‘Blue balls’ is a real thing, but it’s not an excuse to pressure someone for sex

Blue balls: a questionable excuse for sexual guilt-tripping or a real bodily experience, causing achey discomfort to those with testicles?

A new report published in Sexual Medicine has asked just that, discussing the concept of blue balls and its complex relationship with consent.

The term – largely used by men who report a feeling of heaviness or mild pain in their scrotum after extended periods of time without ejaculation, or engaging in sexual activity which doesn’t result in orgasm – is actually known as ‘epididymal hypertension’ within medical circles.

Despite this, blue balls isn’t actually considered a medical condition that can cause any real problems, though some individuals have reported feeling pressured to have sex with their partners in order to relieve that pressure, so to speak.

Since the sensation of blue balls is caused due to blood rushing to the area during arousal without relief, anyone can experience it – meaning technically, ‘blue vulva’ (or pelvic vasocongestion) is a thing, too.

Dr Farzana Khan, a GP and leading specialist for women’s and men’s sexual health, tells GLAMOUR: “’Blue balls’ – or ‘blue vulva’ – refers to a colloquial expression used to describe a temporary condition that can occur when sexual arousal in males or females is not relieved through orgasm or sexual release. However, ‘blue vulva’ is not a commonly-used term and is not widely recognised or acknowledged in medical literature.”

Despite the name, neither genitals will actually turn blue (phew). Testicles can take on a slight blue-ish tinge – hence the name – when the veins become engorged, and sometimes the vulva can almost look purple when arousal occurs.

According to the new research, 56% of people with a penis reported experiencing pain when approaching orgasm without ejaculation – and 42% of vagina owners said the same.

More worryingly, significantly more (40% of) individuals with a vagina reported being pressured to perform a sexual act due to a partner’s fear of experiencing blue balls – as opposed to those with penises, of whom under 4% shared those feelings.

The report reads: “Indeed, the most concerning finding of the present study is that those with a vagina were significantly more likely than those with a penis to report that they had experienced sexual pressure from a partner in response to this pain.”

It notes that self pleasure and masturbation is a known remedy for combatting the discomfort of blue balls or blue vulva, as well as non-sexual distraction techniques such as exercise, breathing techniques or cold showers or baths.

Dr Khan adds: “It is not necessarily ‘wrong’ for someone to express their discomfort or desire for sexual release to their partner. However, it is important to approach such situations with respect, communication, and mutual consent. Using the excuse of ‘blue balls’ as a manipulative tactic or pressure to initiate sex without considering the wishes or boundaries of one’s partner is not acceptable.