Men can experience pain after ejaculation for a number of reasons. It’s important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe or lasts more than a few days.
The urethra and the seminal vesicles (also known as the “blue balls”) are connected by the spermatic cord, which holds sperm until they are released during arousal. Here are some possible causes of sore balls after ejaculation:
Infections
Testicles, seminal fluid, and sperm can harbor bacteria that cause infections. Infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections can cause pain in the groin area. A doctor can check for these infections by taking a sample of the semen or urine.
The scrotum can also have a condition called varicocele which are dilated veins. These can also cause dull achy pain. Another painful scrotum condition is hydrocele which are blind cysts that form in loose spaces within the cords that carry the sperm from the testicles to the penis. These cysts contain a fluid that is usually harmless sterile salt water but sometimes contains blood.
The scrotum can also have pain from conditions like epididymitis which is when the tube behind the testicles, called the epididymis, becomes swollen and painful. A doctor can treat this with antibiotics or over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen. Lastly, the scrotum can have pain from conditions like a hernia and kidney stones which can also be treated with over-the-counter painkillers. If a person feels pain in their scrotum and it is severe or they notice that their groin is blue or purple they should seek immediate medical help because this could be a sign of a serious problem called testicular torsion. This happens when a testicle twists in the scrotum cutting off its blood supply and can kill it if not treated quickly.
Inflammation
If the pain is in the scrotum, a curved tube that sits on each testicle to store sperm, it is likely a bacterial infection. It could stem from chlamydia, gonorrhea or even a urinary tract infection (UTI). Gently apply ice packs for a few minutes at a time to reduce swelling in the area. Antibiotics will help with the infection and relieve the pain.
During a climax, men may experience discomfort in their penis and testicles as the muscles contract and release. This is often a good sign and indicates the body is working well. It is not a cause for concern but can be uncomfortable.
However, if the pain is in one or both testicles it might be an indicator that something more serious is happening. This can be an infection, hydroceles or cancer. It can also be a groin strain from sports or masturbation that has sensitised the skin of the testicles and scrotum. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen can help with the pain. Pain in both testicles may be caused by a hernia which can also be painful to remove.
Trauma
The testicles (also called the balls) hang outside the body in a pouch called the scrotum. They’re not protected by muscles like the rest of the groin, so they can get hurt by blunt trauma. But the spongy tissue that covers them allows them to absorb most blows without serious damage. They make sperm and hormones, so it’s important to protect them.
Injuries can include a direct blow, a punch or kick, or a fall on the scrotum. They can also cause a painful lump in the scrotum. This is a condition called hematomocele, caused by blood pooling in the testicle. It’s a common cause of pain after ejaculation.
A less common but more serious injury is a ruptured testicle. It happens when a forceful hit causes a blood leak in the testicle. This is also known as blue balls, because it can happen if a man stays aroused for a long time without ejaculation. The symptom is painful and sometimes has a blue tinge. It usually goes away after ejaculation. But it’s important to call a doctor if it doesn’t.
Chronic pain syndrome
Generally speaking, masturbation should not cause testicle pain unless you are intentionally pulling on or crushing your genitals for sexual thrill. However, if you are experiencing painful ejaculation every time you masturbate or climax, then you should consider other causes for the problem like a sprain in your groin muscles or a hernia that needs to be addressed by a urologist.
The scrotum contains the epididymis (a long, coiled tube that transports sperm from the testicles) and the vas deferens (which is what holds the semen inside). Both of these structures can become inflamed with sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. This can lead to epididymitis or orchitis.
These conditions can also be triggered by hernias, urinary tract infections, and prostate infections. In rare cases, the testicles may turn a bluish color due to an increased volume of blood in the area. This is called blue balls and it can be a sign of a serious problem known as testicular torsion which is considered a medical emergency. If you are experiencing this symptom, contact your urologist immediately.
Testicular torsion
If a man experiences pain in his testicles and the duct that carries sperm from them to the penis, it is important to have it checked out. In some cases, it could be a sign of something more serious such as a testicular torsion. This happens when a testicle twists and cuts off its own blood supply which can cause severe pain in the scrotum. Men should always self-examine their scrotum to look for any signs of this problem such as a lump or a change in the way their testicles feel.
The aching pain in the testicles caused by blue balls is temporary and should subside once the blood pools in the area clears. However, if the testicles turn a purple or blue color it is a sign of a medical emergency and should be treated as such. This is a symptom of testicular torsion which causes the cord that brings blood to the testicles from the abdomen to twist. The longer the torsion is untreated the more damage it will do to the testicle. In order to treat it a urologist will make a cut in the scrotum and untwist the cord.
