018-9396-4.
  11. ↑ Chalett, J.M.; Nerenberg, L.T. (2000). "'Blue Balls': A Diagnostic Consideration in Testiculoscrotal Pain in Young Adults: A Case Report and Discussion". Pediatrics. 106 (4): 843. doi:10.1542/peds.106.4.843. PMID 11015532. S2CID 36966128. Archived from the original on 2021-06-09. Retrieved 2025-02-13.

External links


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