You will have heard the time period ‘blue balls’ tossed round, typically with a mixture of humour and discomfort. However what precisely does it imply, and must you be involved?
Dr Suri Raju V, senior advisor urologist and medical director at Regal Tremendous Speciality Hospital, Bengaluru, says, “‘Blue balls’ isn’t a medical time period, however a slang phrase referring to a momentary situation known as epididymal hypertension (EH). It’s that painful, uncomfortable feeling you may expertise in your testicles after extended sexual arousal with out orgasm.”
Right here’s the science behind it:
Sexual Arousal: Whenever you’re sexually aroused, blood stream to your genitals will increase, inflicting them to swell.
Venous Restriction: Veins liable for draining blood from the world turn out to be barely constricted to keep up the erection.
Stress Buildup: For those who don’t ejaculate, the additional blood and fluid get “caught” for a bit, inflicting stress and discomfort within the testicles.
Potential long-term well being dangers
Dr Suri says, “The excellent news is that blue balls are usually innocent and pose no long-term well being dangers. The discomfort often subsides by itself inside minutes to hours.”
Nevertheless, if the ache is extreme, persistent, or accompanied by different signs like fever or swelling, it’s essential to see a health care provider. This might point out a completely different underlying problem, similar to an an infection or testicular torsion (a twisted testicle) requiring quick medical consideration.
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The excellent news is that blue balls are usually innocent (Supply: Freepik)
Best methods to alleviate discomfort
There are a number of methods to alleviate the discomfort, as talked about by Dr Suri:
Ejaculation: The best approach to relieve the stress is to ejaculate via masturbation or sexual exercise.
Distraction: Partaking in a non-sexual exercise might help take your thoughts off the discomfort and permit your physique to return to its regular state.
Bodily Exercise: Train might help redirect blood stream away from the genitals and cut back stress.
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Chilly Compress: Making use of a chilly compress to the world might supply some reduction by constricting blood vessels and decreasing swelling.
Over-the-Counter Ache Reduction: If the discomfort is especially bothersome, over-the-counter ache relievers like ibuprofen might help.
Is ‘blue balls’ a typical situation?
Blue balls are a comparatively widespread expertise amongst males, particularly throughout adolescence and younger maturity, states Dr Suri. “Nevertheless, if you happen to expertise it incessantly or the ache is extreme, it’s value speaking to a healthcare skilled. They’ll rule out any underlying medical situations and supply personalised recommendation on managing the discomfort.”
Keep in mind: Blue balls ought to by no means be used as an excuse to stress somebody into sexual exercise. Consent is vital, and everybody can say no at any time.
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DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.