Blue Balls or Epididymal Hypertension

Introduction

The blue ball is a disease of the male reproductive system. The disease is also known as Epididymal hypertension. The condition refers to painful or aching testicles. The pain in the testicles is caused by prolonged sexual arousal but without ejaculation and orgasm. The swelling in the blood vessel during sexual arousal is eliminated after ejaculation. If there is a delay in ejaculation, fluid builds up and results in blue balls. The disease is not dangerous. The name blue balls are due to the bluish color in the testes without orgasm because of the increase in the blood volume in the area. People with the condition may experience discomfort, mild pain, aching, and heaviness in the testis. This is because the arteries that supply the blood to male genitals expand during sexual arousal, increasing the blood flow to the area. The veins that take away the blood from the genitals restrict it, resulting in the trap of blood and causing erection after ejaculation, even if the person is not aroused. The blood vessels return to the standard size with swelling in the penis and testicles. A person can get rid of symptoms by masturbation to distract them. There is no need for a partner to relieve the disorder. The disease is more common in pubescent boys. The article discusses blue balls, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What Are the Causes of Blue Balls?

Various factors can lead to blue balls. However, stress and physical discomfort are the common factors leading to the condition. The disease is caused by fluid accumulation in the testicles after sexual arousal. After ejaculation, fluid gets back up and causes the testis and epididymis to expand, resulting in pain and discomfort. Blue balls can also be due to delayed ejaculation and people intentionally avoiding ejaculation. When the blood supply to the testis gets cut off, the condition can be confused with testicular torsion because the restriction of the blood supply results in the selling of the testis and scrotum.

What Are the Other Causes of Pain in the Scrotum and Testis?

The pain and discomfort in the scrotum and testis, when a person is sexually aroused, may result in epididymal hypertension. In addition, people can experience other problems due to the pain and discomfort in the testicles as follows:

• Infection With Chlamydia: Gonorrhea and Chlamydia infection can cause inflammation of the epididymis resulting in pain in the testicles.

• Epididymitis: Due to the inflammation of the coiled tube that carries and stored sperms leads to severe pain in the testicles.

• Hydrocele: It is a swelling of the scrotum due to the fluid accumulation in the sheath surrounding the testis. It results in pain in the testis. The condition is common in newborns, and symptoms relieve on their own.

• Inguinal Hernia: It is a lump in the inguinal area due to the protrusion of fatty tissue through the weakened abdominal wall.

• Kidney Stones: The stones do not cause problems until they are in the kidney. It causes severe pain when they move into the bladder.

• Mumps: It is a bacterial infection caused by the course of the epididymis. The condition of the tube that carries the semen out, results in pain in the testicles.

• Retractile Testicle: The pain and discomfort in the testicles due to the retraction of the testicles into the abdomen.

• Scrotal Tumors: Cysts, tumors, spermatoceles, and torsion of the epididymal appendix may present as a nodule and lead to testicular pain.

• Spermatocele: It is a fluid-filled sac in the epididymis. The sac varies in size and causes pain.

• Testicular Trauma: The injury of the testicle and scrotum can lead to pain in the testis and scrotum.

• Testicular Torsion: The alteration of the blood flow to the testis resulting in pain and swelling of the testis.

• Testicular Cancer: The condition may cause pain and swelling in the testis.

• Varicocele: The enlargement of the vein in the scrotum may lead to pain and swelling in the scrotum and testis.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Blue Balls?

Blue balls may affect the testicles and scrotum of the males and may exhibit symptoms including pain, swelling, discomfort, heaviness, aching, and bluish discoloration of the scrotum. The pain may be sharp or dull, extending from the groin to the lower abdomen. In addition, a person may feel a sensation of fullness in the testicles.

Can Blue Balls Be Dangerous?

The blue ball is not dangerous. It is a common phenomenon that relieves on its own, causing no long-term damage. However, during sexual intercourse, the orgasm can be interrupted, and the person may feel uncomfortable for a few minutes to hours.

How Can Blue Balls Be Diagnosed?

The healthcare provider may ask the person about the interruption and ejaculation with or without sexual arousal. The severe pain, swelling, and discoloration help in diagnosing the condition.

How Can Blue Balls Be Treated?

The symptoms of blue balls resolve on their own. However, if the pain and discomfort persist, the person needs medical treatment. The remedies are as follows:

• Ignore the Issue: Blue balls are not dangerous. Generally, no medical treatment is required to treat the condition.

• Heavy Lifting: Lifting and pushing heavy objects may flex the internal muscles, release the pressure on the testicles and relieve pain.

• Exercise: The doctor may advise the person to practice exercise that relieves the pressure from the swollen testicles. Using a treadmill and push-ups may help the blood supply to the other body parts and away from the scrotum.

• Natural Remedies: The condition is due to the alteration in the blood supply to the testis leading to pain and discomfort. The problem can be solved by taking garlic to lower blood pressure.

• Divert the Mood: The person may divert the mood by ignoring the thoughts and masturbation, which may lead to sexual arousal. It helps release pressure and provides relaxation to the scrotum.

• Cold Showers: The cold compress, like an ice pack, may reduce the swelling.

• Over-The-Counter Analgesics: The doctor may advise Tylenol, which helps with pain, and Advil helps reduce inflammation and swelling.

Conclusion

The blue ball is a disease of the male reproductive system. It is not dangerous, but the person may feel pain and discomfort in the testis and scrotum. The symptoms may resolve with some time. However, some people regularly experience heaviness, and some do not. Therefore, the healthcare provider may prescribe home remedies and lifting exercises to relieve the pressure on the testis. In addition, the doctor may prescribe an ice pack to resolve swelling and divert the thoughts related to sexual arousal.