Blue balls occur when an erection lasts for an extended period of time without ejaculation. It can be uncomfortable but usually isn’t serious.

Blue balls, known medically as epididymal hypertension (EH), can affect people with male genitals. It’s not serious but it can cause pain and aching in the testicles after having an erection without ejaculating.

EH symptoms affect the testicles and can include:

  • pain
  • discomfort
  • heaviness
  • aching

Despite the name “blue balls,” the testicles typically won’t turn blue. But if you can see a bluish or purplish hue on the testicles, this may be a sign of a more serious health condition.

When people with male sexual organs are aroused, the blood vessels to the penis and testicles expand to allow a greater volume of blood flow. Over time, this blood causes the penis to expand and stiffen, leading to an erection.

Typically, this blood is released after orgasm or as a result of decreased physical arousal.

Too much blood may stay in the genital area of some people who become aroused for an extended period without a release or decrease of arousal. This could cause pain and discomfort.

If you have pain and discomfort in the testicles only when you’re aroused, it may be a result of EH.

If you regularly experience painful symptoms when not aroused, it may indicate another condition, like:

It may also be a sign of testicular torsion, which occurs when the testicles rapidly twist and cause pain and swelling. This often requires emergency surgery.

If EH regularly causes intense pain or impedes your sexual activity, make an appointment with a primary care doctor, urologist, or sex therapist.

If you experience strong, persistent testicular pain not associated with sexual activity, consult a primary care doctor. They can rule out other conditions that may be causing your pain.

You should also consult a healthcare professional if you have the following symptoms in addition to pain:

  • a lump or enlargement in either testicle
  • dull aching in the groin area
  • pain in the lower back

Doctors and researchers have not studied EH extensively. There aren’t many established treatments for it.

The main remedy for blue balls is to ejaculate. The pain generally goes away afterward.

Another quick remedy is to become unaroused. You can achieve this through a variety of ways, including:

  • taking a warm bath
  • getting exercise
  • distracting yourself
  • urinating

Exercise, like light jogging, may help because it can move blood flow away from the testicles to the muscles.

Blue balls refer to the pain or heaviness caused by a delayed orgasm. Talk with a doctor or sex therapist if EH causes you significant pain or affects the quality of your sex life.

Consistent pain in the testicles, especially if it’s unrelated to sexual stimulation, may indicate a more serious health condition that requires medical treatment.