Epididymal hypertension

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Epididymal hypertension
Other namesSexual arousal orchialgia [1]
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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 as blue balls for males or blue vulva for females, is a harmless but uncomfortable sensation in the genital regions during a prolonged state of sexual arousal. [2] [3] [4] It usually resolves within hours unless relieved through an orgasm. [2]

Contents

In females, the discomfort occurs in the erectile tissue and clitoris of the vulva. [4] [2] In males, the phenomenon results in an uncomfortable testicular sensation. [5] It most often describes a temporary fluid congestion in the testicles or vulva, caused by prolonged sexual arousal without orgasm. [6] [7]

The term epididymal hypertension is derived from the epididymis, a part of the male 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 term throbbing crotch syndrome. [9] The term "blue balls" is thought to have originated in the United 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 the inability to orgasm or the masturbatory practice of edging.

Research

The phenomenon is sometimes associated with males who are experiencing and practicing delayed, 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 achieve orgasm, or alternatively strain to move a very heavy object—in essence doing a Valsalva maneuver. [14]

Causes

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

The following indications and symptoms may be experienced by both sexes: [2]

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cock ring</span> Sexual device

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Andrology is a name for the medical specialty that deals with male health, particularly relating to the problems of the male reproductive system and urological problems that are unique to men. It is the counterpart to gynecology, which deals with medical issues which are specific to female health, especially reproductive and urologic health.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Epididymis</span> Tube that connects a testicle to a vas deferens

The epididymis is an elongated tubular genital organ attached to the posterior side of each one of the two male reproductive glands, the testicles. It is a single, narrow, tightly coiled tube in adult humans, 6 to 7 centimetres in length; uncoiled the tube would be approximately 6 m long. It connects the testicle to the vas deferens in the male reproductive system. The epididymis serves as an interconnection between the multiple efferent ducts at the rear of a testicle (proximally), and the vas deferens (distally). Its primary function is the storage, maturation and transport of sperm cells.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spermatocele</span> Medical condition

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References

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