blue balls blue balls blue balls is slang for an uncomfortable testicular sensation that can occur during a state of male sexual arousal. the term is thought to have originated in the united states, first appearing in 1916. another slang term used for the condition is lover's nuts. some urologists call this condition epididymal hypertension or sexual arousal orchialgia. blue ballsother namesepididymal hypertension, sexual arousal orchialgiaspecialtyurology most often it describes a temporary fluid congestion (vasocongestion) in the testicles, caused by prolonged sexual arousal in the human male without ejaculation. research the phenomenon is sometimes associated with certain demographics, such as men who are experiencing and practicing delayed, multiple or inhibited ejaculation. there is scant information on the phenomenon in scientific literature. a brief article by chalett and nerenberg in pediatrics agrees that little formal data exists regarding the condition. the article concludes that "the treatment is sexual release, or perhaps straining to move a very heavy object—in essence doing a valsalva maneuver." causes the cause of blue balls is a large amount of blood circulation to the genital area, specifically the penis and testicles, without the release of tension associated with orgasm/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. other causes of painful symptoms include: diabetic neuropathy in the groin area epididymitis, which is an inflammation of the testicles infection, which is usually accompanied by inflammation kidney stones mumps orchitis testicular cancer it may also be a sign of testicular torsion, which often requires emergency surgery. symptoms the following indications and symptoms in the testicles may be experienced by people with blue balls: heaviness aching discomfort or mild pain