Discussions about “sperm cramps”, or painful sensations in the testicles after ejaculation, have been popping up all over the internet lately—but you’re not alone if you’ve never heard of them. It’s a little-known and surprisingly common issue, but the term has only recently been coined. 

We're here to teach you all about what sperm cramps are, their symptoms, potential causes, prevention strategies, and tips for living with them. We'll also debunk some of the more common myths surrounding this condition.

What Are Sperm Cramps?

"Sperm cramps", despite the name, have nothing to do with sperm. In fact, it’s a fairly nebulous term that isn’t clearly defined or even an official medical condition. The term “sperm cramps” has become a kind of catch-all term for various testicular conditions, especially pain and tenderness in the testicles or pelvic area in the time surrounding an erection.

Reports about sperm cramps vary. Some people experience symptoms regularly, while others only occasionally. Some experience pain in their general pelvic area and others feel discomfort in their testicles. However, one common trend is timing; sperm cramps seem to occur when the person is aroused, during sex, or after ejaculation.

It’s important to note that sperm cramps tend to be relatively mild and gradual in nature. If you've experienced sharp, sudden testicular pain, or if you're having frequent pain, seek immediate medical advice. 

Are Sperm Cramps Real?

This is a tough one to answer. The symptoms that “sperm cramps” refer to are real, and people experience true discomfort. However, medically speaking, sperm cramps have never been described, identified, or researched. The only evidence surrounding them is anecdotal. 

While the term “sperm cramps” may be a useful way of referring to various types of testicular and pelvic pain related to arousal, it’s a slang term that first came into use in 2022.

Additionally, the term itself isn’t quite accurate because sperm can't cramp and aren’t linked to cramping—cramps are a muscular issue.

Yet despite its misleading name, the growing popularity of this term may be having a positive impact. Sexual health is a topic that many people avoid, especially men. So, while it’s not the most medically-vetted term out there, it just may be that “sperm cramps” are opening a door for men to seek support and care they need.

Symptoms of Sperm Cramps

Sperm cramps are used to describe symptoms that include:

• A dull ache or a pain in one or both testicles that gets worse during sex or after orgasm
• Frequent testicular pain
• Pain that intensifies after ejaculation and that can last from hours to days
• Pain during ejaculation
• Testicular pain when erect
• Pain in the groin, scrotum, perineum, lower back, or buttocks
• A cramping sensation in the lower abdomen, followed by pain in one or both testicles
• Testicle pain accompanied by nausea or vomiting

As we've mentioned, sperm cramps aren't a recognised medical condition. However, these symptoms often overlap with recognised conditions, such as postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) or epididymal hypertension (also known as blue balls).

Possible Causes of Sperm Cramps

Sperm cramps can occur randomly. If you've only experienced symptoms once with minimal pain, it’s likely there’s nothing to worry about. However, if there is persistent pain, it could be related to:

• Epididymitis: Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, a tube behind the testicles that stores sperm. It can result in swollen testicles, testicular pain, pain or discomfort during sex, and an inflamed scrotum.Epididymitis is caused by a bacterial infection that can occur after a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a urinary tract infection (UTI)—which many people don't realisemen can contract too, not just women. Epididymitis is usually treated with a short course of antibiotics.
• Prostatitis: Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, which can result in pain during ejaculation and pelvic pain affecting one or both testicles, scrotum, perineum, lower back, and buttocks. Prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, bladder infection, or an STI, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Treatment may require antibiotics.
• Varicocele: A varicocele is a swollen vein within the scrotum that can lead to aching pain in the testicles, scrotum, and groin, and may cause the testicles to appear swollen and tender. Treatment is largely supportive; however, in some cases, a varicocele may require surgery.
• Testicular torsion: Testicular torsion is a medical emergency in which the testicle twists, cutting off its blood supply and twisting the spermatic cord. It causes intense, sharp pain and testicular swelling and requires immediate medical attention. It may occur after an injury or even while asleep.
• Injury or trauma: Sperm cramp symptomscan occur as a result of an injury to the testicles, trauma from an accident or, in some cases, vigorous sex.
• Post orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS): POIS is a condition that causes flu-like symptoms in men after ejaculation, including muscle fatigue, aches and pains all over the body, cramping, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms can appear immediately and last for days.
• Epididymal hypertension: Epididymal hypertension (blue balls) occurs when a man is sexually aroused for an extended period of time and doesn't ejaculate. It can cause discomfort or pain in the testicles, and the increased blood volume can cause the testicles to feel heavy, tender, or swollen. Epididymal hypertension is not dangerous, does not require medical treatment, and will subside on its own.
• Male dysorgasmia: Dysorgasmia refers to any problem with orgasm, which may include pain or discomfort during or after ejaculation. It can result in sharp or aching pain in the testicles, perineum, or lower abdomen, and may occur following an STI or UTI or due to other underlying issues.

