What's wrong with my balls?

March 17, 2008 11:33 AM

Testicle-related question inside.

Lately, it is almost impossible for me to masturbate without my testicles climbing up into my torso. They'll pretty much stay there, either until I push them out, or until I'm done masturbating. This used to happen every now and then since always, but in the last, say, three months, it's happened every single time I have an erection. I'm in my mid-20s and to my knowledge, haven't suffered any injuries to my genitals.

posted by tumbleweedjack to health & fitness (8 comments total)

Have you started trimming the hair on your scrotum and the base of your penis? I had a bit of a problem with climbing balls when I did that, though not every time I masturbated.
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 11:36 AM on March 17, 2008

Lentrohamsanin: yes, actually... but what on earth do the two things have to do with one another?

And since I never actually asked a question in my question- 1) Am I supposed to see a doctor about this? 2) If not, what AM I supposed to do about it?
posted by tumbleweedjack at 11:47 AM on March 17, 2008

but what on earth do the two things have to do with one another?

They're cold?
posted by danOstuporStar at 11:56 AM on March 17, 2008

but what on earth do the two things have to do with one another?

I wondered that myself at the time. DanO's probably onto something. Or maybe the tension in th hair tangles keep the skin from pulling in as much as it might be capable of if unimpeded. All I know is I don't trim the hair on my balls too close anymore (or at all, really), and this phenomenon was a main factor in that decision.
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 12:03 PM on March 17, 2008

It happens. It hasn't affected my performance with a partner. I wouldn't give it too much thought. I guess if it happens in other situations? Anyway, maybe change up your routine to involve less beating of the testes region?

IIRC, there is a website for safe masturbation techniques, http://www.healthystrokes.com/ which you might want to check out.
posted by parmanparman at 12:15 PM on March 17, 2008

Without an actual physical exam it is impossible to say whether or not it is normal, but the name for what you describe is cremasteric reflex, if you want to look for more info.
posted by TedW at 12:45 PM on March 17, 2008

I think danOstuporstar is right about the connection to shaving having to do with temperature, but probably not in the direction he seems to have intended, though his economy of phrase may allow for the necessary ambiguity.

Spermatogenesis evidently likes a temperature lower than regular body temperature, 2 or 3 deg. C lower, according to one source (which also says it generates a lot of heat, interestingly), and so the testicles ordinarily hang out at a distance from the body where it's a bit cooler.

By trimming hair "on your scrotum and the base of your penis," however, you have made those areas cool enough, and able to dissipate heat well enough, that the testicles are comfortable engaging in spermatogenesis there, which is where they are when pulled up really tight, whereas it was too hot before you trimmed.

I presume they are pulled up as far during sexual activity as is consistent with the required degree of spermatogenesis because they are least vulnerable that way.
posted by jamjam at 2:27 PM on March 17, 2008

Yes, temperature is usually the key factor.

Also, it's kind of obvious, but worth asking anyhow: You wouldn't happen to be, say, lying on your back or anything like that, would you? 'Cause that'd do it.

No pain, no lumps, no swelling, you're probably in the clear, but in any case, it *is* a sudden unexpected change with your junk, so it's probably worth talking to your doctor.
posted by Sys Rq at 3:03 PM on March 17, 2008