Epididymal Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Epididymal hypertension, also known as blue balls is a condition in which the testicles turn bluish when a man has an erection that is prolonged without having an orgasm. Epididymal hypertension is not a serious condition but can lead to pain and discomfort in the testicles and groin area.

The arousal of male sexual organs leads to the expansion of the blood vessels of the penis and testicles to increase the blood flow.⁽¹⁾ This blood over a period of time leads to expansion of the penis that stiffens and leads to an erection.

The blood is released after an orgasm or as a result of decreased physical arousal. Excess blood may stay in the genitals that get aroused for an extended period of time without release or decrease of arousal. This leads to pain and discomfort.

A person is likely to develop testicular hypertension if he gets easily stimulated and there is a delay in achieving orgasm.

Testicles get affected in epididymal hypertension and lead to:

• Pain
• Discomfort
• Aching
• Heaviness

This condition is known as blue balls, but the testicles do not turn blue. If ever a blue or purplish hue is noted in the testicles, it could be a sign of testicular torsion, which is a serious condition.⁽²⁾

If a person experiences pain and discomfort in the testicles on getting aroused, it may be due to epididymal hypertension. If the symptoms are present and there is no arousal, it may be an indication of any other problem, like:

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Epididymitis, which is inflammation of the testicles
• Kidney stones
• Infection accompanied with inflammation
• Mumps
• Orchitis
• Tight pants
• Prostatitis
• Testicular cancer
• Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that could occur due to rapid twisting of the testicles, which may lead to pain and swelling.

There aren’t many established treatments for epididymal hypertension as it has not been studied extensively. A study was done on a teenage boy. It suggested the simplest and quickest remedy for the condition was to ejaculate during an orgasm.⁽³⁾ This can be achieved through masturbation, oral sex, or protected sexual intercourse. The pain goes away after orgasm.

Another quick remedy is to get unaroused which can be achieved in a variety of ways including:

• Distracting
• Urinating
• Getting exercise
• Taking a warm shower

Light jogging could also prove to be helpful as it may move the blood away from the testicles to the muscles.

There is no need to see a doctor or any healthcare professional about epididymal hypertension. Only if the condition is causing excess pain or affecting sexual performance, a urologist or a sex therapist should be consulted.

If there is pain and persistent testicular discomfort even if not associated with sexual activity, it is important to see a doctor. It is important to rule out conditions causing pain.

Also, consult a doctor if there are the following symptoms along with the pain:

• A enlargement or lump in either testicle
• Dull aching in the groin
• Pain in the lower back

These might indicate a more serious condition like testicular cancer.

Epididymal hypertension is pain or heaviness caused by delayed orgasm. It is not experienced by all males and is not a serious condition. But if it starts affecting the quality of sex life a doctor should be consulted.