Forget ‘blue balls’, now doctors are warning about blue VULVA

Men have long moaned about ‘blue balls’ — but the phenomenon is not specific to men. 

Women can also suffer ‘blue vulva’ after sex, according to one urologist.

And it is all down to a rush of blood to the genitals during arousal, which causes the uncomfortable feeling for both men and women, US-based Dr Rena Malik said.

They insist, however, that the effect is only temporary, not dangerous and does not cause any permanent damage.

Speaking on her YouTube channel, which she uses to dispel medical disinformation, Dr Malik, an associate professor of surgery at the University of Maryland, said ‘blue vulva’ occurs when women are ‘aroused and don’t achieve climax’.

‘Blue balls’ refers to physical discomfort in the testicles caused by prolonged sexual arousal without ejaculation

‘Blue balls’, known medically as epidydimal hypertension, refers to the physical discomfort in the testicles caused by prolonged sexual arousal without ejaculation. 

‘We know that it’s been around in popular culture for several decades,’ Dr Malik said.

‘Despite this, there’s very little medical literature on the topic.’

She added: ‘Essentially, what we believe is that the sensation of blue balls is because there’s a build-up of blood in the testicles and pelvic area during sexual arousal. 

‘The blood flow to the penis and testicles increases, causing the testicles to get a little bit larger and more firm. 

‘If you’re having prolonged arousal, and it’s not getting released through orgasm or ejaculation, the blood does leave the area. 

‘But it can leave this uncomfortable heaviness feeling in the genitalia.’ 

The temporary condition may turn the scrotum a ‘bluish colour’, Dr Malik noted. 

She explained: ‘It doesn’t mean they’re actually blue, however the blood that leaves the testicles in the veins is deoxygenated.

‘What this means is that blood has traveled through the body to the testicles and given oxygen to those tissues, and after it leaves it goes back up to the heart.’ 

Similarly, those experiencing blue vulva may suffer aches or feelings of heaviness around the genitals.

As blood vessels narrow – known medically as vasoconstriction – in the vulva, uterus, and ovaries, this build up of blood can cause an uncomfortable heaviness. 

This resolves when blood flow to the region normalizes. 

To counter the response, Dr Malik offers four pieces of advice: finding another way of reaching climax, lying on your back, trying cold compresses or straining. 

But sexual release is the most immediate form of relief to counter the issue.  

‘A cold shower will constrict the blood vessels and take the blood away from the area’, she said. 

Vasoconstriction, as it is medically known, narrows the vessels that supply blood to the skin, shrinking the tissue temporarily. 

Straining or heavy lifting could also help alleviate blood flow, she advised. 

For pain itself, warm compresses could relieve pressure, but ‘ultimately it should go away’, she said.

‘If you notice that the pain persists long after you’ve been aroused it’s really important to go and see your doctor and talk about it,’ she added. 

According to the NHS, those who notice a lump, swelling, discomfort or change in the shape or size of their testicles that does not go away, should contact their GP.