Blue balls is
slang
Slang is vocabulary (words, phrases, and linguistic usages) of an informal register, common in spoken conversation but avoided in formal writing. It also sometimes refers to the language generally exclusive to the members of particular in-g ...
for an
uncomfortable testicular sensation that can occur during a state of male
sexual arousal. The term is thought to have originated in the United States, first appearing in 1916. Another slang term used for the condition is lover's nuts. Some
urologists
Urology (from Greek οὖρον ''ouron'' "urine" and ''-logia'' "study of"), also known as genitourinary surgery, is the branch of medicine that focuses on surgical and medical diseases of the urinary-tract system and the reproductive organ ...
call this condition epididymal hypertension or sexual arousal orchialgia.
Most often it describes a temporary fluid congestion (
vasocongestion
Vasocongestion, vascular congestion or vascular engorgement is the swelling of bodily tissues caused by increased vascular blood flow and a localized increase in blood pressure. Typical causes of vasocongestion in humans includes menstruation, sexu ...
) in the
testicles
A testicle or testis (plural testes) is the male reproductive gland or gonad in all bilaterians, including humans. It is homologous to the female ovary. The functions of the testes are to produce both sperm and androgens, primarily testostero ...
, caused by prolonged
sexual arousal in the
human male without ejaculation.
Research
The phenomenon is sometimes associated with certain demographics, such as men who are experiencing and practicing
delayed, multiple or inhibited ejaculation.
This leads to a wide discussion, with scant information in the scientific literature.
A brief article by Chalett and Nerenberg in ''Pediatrics'' agrees that little formal data exists regarding the condition. The article concludes that "the treatment is
sexual release, or perhaps straining to move a very heavy object—in essence doing a
Valsalva maneuver."
Causes
The cause of blue balls is a large amount of blood circulation to the genital area, specifically the penis and testicles, without the release of tension associated with orgasm/ejaculation. When a large amount of blood flows to the genital region, the penis becomes erect and the testicles also experience increased blood flow and swelling.
Other causes of painful symptoms include:
*
diabetic neuropathy in the groin area
*
epididymitis, which is an inflammation of the testicles
* infection, which is usually accompanied by inflammation
*
kidney stones
Kidney stone disease, also known as nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis, is a crystallopathy where a calculus (medicine), solid piece of material (kidney stone) develops in the urinary tract. Kidney stones typically form in the kidney and leave the ...
*
mumps
*
orchitis
Orchitis is inflammation of the testes. It can also involve swelling, pains and frequent infection, particularly of the epididymis, as in epididymitis. The term is from the Ancient Greek ὄρχις meaning "testicle"; same root as ''orchid''.
S ...
*
testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system. Symptoms may include a lump in the testicle, or swelling or pain in the scrotum. Treatment may result in infertility.
Risk factors include an ...
It may also be a sign of
testicular torsion
Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord (from which the testicle is suspended) twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. The most common symptom in children is sudden, severe testicular pain. The testicle may be higher than ...
, which often requires emergency surgery.
Symptoms
The following indications and symptoms in the testicles may be experienced by people with blue balls:
* heaviness
* aching
* discomfort or mild pain
See also
*
Delayed ejaculation
*
Edging (sexual practice)
Edging, peaking, or surfing''Extended Massive Orgasm'', Steve and Vera Bodansky, (2000), pp. 91, 92, 94–98, . is a sexual technique whereby an orgasm is controlled. It is practiced alone or with a partner and involves the maintenance of a high l ...
*
Erotic sexual denial
Erotic sexual denial is the practice of refraining from sexual experiences in order to increase erotic arousal and/or tension. The prohibited experience can be narrowly or broadly defined and banned for a specific or indeterminate length of ti ...
*
Prostatic congestion
*
Sexual frustration
Sexual frustration is a sense of dissatisfaction stemming from a discrepancy between a person's desired and achieved Human sexual activity, sexual activity. It may result from impotence, physical, human sexuality#Psychological aspects, mental, sex ...
References
External links
"Understanding Male Sexuality"by DiscoveryHealth.com writers
"Blue Balls"by Paul Aitken at AltPenis.com on vasocongestion
"Blue Balls: Understanding Epididymal Hypertension"
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blue Balls
Mammal male reproductive system
Sexual slang