Epididymal hypertension
| Epididymal hypertension | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Sexual arousal orchialgia[1] |
 | |
| The phenomenon manifests itself in the form of mild discomfort around the genitals or in the lower abdomen. | |
| Specialty | Urology |
Epididymal hypertension(EH), informally referred to asblue ballsfor males orblue vulvafor females, is aharmlessbut uncomfortable sensation in thegenital regionsduring a prolonged state ofsexual arousal.[2][3][4]It usually resolves within hours unless relieved through anorgasm.[2]
In females, the discomfort occurs in theerectile tissueandclitorisof thevulva.[4][2]In males, the phenomenon results in anuncomfortable testicular sensation.[5]It most often describes atemporary fluid congestionin thetesticlesor vulva, caused by prolongedsexual arousalwithout orgasm.[6][7]
The termepididymal hypertensionis derived from theepididymis,a part of themale reproductive system.[8]The term is also applied to females despite the lack of an epididymis in female anatomy. Professor Caroline Pukall, who co-wrote the first in-depth study on EH, has suggested using the termthrobbing crotch syndrome.[9]The term "blue balls" is thought to have originated in theUnited States,first appearing in 1916.[10]Though lesser known, the equivalent of this phenomenon in females is informally referred to as "blue vulva", among other names.[2]It is not to be confused with theinability to orgasmor the masturbatory practice ofedging.
Research[edit]
The phenomenon is sometimes associated with males who are experiencing and practicingdelayed,multiple,[11]or inhibited ejaculation.[12]There is scant information on the phenomenon in scientific literature.[13]Little formal data exists regarding the condition. The treatment is to achieveorgasm,or alternatively strain to move a very heavy object—in essence doing aValsalva maneuver.[14]
Causes[edit]
The cause of epididymal hypertension is a large amount of blood circulation to the genital area, specifically the penis and testicles, without the release of tension associated with orgasm and ejaculation. When a large amount of blood flows to the genital region, the penis becomes erect and the testicles also experience increased blood flow and swelling.[4]In the vulva, the blood flow increases in erectile tissue, causing it to expand. After orgasm, the tissue shrinks back to its initial size as most of the blood leaves. When this does not occur, it can cause mild discomfort.[2]
Symptoms[edit]
The following indications and symptoms may be experienced by both sexes:[2]
- heaviness
- aching
- discomfort or mild pain
See also[edit]
- Delayed ejaculation
- Edging (sexual practice)
- Erotic sexual denial
- Prostatic congestion
- Sexual frustration
- Pampiniform plexus
- Varicocele
References[edit]
- ^Wiener, SL (1990). "Testicular Pain". In Walker, HK; Hall, WD; Hurst, JW (eds.).Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations(3rd ed.). Boston: Butterworths.PMID21250139.
- ^abcdefBhattacharya, Mallika."What Is Blue Vulva Syndrome?".WebMD.Retrieved28 November2023.
- ^Fergusson, Rosalind; Eric Partridge; Paul Beale (December 1993).Shorter Slang Dictionary.Routledge.p. 21.ISBN978-0-415-08866-4.
- ^abc"Is Blue Balls Real?".Cleveland Clinic.18 January 2023.Retrieved28 November2023.
- ^Byrne, Lauren N.; Meacham, Randall B. (2006). "Management of Post-Ejaculatory Perineal Pain".Journal of Andrology.27(6): 710–711.doi:10.2164/jandrol.106.001370.ISSN1939-4640.PMID17079745.
- ^Yazma gian, Richard V. (1967)."The Influence of Testicular Sensory Stimuli on the Dream".Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association.15(1): 83–98.doi:10.1177/000306516701500103.PMID6032147.S2CID7093435.
- ^Glenn, Jules (1969)."Testicular and Scrotal Masturbation".International Journal of Psycho-Analysis.50(3): 353–362.PMID5387383.
- ^"Epididyme | Sperm Storage, Vas Deferens & Testes | Britannica".Encyclopædia Britannica.Retrieved8 January2024.
- ^Broderick, Timmy."The First In-Depth Study on 'Blue Balls' Reveals a Lot about Sex".Scientific American.Retrieved8 January2024.
- ^Dalzell, Tom; Victor, Terry (December 2007).Sex Slang.Routledge.p. 16.ISBN978-0-415-37180-3.
- ^Parnham, Arie; Serefoglu, Ege Can (August 2016)."Retrograde ejaculation, painful ejaculation and hematospermia".Translational Andrology and Urology.5(4): 592–601.doi:10.21037/tau.2016.06.05.ISSN2223-4691.PMC5002007.PMID27652230.
- ^Perelman, Michael A. (2001). "Integrating Sildenafil and Sex Therapy: Unconsummated Marriage Secondary to Erectile Dysfunction and Retarded Ejaculation".Journal of Sex Education and Therapy.26(1): 13–21.doi:10.1080/01614576.2001.11074377.S2CID141603559.
- ^Komisaruk, Barry R.;Beverly Whipple;Sara Nasserzadeh;Carlos Beyer-Flores (November 2009).The Orgasm Answer Guide.The Johns Hopkins University Press. p.70.ISBN978-0-8018-9396-4.
- ^Chalett, J.M.; Nerenberg, L.T. (2000)."'Blue Balls': A Diagnostic Consideration in Testiculoscrotal Pain in Young Adults: A Case Report and Discussion ".Pediatrics.106(4): 843.doi:10.1542/peds.106.4.843.PMID11015532.S2CID36966128.
External links[edit]
- "Understanding Male Sexuality"
- "Blue Balls"by DiscoveryHealth writers
- "Blue Balls"by Paul Aitken at AltPenis on vasocongestion