Blue balls is the slang term for epididymal hypertension

Blue balls is the slang term for epididymal hypertension. It refers to aching or painful testicles, which some people may experience after sexual arousal that does not result in orgasm.
This symptom occurs because blood builds up in the testicles during arousal, causing them to ache if the person remains aroused for too long. Although blue balls may be uncomfortable, it does not usually last long.
In this article, learn more about what blue balls or epididymal hypertension is and how to relieve any discomfort.

Blue balls can happen when a male remains aroused without orgasm, causing a temporary buildup of blood in the testicles.
The medical term for this is epididymal hypertension.
People with blue balls may experience the following signs and symptoms in their testicles:
•heaviness
•aching
•discomfort or mild pain
•a faint blue tint
Sexual arousal causes the arteries that carry blood to the male genitals to expand, increasing blood flow to this area. The veins that usually take blood away from the genitals restrict, trapping blood there and causing an erection.
After ejaculation or if a person ceases to feel aroused, the blood vessels return to their usual size together with the swollen penis and testicles.
People can relieve the sensation of blue balls by ejaculating or distracting themselves with an activity that is not arousing until the symptoms pass.

Blue balls is not dangerous. Any discomfort will subside once the erection has passed and the blood flow to the genitals returns to normal.
A person does not need a partner to relieve blue balls through sex. People can get rid of the symptoms by ejaculating through masturbation or by doing a nonarousing activity to distract them.
The testicles do not actually turn blue, but they may take on a faint bluish hue, which is due to the increased volume of blood.
Blue balls does not just affect people with male genitals. Females can experience vasocongestion, which people also refer to as “blue vulva” or pelvic congestion.
“Blue vulva” can happen when blood flow to the female genitals increases with sexual arousal. It may cause feelings of aching or heaviness around the clitoris and vulva. This feeling will pass when blood flow returns to normal, either after orgasm or when the arousal subsides.

Treatment
Blue balls is a temporary aching sensation in the testicles that will pass once the extra blood flows away from the testicles and the blood pressure returns to normal. It does not usually last for long.
People can treat blue balls by ejaculating through either masturbation or sex with a consenting partner.
If a person cannot masturbate, they can use other techniques to relieve the blood pressure and end the arousal. Ways to reduce arousal include:
•focusing on work or problem-solving as a distraction
•taking a cold shower to help restrict blood flow to the genitals
•lying down to increase blood flow away from the testicles
•exercising to encourage normal blood flow in the body
•lifting something heavy to exert pressure on other areas of the body
•applying a warm compress to the testicles to ease the pain
People may find that taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help treat more intense pain.
Anyone who experiences severe or long-lasting pain in the testicles or has any symptoms of the conditions below should seek medical attention.