If you were in the midst of an intense foreplay session that was supposed to lead to sex but didn’t, you may have experienced a condition known as blue testicles, or epididymal hypertension. Although most cases of blue testicles occur in people who are overstimulated, especially young men, they can occur at any age and in anyone. Let’s review in Dalili Medical what blue testicles are, how to treat them, and when you should be concerned that testicular pain could be a sign of a more serious condition than epididymal hypertension.
Blue testicles are a health condition known medically as epididymal hypertension. This condition occurs when the blood vessels in the testicles and penis expand as a result of sexual arousal. These vessels usually return to their normal size after ejaculation or when the level of arousal decreases. However, if arousal continues for a long time, they may continue to expand and collect blood. Despite the name, blue testicles do not cause the testicles to turn blue, but they may be accompanied by a range of symptoms, including:
- Discomfort in the testicles.
- A feeling of heaviness in the testicles.
- Pain in the testicles.
With blue testicles, the testicles may be swollen, often with a persistent erection. The term “blue testicle” comes from the deoxygenated blood that is trapped in the testicles, giving them a bluish color, but this is usually only a very slight shade. Don’t expect your testicles to look like blueberries!
With epididymal hypertension, you may feel pressure or “heaviness” in the testicles. It may be painful to touch, but the pain is dull, deep, and radiates outward. This is different from the sharp, throbbing pain that occurs when the testicles are traumatized.
The symptoms associated with blue testicles can be similar to those of other health conditions. The main symptoms include pain or soreness in the testicle, either on one or both sides, as well as a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the testicles. These symptoms may last for a few minutes or up to an hour, and in rare cases, symptoms may last for several hours or days.
The condition of blue testicles does not lead to a change in the color of the testicles to blue, but if a blue color is observed in the testicles, it is necessary to consult a doctor, as this can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
**Scenarios for "Blue Testicles"**
You may wonder: What causes a man to stop ejaculating at the moment he wants to get rid of intense arousal?
There are several scenarios that may lead to "blue testicles".
**Lack of or abstaining from sex** "Blue balls" occur in many young men, especially in adolescence, as a result of increased blood flow to the genital area as part of the symptoms of puberty, in addition to frequent sexual arousal without actually having sex or not having it enough.
Many also choose to abstain from having solo sex or masturbation for religious or social reasons, or for fear of the imaginary risks associated with it, which leads to their recurrence of "blue balls".
The young men most at risk of this condition are those who masturbate or give in to arousal, then stop before ejaculating.
**Using the withdrawal technique as a means of contraception**Some men choose to use the withdrawal technique as a means of contraception, but sometimes the arousal may be so strong that the man misses the right moment to withdraw, which prompts him to try to hold back ejaculation before or during it occurs to save the situation.
**Exercises to control premature ejaculation**Some men who suffer from premature ejaculation practice a set of exercises to improve their performance, such as stopping exercises at a certain stage before reaching full ejaculation, and focusing on extending the duration of the practice. Sometimes, a man may be inexperienced or succumb to excitement, which makes him ignore stopping at the right time, and this may lead to him feeling the pain of "blue testicle" if he exceeds the required point to stop.
**Repeated loss of erection** It is not necessary to stop before the decisive moment to feel the symptoms of blue testicle, as you may feel discomfort and pain if you lose your erection more than once during sex, due to external factors, a change in position, or the partner's distance for any reason.
Having sex in inappropriate conditions or in an inappropriate place is one of the reasons that lead to stopping during sexual intercourse.
**Epididymitis** The epididymis is the tube located behind the testicles, and it may be exposed to inflammation due to infection or other causes, leading to a group of symptoms, such as swelling of the epididymis and secretions from the penis.
**Diabetic neuropathy** When blood sugar levels are not controlled in diabetics, the nerves of the body in general may weaken, which also affects the testicles and leads to feeling pain somewhat similar to the pain associated with blue testicle.
**Kidney stones** Kidney stones can cause testicular pain, in addition to other symptoms, such as:
- Feeling nauseous and vomiting.
- Burning sensation during urination.
- Blood in the urine.
**Orchitis**Orchitis can affect one or both testicles, and may also be accompanied by inflammation of the epididymis.
**Mumps**Mumps is known for causing swelling on the sides of the neck as a result of inflammation of the salivary and parotid glands located between the ear and neck. Although it is more common in children, it can also affect adults. Symptoms of mumps include pain in the testicles, as in the case of blue testicles, but it is accompanied by other symptoms, including:
- Feeling generally tired.
- High temperature.
- Headache.
**aCommon Myths About Blue Balls**
"Blue balls" is a bit of a strange term, and when any part of the body changes color, a bunch of myths are formed around it, especially among teenagers.
These teenage myths continue into adulthood, which leads to the myths about epididymal hypertension continuing to spread. Here are some of the most common (and still untrue) beliefs about blue balls.
**Myth 1: You need to have an orgasm with your partner to get rid of blue balls**
This is not true, and this myth is probably perpetuated because people think that blue balls only happen when they are denied sex with their partner.
Fortunately, if your partner is unwilling to have sex, you can simply masturbate until you ejaculate, which should solve the problem quickly.
Never try to guilt your partner into not wanting to have sex with you because you have blue balls.
