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It’s likely that you’ve already heard people talk about ‘blue balls’. The name sounds quite funny, the imagery intriguing, yet did you know that this phenomenon actually has real physiological origins? Long since considered to be a myth or a joke amongst friends, it’s about time we tackle this topic once and for all, no jokes, no taboos.
So what exactly are we talking about here? Is it merely a pretext to get things going, or does it cause real physical discomfort? The LOVE Team is here to dissect the topic, telling you how to deal with it in a respectful, well meaning and potentially even pleasurable way.
What Exactly Does it Mean to Have ‘Blue Balls’?
When we say that someone has ‘blue balls’, what we’re talking about is a feeling of pain or discomfort around the testicles after a prolonged period of arousal that doesn’t end in ejaculation. This can happen during sexual encounters or masturbation sessions that get interrupted, or even during a more calculated erotic game that doesn’t finish with an orgasm.
This phenomenon can be explained by an influx of blood flow to the genital areas during arousal. If this extra blood flow doesn’t find a way to naturally calm back down, it can cause a feeling of pressure, heaviness or even pain that spreads across the area. The ‘blue’ part of the name most likely comes from the bluish hue that testicles can take on when they’re blocked up- although it must be noted that this is a rare occurrence.
Is it a Real Medical Issue or is it Just Passing Discomfort?
Don’t panic, ‘blue balls’ is not a medical emergency. It’s a non-harmful, temporary problem. In most cases, the discomfort experienced tends to go away within ten minutes or so, regardless of whether you ejaculate or not. It’s simply a natural bodily reaction to unresolved arousal.
However, if the pain becomes sharper, stronger or is accompanied by other symptoms such as abnormal swelling, redness or a fever, don’t hesitate to speak to a professional. This can be an indicator of an underlying problem (testicular torsion, infection etc.) that isn’t linked to sexual arousal.
How to Ease Discomfort
There are a few easy hacks you can use to reduce pressure:
- Ejaculation: through masturbation or sexual intimacy. This is the quickest way to calm things down.
- Move around: walk, stretch, do a little exercise. This will help to get your circulation going again.
- Cold: a cold shower or an ice pack can help to ease the heavy sensation.
- Calm: sometimes all you need to do is take a step back from the sexual stimulus to give your body the chance to naturally rebalance itself.
You can also bring some accessories into the mix:
A textured, warming masturbator offers intense experiences that favour quick, satisfying finishes.
Vibrating cock rings allow you to take control of your pleasure and explore long lasting sensations without putting all the focus on the big finish.
A prostate stimulator can take some attention away from the testicles, letting you enjoy deep, unique pleasure.
Whilst a Cliché, it’s Not an Excuse
It’s important to note that, although this phenomenon does exist, it is in no way an excuse to force sexual relations. Certain people (often straight men) have used this as an argument to pressure their partner into sex, saying things like “But it hurts, you can’t just leave me like this.”
This type of talk is not only toxic, but also based on a complete misunderstanding of what it means to have ‘blue balls’. The body is capable of dealing with congestion without external help, and under no circumstances does it ever take precedence over consent.
What if This is the Occasion to Explore Pleasure Differently?
Why not use this as an opportunity to get a better understanding of your body, rather than seeing it as a punishment or discomfort? Ejaculating quickly isn’t the only way to experience pleasure. There are numerous ways to explore your sexuality, whether alone or with a partner.
- Learn how to manage your pleasure without an orgasm being the end goal by trying out an adjustable cock ring.
- Switch up pleasure and opt for an anal or perineum stimulator. You might find that pleasure isn’t always where we expect it to be.
- For more traditional needs, a realistic masturbator combined with a high quality lube guarantees a gentle release in pressure.
‘Blue balls’ is a temporary phenomenon that does no harm, but deserves to be better understood in order to help you to understand your body as well as create better communication between you and your partner. Being able to discuss it without any shame is already a huge step towards a more relaxed, respectful sex life that can lead to a world of discovery.
