Pain in the testicles after sex or masturbation – causes, solutions and when you should see a doctor

Before we discuss the connection between sex, masturbation, and testicular pain, you should know what testicular pain actually is. The medical term is orchialgia , and it describes pain in the area of ​​the testicles, epididymis, or surrounding structures. This pain can occur unilaterally or bilaterally, be acute or chronic, stabbing, pulling, or dull.

One of the most common reasons for testicular pain after sex or masturbation is so-called sexual over-arousal , often colloquially referred to as “blue balls” .

When you're sexually aroused, blood flow to the genital area increases significantly. The testicles and spermatic cord swell slightly. If ejaculation doesn't occur or arousal is sustained for a very long time, this can lead to an unpleasant feeling of pressure – a pulling sensation or pain that typically goes away on its own after a while.

➡️ Tip : Ejaculation (through sex or masturbation) can usually quickly relieve this type of pain. Alternatively, simply waiting or gently cooling the area can also help.

Too much of a good thing can also cause problems. If you masturbate or have sex very frequently—especially in a short period of time—it can cause irritation of the testicles, epididymis, or vas deferens.

➡️ Symptoms : A dull pain that sometimes radiates to the lower abdomen. Occasionally accompanied by a feeling of tension.

➡️ What to do? Give yourself a sexual break of a few days to allow the structures to recover.

A medical emergency is testicular torsion —a twisting of the spermatic cord that cuts off blood flow to the testicle. Although this is rarely directly triggered by sex or masturbation, it can occur in conjunction with it.

➡️ Caution : Sudden, very severe pain in the testicle, possibly accompanied by nausea or vomiting, is a warning signal.

➡️ Act immediately! In this case, you need to go to the emergency room immediately . The testicle can be saved within a few hours – after that, the risk of permanent damage is high.

An inguinal hernia can also cause testicular pain, especially after physical or sexual exertion. Tissue from the abdominal cavity protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall into the inguinal canal and can press on the testicles.

➡️ Typical signs :

• Pain during physical exertion

• Visible or palpable bulge in the groin area

• Pain radiating to the testicles
  
  

➡️ Solution : A doctor's visit is necessary. Surgery may be required.

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins in the spermatic cord—comparable to varicose veins. It often occurs on the left side and can cause increased pain after sex or masturbation.

➡️ Symptoms :

• Pulling pain, especially when standing or after physical exertion

• Visible, tube-like veins above the testicle

• Often asymptomatic, but occasionally associated with pressure
  
  

➡️ What to do? Minor symptoms can be treated conservatively, but more severe pain or fertility problems make surgery advisable.

Not every testicular pain is an emergency, but in some cases, you shouldn't delay seeking medical attention. Look out for the following warning signs:

👉 See a doctor immediately if:

• Sudden, severe pain

• Swelling or redness of the scrotum

• Fever or chills

• Pain when urinating or ejaculating

• Blood in semen or urine

• Pain that lasts longer than a few days

If there is no serious cause, you can help relieve the symptoms yourself by taking the following measures:

✅ Self-help tips:

• Cooling : A cold pack (wrapped in a cloth) helps reduce swelling and pain.

• Supportive underwear : Tight, supportive underwear can provide support to the testicles.

• Sexual break : Give yourself a few days without sexual activity.

• Painkillers : Ibuprofen or paracetamol can help temporarily – but do not take them for long periods of time without medical advice.

• Heat for cramps : A warm bath can be soothing for muscular causes.

Stress, pressure to perform, or feelings of guilt related to sexuality can also manifest physically—including through pain in the genital area. Once medical causes have been ruled out, it may be helpful to consider the psychological level as well.

In many cases, testicular pain after sex or masturbation is harmless—perhaps caused by overstimulation or sexual arousal. But there are also serious medical causes that you shouldn't take lightly.

If you suffer from these symptoms repeatedly or persistently, consulting a urologist is always the right decision. Early diagnosis can not only relieve pain but also prevent long-term damage.

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