Blue balls
Definition
Blue balls is an informal term for the feeling of pain, pressure, or heaviness in the testicles that can occur after prolonged sexual arousal without release. Within BDSM, this often occurs during tease & denial, chastity, or orgasm control.
Explanation of blue balls
Blue balls occur when sexual arousal is sustained for a long period of time. During arousal, blood flow to the genitals, including the testicles, increases. If this arousal is not followed by an orgasm or release, a temporary feeling of tension, nagging pain, or heaviness may occur. In BDSM, this is not a side effect, but often a deliberately induced effect.
In dynamics where control, frustration, and desire are central, such as tease & denial or chastity, blue balls are experienced as part of mental and physical surrender. For many submissives, it reinforces dependence, the desire for permission, and the feeling of power transfer. It is important to note that blue balls do not cause permanent damage; it is a temporary physiological phenomenon that subsides on its own when the arousal subsides or when release occurs.
Safety and points of attention
Although blue balls can be unpleasant and sometimes painful, they are usually harmless from a medical point of view. The sensation can be reduced by rest, distraction, relaxation, or light movement.
It is important to emphasize that blue balls are not a justification for pressure, coercion, or transgressive behavior. No one is ever obligated to “give” an orgasm to prevent this.
Within BDSM, it must be a conscious part of agreed play, where the sub knows what to expect and voluntarily chooses to participate.
If the pain is severe, persistent, or suddenly feels different, there may be another medical cause and it is wise to take this seriously.
Dominants have a responsibility to respect physical signals and to wind down play in a timely manner when the body demands it.
Related terms blue balls
Edging
Chastity
Orgasm
Orgasm control
Tease & denial
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