Introduction:
Many people could have come across the word blue balls. It refers to an uncomfortable sensation in the male genitals because of sexual frustration. The blue ball markedly refers to the medical condition called epididymal hypertension (EH). It is not a serious concern, but it causes painful and aching testicles. It is well-defined as scrotum pain or heaviness in the genital region following sustained sexual arousal without an orgasm.
So, blue balls or epididymal hypertension, occur when the male has been sexually aroused for a prolonged period but without attaining orgasm. Clinical findings show that the same concern can occur with female genitals. So, the same thing can happen with women in the vagina. And this condition in females is called a blue vulva or, at times, a pink pelvis. Though this condition is known to a lesser extent, it is prevalent and can be treated with simple strategies.
What Is Blue Vulva Syndrome?
The blue vulva is the female variant of blue balls that occurs with prolonged or sustained sexual arousal without an orgasm. This condition is characterized by feelings of pain and heaviness in the genital areas. The clitoris is the significant pleasure area of the vulva in females. This part does not change color, but there is discomfort when the extra blood does not return to the heart from the genitals, causing enlargement during sexual arousal. The blue vulva is a slang term for the medical condition called epididymal hypertension. This condition is also called pink pelvis, blue bean, and blue uterus.
What Is the Cause of Blue Vulva Syndrome?
The causative factors attributed to blue vulva syndrome are similar to the blue balls. During sexual arousal of the male genitals, the blood vessels of the genital organs expand to supply sufficient blood to the penis. As a result, the veins carrying the deoxygenated blood from the penis constrict, so excess blood resides inside the genitalia. This physiologic phenomenon is vasoconstriction, which makes the testicles expand, and the penis becomes erect (rigid).
Subsequently, the person needs to have an orgasm (sexual climax) and ejaculation (semen discharge) for the male genitals, including the penis, to get back into their original position and for the excess blood to get back. When one does not attain orgasm or ejaculation, the genitals stay in expanded form for a prolonged period. This causes a localized increase in blood pressure in genital areas, resulting in epididymal hypertension.
This expansion of erectile tissues during excess blood is filled also happens in females, like the penis in males. So, the steps involved in sexual arousal to orgasm are similar in both sexes. In females also, the bloodstream rush to the genital organs such as the vagina, labia, and clitoris resulting in the expansion of the arteries of the genitalia. Therefore, the vasoconstriction process in the vagina, ovaries, and uterus makes the excess blood confined to the female genitals. As a result, the genitals become swell and lubricating. Once the orgasm is attained, the excess blood reaches out to the heart causing the genitals to get back to their original size. In contrast, when there is no orgasm, the genitals remain expanded for quite a long span, just like in the case of males. So this could lead to epididymal hypertension or blue vulva syndrome. The females with blue vulva encounter discomfort and pain due to the larger expansion and excess weight.
What Are the Symptoms Associated With Blue Vulva Syndrome?
Blue vulva syndrome is not as threatening as the name. The symptoms of blue vulva syndrome are generally mild in form. The symptoms of blue vulva syndrome do not require much medical attention, and they can be resolved independently. Blue vulva syndrome presents signs and symptoms similar to epididymal hypertension, including mild discomfort to pain. So, women with this condition are more likely to experience the following common symptoms.
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Mild discomfort or pain in the vulvar area.
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A heavy feeling in the genital areas.
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General achiness.
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Sensations of arousal.
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A very small blue or purple tint.
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Redness.
Individuals with this condition have sensations of arousal in addition to pain and discomfort because this condition generally occurs during sexual arousal and not during climax or orgasm. Like epididymal hypertension, blue vulva syndrome does not last long and usually resolves in less than a few hours. Addedly, testicles can be changed to a slightly bluish hue in the case of blue balls but no color changes in blue vulva syndrome.
How to Get Rid of Blue Vulva Syndrome?
Blue vulva syndrome is not a profound condition for which a woman must seek professional help or get medical treatment. Treating this syndrome involves certain strategies or steps similar to epididymal hypertension. So, one can get relief from blue vulva syndrome by considering a few things including:
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Having Orgasm: Since the condition occurs due to prolonged sexual arousal without attaining orgasm, achieving an orgasm seems to be the effective way to eliminate this condition. Achieving orgasm or sexual climax can help in releasing the blood from the enlarged genitals. So, one can get relief from pain and heaviness feeling. Masturbation could be helpful in the absence of a partner.
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Distraction: Distracting oneself can be one of the best treatments for blue vulva syndrome. As sexual arousal and sexual frustration are the significant causes, one can distract from them so the genitals return to their size. The symptoms also resolve eventually.
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Cold Showers: Cold showers help redirect the blood flow from the genitals and help one in easing sexual frustration.
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Cold Compression: This cold compression works similarly to cold showers. Cold compression therapy on the genital areas helps in the healing process while diminishing the swelling of the genitalia.
Conclusion:
Females can get blue ball syndrome in the name of the blue vulva. It is the term for sustained sexual activity without reaching a climax. Blue vulva syndrome is not a profound condition to worry about. Individuals with this concern experience pain and weight-bearing discomfort in the genital areas. This usually resolves with time or when one attains orgasm following prolonged sexual frustration. Moreover, specific distraction strategies can provide effective relief from such conditions.
