How to Deal with Blue Balls

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 20, 2022 References

Blue balls might be uncomfortable, but they're completely harmless. This happens to almost every guy at least once, so you're not alone. Still, there’s actually not a ton of research on how to get rid of blue balls. Luckily, a few tips do tend to work pretty well. The surefire solution is having an orgasm, but there are also some other options. In any case, there's nothing to worry about.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Quick Fixes

1
Have an orgasm to release the pressure. This is the quickest, easiest, and probably most enjoyable way to get rid of blue balls. Once you have an orgasm, all the blood drains away from your genitals, which gets rid of the problem. The sooner the better, so get started! You can do this alone through masturbation, or with a partner by having sex. As long as you have an orgasm and ejaculate, the method doesn’t matter.^{[1]
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- Never use blue balls as an excuse to pressure your partner into having sex. You can take care of the problem yourself if your partner isn't in the mood.
- Women can also feel something similar if they get aroused without having an orgasm, and the solution is the same.
2
Hold a cold compress on your testicles if you don't want to have an orgasm. Sometimes, it's not the right time to have an orgasm or you don't want to have one. Luckily, you also have some other choices to get rid of blue balls. Try holding a cold compress against your testicles.^{[2]
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Research source} This might be a little uncomfortable at first, but it numbs the pain and also restricts blood flow. This should make you feel better until the blue balls pass.
- A cold shower might seem like a cliché, but this works too! Try to focus the water on your testicles.
- If you’re using a cold compress, always make sure you wrap it in a towel and don’t let it directly touch your skin.^{[3]
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3
Exercise to focus blood to other parts of your body. There is no real evidence that this works, but some men say it helps them.^{[4]
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Research source} Try doing some exercise to drain blood away from your genitals and towards other parts of your body. At the very least, this can distract you from the pain until the blue balls clear up.
- This might be uncomfortable for a little while until the blood drains away from your genitals.
4
Distract yourself with other activities so you don't notice the pain. Even if you do nothing, blue balls will eventually go away on their own without any problems. In the meantime, anything can distract you from the pain until it passes.^{[5]
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Research source} Do something you enjoy for a little while until the blood drains naturally.
- Something that requires mental concentration, like solving a puzzle or playing a complicated videogame, could work well as a distraction.
- You might find physical activities like sports more distracting. These work, too.
5
Focus on non-sexual thoughts so the problem doesn't get worse. Unless you’re working on having an orgasm, then sexual thoughts won’t help your blue balls. Instead, they’ll keep you aroused and the blood won’t drain from your genitals. Clean out your dirty mind and focus on non-sexual thoughts while you’re trying to distract yourself.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Identifying Blue Balls

1
Notice an aching heaviness in your testicles when you’re aroused. Blue balls only happen when you’re aroused. If you were aroused without having an orgasm and notice some pain or aching in your genitals, then it’s a good bet that you have blue balls.^{[7]
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Research source} You can get started trying to relieve the pain now.
- This might feel slightly different for everyone. Some men say their testicles feel heavy or full, rather than painful. Some might feel dull or sharp pains around their genitals.
- Remember that blue balls aren't harmful, so you don’t have to worry about seeing a doctor unless the pain doesn’t go away.
2
Don’t rely on your testicles turning blue to identify blue balls. Despite the name, your balls probably won’t actually turn blue.^{[8]
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Research source} At most, your scrotum might have a slight blue tint or a few blueish areas where the veins are, but it probably won’t be too noticeable. Don’t rely on this sign to diagnose blue balls.
- Your scrotum might look more red or pink instead of blue. This is from the blood building up in the area.
3
See your doctor if your testicles hurt for more than a few days. In almost all cases, blue balls clear up on their own within a few hours and you won’t have any lasting problems. However, if the pain doesn’t go away, even after having an orgasm, then you might have an underlying issue. Wait a few days to see if the pain goes away, and if not, make an appointment with your doctor to get to the bottom of it.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- On the other hand, you don’t have to see your doctor for blue balls as long as the pain goes away. It’s a normal problem that doesn’t cause any harm.
4
Make a doctor’s appointment if your testicles hurt without being aroused. You might assume that any pain in your testicles means you have blue balls. However, if you feel pain in your testicles and you haven’t been aroused recently, then you probably don’t have blue balls. This might be from a separate issue, so if your testicles start hurting without a cause, then it’s best to see your doctor for an exam.^{[10]
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- All kinds of things can cause testicular pain, and luckily, most of them aren’t dangerous. They range from minor infections, fluid buildup, inflammation, or injuries. These are all treatable problems.^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}