How Long Do Blue Balls Last? Causes and Treatment

Blue balls typically resolve quickly, often within an hour after sexual arousal diminishes or through ejaculation, relieving built-up pressure in the testicles.

Medically Reviewed By Mostafa Elhennawy MS, Pharm D

“Blue balls” is a condition often discussed in the context of men’s sexual health. It refers to a temporary discomfort or pain in the testicles, which can occur when orgasm does not follow sexual arousal. 

Typically, the pain and heaviness associated with blue balls are temporary and subside once the arousal concludes or after ejaculation. Most men find relief within an hour or shortly after resolving the arousal, either through ejaculation or by distraction and reduction of sexual excitement.

Treatment usually involves relieving the built-up tension or distraction techniques to alleviate the focus from arousal.

In this article, we’ll cover the science behind blue balls, why it occurs, how long it lasts, and how to find relief.

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What Are Blue Balls?

Blue balls (epididymal hypertension) cause temporary discomfort when sexual arousal doesn’t lead to orgasm. Blood flows to the genital area during arousal, and without release through orgasm, this buildup can cause pain and a bluish tint in the testicles. Normally, an orgasm would relieve this pressure by releasing the built-up blood. Without orgasm, the continued vasocongestion can lead to discomfort, known as blue balls. The discomfort is temporary and harmless, usually subsiding after ejaculation or once the sexual arousal diminishes without any long-term physical effects.

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How Long Do Blue Balls Last?

Blue balls, or epididymal hypertension, typically resolves within an hour after the onset of symptoms if sexual arousal subsides or after ejaculation. The duration of symptoms can vary based on several factors. This mainly depends on the duration and intensity of sexual arousal without release. For some, the discomfort may linger slightly longer if the arousal is intense or prolonged, but generally, symptoms do not last beyond a few hours.

Individuals who frequently experience sexual arousal without ejaculation may report longer or more frequent episodes of discomfort. However, everyone’s body responds differently to sexual arousal, and the subsequent reduction in arousal can vary, making the duration of symptoms somewhat different from one person to another. Since the frequency of ejaculation plays a crucial role in the onset and duration of blue balls, gaining an understanding of male ejaculation frequency can help manage or prevent this discomfort effectively.

 

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Can Blue Balls Last for Days?

It is uncommon for blue balls to last for days. Typically, the discomfort associated with blue balls is acute and resolves soon after the cause is addressed, either through ejaculation or by simply allowing the arousal to subside. If symptoms persist for several days, it is likely not due to blue balls. It could indicate other issues, such as testicular pain from different causes like injury, infection, or other medical conditions requiring evaluation by a healthcare provider.

In cases where discomfort does not subside within a day or significantly affects one’s quality of life, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. A medical expert will assess persistent or severe pain in the testicles to rule out serious conditions and obtain appropriate treatment.

Epididymal Hypertension vs Epididymitis

The main difference between epididymal hypertension, commonly referred to as blue balls, and epididymitis lies in their causes and symptoms. 

Epididymal hypertension

Epididymal hypertension affects about 1% of men and women, with the most common age group being between 20 and 40 years old. The incidence of this condition potentially increases with age​. Epididymal hypertension is a temporary and benign condition caused by prolonged sexual arousal without ejaculation. Blood builds up in the testicles, which can cause discomfort, heaviness, and a bluish tint in the scrotum. The symptoms are generally mild and resolve on their own once the arousal subsides or after ejaculation.

Epididymitis

In contrast, epididymitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the epididymis, typically caused by a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infection (STI). Symptoms of epididymitis include severe pain in the testicles, redness, and warmth in the scrotum, fever, and sometimes painful urination or discharge from the penis. Unlike epididymal hypertension, epididymitis requires medical treatment, which may include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, to resolve the infection and alleviate symptoms. While both conditions affect the testicular region, their etiology, severity of symptoms, and treatment approaches are distinctly different, emphasizing the importance of correct diagnosis and management.

How to Relieve Blue Balls Quickly

Relieving the discomfort associated with blue balls, or epididymal hypertension, can be achieved through several practical methods that focus on reducing the prolonged vasocongestion in the genital area. Here are some effective tips:

  1. Ejaculation: The most straightforward way to alleviate blue balls is by reaching orgasm through masturbation or sexual intercourse, which helps in releasing the accumulated blood and reducing pressure in the testicles.
  2. Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the scrotum can help reduce swelling and dull the pain. Wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth and apply it to the area for short intervals, ensuring not to apply ice directly to the skin.
  3. Exercise: Physical activity can help redirect blood flow away from the genitals and distribute it throughout the body. Activities like jogging, walking, or any moderate exercise might assist in relieving symptoms quicker. For those interested in exploring how prolonged arousal techniques can affect sexual stamina, discovering what is edging could offer intriguing perspectives and methods to enhance your sexual experience.
  4. Distraction: Sometimes, simply engaging in an activity that shifts your focus away from arousal can help reduce symptoms. Watching a movie, reading, or any engaging task can divert attention and decrease arousal.
  5. Warm Bath: A warm bath can also help relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow, which might ease the discomfort.

Alongside these tips, understanding more about maintaining an erection can be beneficial. For those seeking additional strategies to sustain arousal and manage sexual health, learning about how to stay hard might provide useful insights.

Are Blue Balls Bad for Your Health?

Blue balls, or epididymal hypertension, is not significantly harmful to one’s health. It is a temporary and benign condition that results from prolonged sexual arousal without ejaculation. The discomfort, which may include aching or heaviness in the testicles, is caused by the temporary increase in blood flow and pressure in the genitals and typically resolves itself either through ejaculation or when the arousal subsides. There are no known long-term physical effects or serious health risks associated with blue balls. The condition does not cause infertility or any chronic pain issues.

When to see a doctor

While blue balls themselves do not pose a serious health risk, some signs should prompt a medical consultation. If you experience persistent or severe pain in the testicles that do not resolve within a few hours or after addressing the immediate cause of arousal, it is advisable to see a doctor. 

Additionally, you should seek medical attention if you have the follow symptoms: 

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Fever
  • Discharge from the penis

It is important to distinguish these symptoms from the benign discomfort of blue balls to ensure proper health management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is blue ball a real condition?

Yes, blue balls, or epididymal hypertension, is a recognized medical condition. It refers to the temporary discomfort or pain in the testicles caused by prolonged sexual arousal without ejaculation.

How Long Does It Take to Get Blue Balls?

Blue balls can develop quite quickly after sexual arousal without release, typically occurring within minutes to an hour as blood accumulates and pressure builds in the testicles.

Can blue balls cause permanent damage?

No, blue balls do not cause permanent damage. It is a temporary condition that resolves on its own without any long-term health effects once the sexual arousal diminishes or after ejaculation.

Do blue balls only affect men?

The condition of blue balls affects men, causing temporary testicular discomfort. Women may experience similar pelvic heaviness or aching due to prolonged arousal without release, resulting from comparable physiological processes.

Key Takeaways

Blue balls typically resolve quickly, often within an hour after sexual arousal diminishes or through ejaculation, relieving built-up pressure in the testicles. It is a non-harmful, temporary discomfort caused by prolonged sexual arousal without orgasm, not associated with long-term health issues. If the discomfort or pain persists or is severe, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other potential issues like epididymitis or injuries.

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