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Social media may have you lol-ing at all the “sperm cramps” reels and memes. But what does the term actually refer to?
“Sperm cramps” is a slang term for any sort of pain felt around the groin and male reproductive organs.
And as goofy as some of the memes out there may be, groin pain is a legitimate sensation. So let’s get clear on all the types of pain “sperm cramps” could encompass and what to do about it.
(Disclaimer: for the purposes of this article, we use the term “sperm cramps” to refer to groin pain in general. But know that sperm cramps is not a medically accurate term.)
Takeaways
- “Sperm cramps,” or “sperm cramping,” is not a true medical term as far as male reproductive health goes. But it often refers to testicular pain, pelvic pain, or mild discomfort generally around the groin.
- There are several causes of sperm cramps. A very common one is “blue balls.” This happens when there’s a build-up of blood and pressure in the genitals that doesn’t get released through ejaculation.
- Sometimes, sperm cramps happen because of inflammation, BPH, ejaculatory duct obstruction, or CPPS.
- Testicular torsion causes very severe groin pain that’s accompanied by swelling. It requires immediate medical attention and surgery.
- In most cases, “sperm cramps” are not a serious health problem. Symptoms of sperm cramps can usually be relieved with medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
- Concerned about any groin pain you’re having during sexual activity? See a medical professional to discuss your concerns.
What are sperm cramps? Is it normal?
Medically speaking, there’s no such thing as “sperm cramps.” Cramping occurs in muscles, and sperm are not muscles. They are male reproductive cells found in semen.
But you may have heard “sperm cramping” used to describe groin pain that takes place either during or after ejaculation. So in that sense, it is considered normal. It’s pretty much a spin-off of the term “blue balls,” which medically refers to epididymal hypertension. But this is only one of the possible meanings. Since it’s a socially constructed slang term, the definition is not fixed.
To better understand “sperm cramps” though, let’s see how they actually feel in the body.
What do sperm cramps feel like?
The exact sensation and symptoms of sperm cramps may feel different for each person since it’s not a true medical condition.
But here’s what may be described as sperm cramps symptoms:
- A dull or sharp ache in the penis, testicles, or general groin region
- Pain or cramping sensations that occur before, during, or after ejaculating
With sperm cramping, the symptoms can last for several minutes up to several days. And depending on the male’s health and medical conditions, there could be other additional symptoms.
Next, we’ll dig into common reasons men experience physical discomfort around the groin (aka sperm cramps).
What causes “sperm cramps”?
Epididymal hypertension (blue balls)
Epididymal hypertension is likely what most men are referring to when they talk about “sperm cramps.” It’s the feeling of scrotal pain from sexual arousal not ending in orgasm and/or ejaculation.
Here’s why this can lead to a feeling of discomfort or pain:
- When males are aroused, the blood vessels in the testicles and penis enlarge so more blood can flow.
- These expanding blood vessels cause an erection.
- Once the male orgasms or their sexual arousal dies down, that extra blood is released from the genital area.
- If the additional blood remains in the genitals for too long though, it can cause pain or discomfort. (This often happens when sexual arousal carries on without release through orgasm. But it can also happen when arousal decreases.)
A 2023 study actually surveyed people on their experience of this sensation. 56% of the males in the study had blue balls when they neared orgasm without ejaculating. In the majority of cases though, the discomfort was mild and harmless.
Inflammation or infection
Certain medical conditions can also cause pain after ejaculation.
Some of these include:
- Orchitis – inflamed testicles
- Epididymitis – inflamed epididymis (the tube-like structure that houses maturing sperm)
- Prostatitis – inflamed prostate gland
- Urethritis – inflamed urethra (caused by urinary tract infections)
Often with these conditions, other symptoms will present alongside the inflammation. This could include painful urination, painful intercourse, and even fever.
So if there’s a chance this is the case for you, see a doctor. Once diagnosed, these conditions can be treated with an antibiotic regimen.
Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)
When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it’s considered benign prostate hyperplasia. It’s usually caused by natural aging processes. In fact, about half of men ages 51 to 60 have BPH.
Those with BPH are more likely to have pain during ejaculation than those without BPH. If you’re consistently having pain or notice any urinary challenges, see your doctor. They can do an exam to better see what’s going on and prescribe medication to help with the pain.
Ejaculatory duct obstruction
Ejaculatory ducts are the tubes that transport sperm and other fluids during ejaculation. However, sometimes these ducts can become blocked by cysts, inflammation, or malformations.
Common symptoms are scrotal pain after ejaculation and male fertility challenges.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)
One medical condition that can cause chronic pain in the pelvic region is pudendal neuropathy. This disorder puts pressure on the nerve and can lead to painful ejaculation. It may also cause pain or numbness in other areas like the scrotum and anus.
It’s likely caused by the way the pelvis moves during intercourse, and it is treatable. Those with CPPS often experience relief with pain relievers or lifestyle changes. In more severe cases, undergoing surgery or physical therapy are also an option.
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion refers to the spermatic cord getting twisted and cutting blood flow to the testicle. A telltale symptom is severe testicular pain and swelling that comes on suddenly.
If you experience any of those symptoms, seek emergency medical attention. You will need surgery to unblock the blood flow before it becomes life-threatening.
Medications
Certain medications like antidepressants and muscle relaxants can impact sexual function. If you are on any of these and notice discomfort or pain with sexual activity, reach out to your healthcare provider.
How to relieve sperm cramps?
“Sperm cramps” treatment will vary depending on the root cause of the genital pain.
Look at the chart below to see potential treatment options based on the underlying cause.
As you can see, there’s quite a range of treatment options for sperm cramps. This is why it’s important to be in tune with what’s normal for you and go to the doctor if you have concerns.
Are “sperm cramps” dangerous?
In most cases, likely not. But it really all depends on the root condition that’s causing abdominal pain or discomfort.
If it’s due to testicular torsion, that would be dangerous and require emergency surgery. But most of the other conditions that cause groin pain can be managed with drugs, routine surgery, or lifestyle changes.
Do “sperm cramps” affect your ability to conceive?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to TTC with groin pain. It’s the underlying cause of the pain that determines if there are fertility challenges.
So if you have severe pain or are concerned, see your healthcare professional right away. Some conditions (like an infection or blue balls) can be treated pretty easily. Meanwhile, other conditions (like duct obstruction or CPPS) may require more advanced intervention.
FAQs
Yes, sperm build-up can lead to pain and discomfort.In medical terms, this is called epididymal hypertension. Thankfully, it will usually resolve on its own if you orgasm or distract yourself to reduce your sexual arousal.
For some, sperm cramps hurt. The exact sensation of sperm cramps will vary from person to person. But it can range from a dull ache or mild discomfort to severe pain or cramping.
It depends on the underlying cause of the cramping. Sperm cramps may not always be openly talked about. But yes, sperm cramps or general groin pain can be common in male reproductive health. In one study, 56% of the male participants claimed to have experienced blue balls at some point.
There are a variety of causes of sperm cramps though. So it’s important to understand what’s normal for you and seek medical help if needed.
The best way to determine the cause of groin pain is seeking medical advice. Doctors will do a physical examination and consider their patient’s medical history. From there, they can help determine a treatment plan to prevent or alleviate pain.
Was this article helpful?
- Enlarged Prostate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – Yale Medicine
- Physiology, Erection – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- “Blue balls” and sexual coercion: a survey study of genitopelvic pain after sexual arousal without orgasm and its implications for sexual advances – PMC
- Painful Ejaculation – An Ignored Symptom – PMC
- The National Institutes of Health chronic prostatitis symptom index: development and validation of a new outcome measure. Chronic Prostatitis Collaborative Research Network – PubMed
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