Pain in the testicles during sexual intercourse

Pain in the testicles during sexual intercourse can be a very unpleasant and disturbing symptom that affects not only sexual health but also sexual intercourse itself. There are many potential causes of this pain, including medical conditions, physical injuries, or infections. That is why a visit to the doctor is necessary in order to understand the cause, find an adequate solution to alleviate or stop the pain, and improve the quality of sexual life.

Possible causes of pain in the testicles during sexual intercourse

There are different causes of testicular pain, and these are some of the most common:

1. Fullness of testicles

One of the most common reasons for pain in the testicles is the overcrowding of blood vessels due to sexual excitement, also known by the term blue balls. This phenomenon occurs when there's prolonged sexual excitement without ejaculation, which can cause discomfort and pain.

2. Infections and inflammations

Infections such as epididymitis and orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) can cause pain during or after sex. These infections are often caused by bacteria, including those that cause sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Symptoms that occur with these infections include redness, swelling, pain, and increased sensitivity of the testicles.

3. Varicocele

A varicocele represents enlarged testicular veins, a venous plexus that drains blood from the testicles into the systemic circulation. In most cases, it occurs on the left testicle due to the anatomy of the blood vessels, and this phenomenon can affect fertility and cause discomfort that worsens with prolonged standing or physical exertion. Varicocele has symptoms such as enlargement of the testicle, swelling of an irregular bumpy shape, and feeling of heaviness and pain, especially after sexual activity.

4. Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency in which the testicle twists around its longitudinal axis, cutting off blood flow. During rotation, the spermatic cord twists, through which blood is brought to the scrotum. This phenomenon can cause sudden and intense pain during intercourse, as well as swelling, nausea, dizziness, and fever. Torsion usually occurs in boys between the ages of 12 and 16 but can occur at any age. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent permanent testicular damage.

5. Injuries and pressure on the testicles

Physical pressure during intercourse, including certain sexual positions, intense movements, inappropriate condom size, or inappropriate use of toys can lead to pain in the testicles. Testicular injuries can also cause temporary or long-term discomfort.

6. Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate or prostatitis can often cause pain in the testicles, especially during or after ejaculation. This inflammation can be caused by a decline in immunity, bacterial infections, or chronic irritations, and besides pain, it's also accompanied by symptoms such as burning during urination and temperature, it's necessary to visit a urologist.

If pain in the testicles becomes frequent or intense, it's necessary to see a doctor to diagnose the cause of the pain, and the examination may include:

Physical examination and evaluation of symptoms, ultrasound of the testicles to identify torsion, varicocele, or other abnormalities, as well as laboratory tests to detect infections.

The treatment itself depends on the diagnosis of the cause of the pain. For example, infections are treated with antibiotics, while testicular torsion requires surgery, and in the case of fullness of testicles, the pain usually goes away on its own after ejaculation.

Because of the various possibilities of the cause of pain, prevention is the key solution, and we can achieve it by practicing safe sex to reduce the risk of infections. Avoiding intense movements or uncomfortable positions that can cause pressure on the testicles, as well as regular examinations by a urologist for early detection of potential problems. In addition to the above, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle reduces the risk of inflammation and vascular problems.

Pain in the testicles during intercourse can be caused by a variety of factors, from harmless physiological reactions to serious medical conditions. Recognizing the symptoms and consulting a doctor in time can help diagnose the cause and apply adequate treatment. If the pain is repeated or becomes intense, it's necessary to consult a specialist in order to prevent more serious complications.

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from the site:https://pixabay.com/photos/testicles-testicular-cancer-2790218/

References

National Health Service. (n.d.). Testicle pain. NHS. Preuzeto 12, februara 2025, sa https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/testicle-pain/

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Testicular pain: Symptoms & causes. Cleveland Clinic. Preuzeto 12, februara 2025, sa https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16292-testicular-pain

Healthline. (n.d.). Blue balls: Is it real, and what can you do about it? Preuzeto 12, februara 2025, sa https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/blue-balls