Why is getting kicked in balls painful

After receiving a blow to the testicles, people may notice pain elsewhere in the body, such as in the abdomen. Doctors refer to this sensation as referred pain. People may experience this due to the testicles developing in the abdominal cavity — which means that they share nerves with this area — before descending into the groin. This connection may cause a feeling of pain in the stomach as the overlapping and intermingling nerve pathways mean that the brain cannot discern that the pain originates from the testicles.

This also explains why some people may feel nauseated after sustaining a blow to the testicles. If a person receives a minor blow to the testicles, the pain should subside within a short while. However, people can try the following methods to find relief:. The sensation of pain usually prevents certain behaviors. However, some people may derive sexual pleasure from pain, such as testicular trauma. These individuals may experience sexual pleasure or arousal following blunt trauma, such as kicks, to their testicles.

If people wish to indulge in these practices, they should do so in a safe environment that includes mutual consent, open communication, clear boundaries, and an agreed safe word. If the pain becomes too much, people should stop. According to research , the incidence of scrotal or testicular trauma in the United States is rare.

Researchers previously thought that blunt trauma was the most common mechanism for testicular injury. However, research indicates that a penetrating mechanism, such as firearm assault, is now more common in the U.

Evidence also suggests that testicular trauma may be more common in those who frequently play sports or drive a vehicle. Trauma to the testicles or scrotum can harm the contents and cause complications. Without treatment, trauma may result in infertility or loss of the testicles. Possible complications include:. A testicular rupture is when an injury causes a rip or tear to the protective tunica albuginea and results in damage to the testicles. Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle rotates on the spermatic cord, which supplies the testicle with blood.

When this happens, it cuts off the blood flow to the testicle. Sometimes, an injury can prompt testicular torsion. Epididymitis occurs when the tube that carries and stores sperm, called the epididymis, becomes inflamed.

Although it may not always be possible to prevent testicular injuries, a person can take precautions in situations where they may be more likely to occur. For example, people may consider :.

While a person may experience severe pain after blunt testicular trauma, the pain will usually subside quickly. One common type shows a series of numbered cartoon faces moving from 0 smiling and pain-free to 10 weeping in agony. A doctor would ask a person in pain which face matched up with what they were feeling. One causes a brief rush of pain that disappears relatively quickly, and the other comes and goes, but for several hours at least.

Fact Checks. Getting hit in the testicles is hundreds of times more painful than labor or childbirth. False About this rating. Top Fact Checks. View all. To rule out a hernia or other problem as the cause of the pain, the doctor will examine your abdomen and groin.

The doctor also will look at your scrotum for swelling, color, and damage to the skin, and examine the testicle itself. Infections of the reproductive system or urinary tract can sometimes cause similar pain.

So your doctor may do a urine test to rule out a urinary tract infection or infection of the reproductive organs. Take steps to avoid testicular injuries, especially if you play sports, exercise a lot, or just live an all-around active life. Playing sports and living an active life are great ways to stay fit and relieve stress.

But it's important to protect your testicles. Use protective gear and you'll be able to play hard without fear of testicular injury. Reviewed by: T. Ernesto Figueroa, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. Why Do They Happen? But get to a doctor right away if: The pain doesn't let up or you have extreme pain that lasts longer than 1 hour.

You have swelling or bruising of the scrotum or a puncture of the scrotum or testicle. You continue to have nausea and vomiting. You develop a fever. Serious Testicular Injuries Serious testicular injuries include testicular torsion and testicular rupture.

What Do Doctors Do? Here are some tips to keep your testicles safe and sound: Protect your testicles. Always wear an athletic cup or athletic supporter when playing sports or doing a heavy activity.