Remember, this is your problem and not your partner’s responsibility
Unfortunately, women can also experience the same sensation associated with blue balls, but in women it’s known as “vasoconstriction.” While it’s painful, the pain is different from what men experience, but it’s still uncomfortable.
**Myth #3: Blue balls are a serious condition and can hurt your testicles**
While blue balls are uncomfortable, they’re not a serious condition. The symptoms will either go away on their own or you can speed things up with simple methods, but they won’t last long enough to cause any damage to your testicles or penis. Let’s be real for a moment: the pain isn’t that severe. It’s a mild to moderate discomfort that can be easily relieved in a couple of minutes or less.
The most effective way to get rid of blue balls is to have an orgasm. If you are with your partner but not ready for sex, you can simply masturbate until you reach orgasm. This will help to draw blood away from the penis and testicles, relieving the pressure caused by blue balls.
Blue balls usually don’t last long, unless you are constantly aroused and there is no way to relieve it. If blue balls don’t go away after masturbation, or after an hour of starting, it’s important to take steps to reduce arousal. Thinking about non-sexual things, such as “think about football,” as is sometimes recommended, can help reduce arousal. Some people suggest using ice or cold water, such as taking a cold shower, to relieve the pressure. In theory, cold water may help reduce arousal by drawing blood away from the genitals to warm the body. However, there are not enough studies to support the effectiveness of this method, so it’s best to be cautious.
You should never ignore testicle pain.
Fortunately, blue ball pain is very easy to recognize, as it almost always occurs in the context of sexual arousal.
If you are not completely aroused and your penis is not erect, but you are experiencing testicular pain, it is very likely that something else is causing it.
In this case, it is important to talk to a doctor, and if the pain persists, you should consult a health professional as soon as possible.
**Diabetic neuropathy in the pubic area**Although the pubic area is not the most common area to suffer from diabetic neuropathy, it is possible to feel pain from this condition in that area.
This pain is usually also accompanied by weakness and numbness in the thighs, which is very different from the feeling of blue balls. If you do not have diabetes or neuropathy in other areas, this is unlikely to be the cause of what you are feeling.
**Cancer**Cancer is one of the main causes that should not be underestimated if you feel heaviness or pain in the testicles. Testicular cancer can be effectively treated with early diagnosis, so it is essential not to ignore any lumps, pain or heaviness in the area.
**Testicular Torsion**Testicular torsion is a major cause for concern if you are experiencing testicular pain. This occurs when the blood cord attached to the testicle (spermatic cord) becomes twisted, cutting off blood flow to the testicles. If the condition is not treated promptly, you could lose your testicles within six hours. Although it is a medical emergency, you are unlikely to confuse it with a blue testicle, as testicular torsion is more painful and causes greater swelling.
Testicular torsion can also lead to infection, causing fever and other symptoms.
A doctor will usually perform an ultrasound of the testicles to determine if there is torsion, and treatment usually requires surgery.
Although the symptoms of blue testicles may disappear on their own, there are several treatment methods that can be used to alleviate their effects, including:
**Treatment with non-prescription medications**
Over-the-counter pain relievers help relieve testicular pain. These medications include paracetamol, in addition to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, which help reduce inflammation and swelling that may affect the epididymis.
**Ejaculation**Ejaculation can help relieve the symptoms of blue testicles, as it helps relieve pressure on the testicles. This can be achieved by having sexual intercourse.
**Using ice or taking a cold shower**Using ice or taking a cold shower can be helpful in treating blue testicles. Cold temperaturesIt is an effective way to calm sexual arousal, as it works to numb the nerves and blood vessels in the testicles, which helps reduce pressure, swelling and pain.
Apply ice packs to the testicles.
Take a cold bath.
**Exercise** Exercising, especially strength exercises, can help treat the problem of blue testicles. These exercises direct blood flow to the main muscles instead of the genitals, which relieves pressure on the testicles. Among the exercises that can be practiced are:
**Exercise:**
- **Jumping.**
- **Running:** You can run on a treadmill.
- **Squat exercise.**
- **Push-up exercise.**
**Massage:** Massage helps enhance the flow of blood accumulated in the testicles to other parts of the body, which helps relieve pain. This can be done by lying on the bed and gently massaging the testicles and genitals.
**Weightlifting:**Weightlifting is an effective treatment method to relieve excess pressure on the testicles. When lifting weights, a person focuses on increasing pressure in other areas of their body.
**Distraction:**Distraction can play an important role in treating blue testicles, by diverting blood flow away from the genitals to relieve pain. This can be achieved by moving away from exciting thoughts and focusing on other activities, such as reading a book, watching TV, or working on a specific project.
When should you see a doctor?
Blue testicles usually do not require a visit to the doctor, as the symptoms disappear automatically once the pressure on the testicles is removed. However, it is necessary to consult a specialist if a person suffers from severe and recurring pain in the testicle that affects his sexual activity, or if there is persistent pain in the testicle that is not related to sexual activities. In addition, a doctor should be consulted if there are other symptoms accompanying the testicle pain, as these symptoms may indicate more serious conditions that require urgent medical care, such as testicular cancer. These symptoms include:
- A lump or swelling in one of the testicles.
- Pain in the lower back.
- A feeling of mild pain in the groin area.