Is Having “Blue Balls” a Real Thing?

Yep. Sure is! No question about it. Now, you might be asking yourself, “Matt, how can you make a statement with such a sense of conviction?” Easy, I’m the owner of a pair of testicles. Trust me, GR8 friends, Blue Balls is all-too-real. And I’ve got the science to back me up.

Grow-Up: It’s Called Epididymal Hypertension

For as long as I can remember, the term “blue balls” (the proper, adult terminology is Epididymal Hypertension) meant sexual frustration. As a man, I can tell you that “frustration” doesn’t quite capture the unique sensation of, oh, let’s call it a severe genital disappointment.

Sitting in your car at a really long red light? That’s frustrating. Not “getting some” when every fiber in your body and being is poised and expecting to get some? That, my friends, is a bonafide case of blue balls. And it hurts like a mother!

Wood Class

Sorry to get all 7th-grade health class with you but, when a man gets aroused, the man’s penis and scrotum become filled with blood, which is how a man can get and sustain an erection.

So far, so good. But when a man isn’t allowed to achieve orgasm (ejaculate), pressure builds up in the epididymis, the tube that delivers sperm from the testes to the vas deferens, and it becomes painful. Like, painful. Oh, did I mention it’s painful?

I Guess That’s Why They Call It Blue Balls

Now, to the reason, you clicked on this post, to begin with. Do a man’s testicles turn blue when he experiences blue balls? Sorta. No, it doesn’t capture, say, the blue of the Caribbean Sea. But, anecdotal symptoms do include a faint blue tint to the testicles, in addition to a heavy, aching sensation (see excruciating) at the base of your penis and in your scrotal sack.

If that aching lasts for more than a few hours, or a day at most, you might want to have it checked out by a doctor. Ensuring your testicles are in tip-top shape is more important than you think.

Relief Is Well In-Hand

While a case of Epididymal Hypertension doesn’t cause any long-term damage, it isn’t something you want hanging around longer than necessary. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to ease the pain. The first involves your mind. Try distracting yourself with thoughts that you don’t find arousing. Sports immediately come to mind. The second involves your hand – finish what you (or your partner) started.

A Note From GR8NESS

While Blue Balls aren’t the end of the world, it’s a, thankfully, minor reminder that you shouldn’t ignore your genital health. If you’re experiencing discomfort or notice a change in the appearance or feel of your penis or testicles, talk to your doctor about it. While it’s easy to joke about all things below the belt, it should never be at the expense of your overall health.