Debunking Common Sperm Cramps Myths

While there hasn’t been specific research to investigate sperm cramps, there are some things we do know—and there's a lot of misinformation online about sperm cramps. Let’s break down some of the biggest myths.

Myth: Sperm Cramps Occur Because of a Buildup of Sperm

One of the biggest myths circulated online is that sperm cramps are caused by abstinence and a build-up of unejaculated sperm. This is scientifically false. When the body produces sperm, it eventually moves into the epididymis, where it matures and is then stored. The body has its own mechanism for preventing buildup of stored sperm: white blood cells in the epididymis reabsorb older sperm into the body through a process called phagocytosis. This helps maintain a healthy balance of sperm and prevents any kind of a “buildup”.

Myth: Sperm Cramps Only Occur in Young Men

Some people believe that sperm cramps only affect younger people, but symptoms associated with sperm cramps can occur in healthy or unhealthy people of any age (though reproductive health issues do shift as we grow older).

It may be that younger men are more likely to report having sperm cramps, especially online—but it may also be that younger people are simply more tech-savvy or that social norms among younger people are more permissive of discussing sexual health issues than they are among older people. Formal surveys and research would help us to understand more about who sperm cramps affect and why. 

Myth: Sperm Cramps Affect Your Fertility

Sperm cramps themselves are not known to be associated with fertility. That being said, sperm cramps may be a symptom of an underlying condition, and that condition may impact fertility. Issues like testicular torsion or severe epididymitis can lead to fertility issues, which is why seeking advice from your medical provider is a good idea if you’re experiencing testicular pain.

Myth: Ejaculation Is the Only Way To Cure Sperm Cramps

Considering that many cases of sperm cramps result in pain during or after ejaculation, this is perhaps one of the more problematic myths circulating. While ejaculation can help alleviate symptoms of blue balls, it's not a solution for all types of testicular or pelvic pain – and it could end up making things feel worse.

Tips for Dealing with Sperm Cramps

As the causes of sperm cramps are so varied, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method for dealing with them. Instead, here are a few quality-of-life changes you can make to mitigate sperm cramps and take care of your sexual health.

Start Exercising

Exercising is one of the best things you can do for your sexual health. Light cardio or simple bodyweight exercises tend to be easily available—it can be as simple as an hour of walking a day or doing a few dozen squats and pushups—but really, any type of exercise that gets your heart pumping, stretches your joints, and works your muscles is good. Regular exercise will do wonders for your mental and physical health, improving your circulation and making your heart healthier.

Improved circulation may relieve sperm cramp symptoms and may even help manage underlying conditions (but double-check with a healthcare provider to be sure). Yoga and pilates, in particular, have been found to help with testicular pain, as they promote blood flow and strengthen the muscles of the groin and pelvis.

Don't Spend Too Long Sitting

Regular exercise is a good start, but if you work an office job or spend a lot of time sitting, it's important that you spend some time on your feet. Sitting puts pressure on the veins in the pelvis, which can lead to inflammation, impaired circulation, and potentially sperm cramps.

Take regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and walk around. People who struggle to find time to leave their office may find it helpful to invest in a standing desk, which offers some of the same benefits to office workers as regular walks.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet has been linked with better reproductive and sexual function in adult men (not to mention good overall health), which means that watching what you eat may be a good way of managing the symptoms of sperm cramps. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, healthy oils, lean proteins, and whole grains in your meals.

It's also important to avoid eating too many processed foods, sugars, alcohol, and caffeine.

When To See a Doctor

It's well established that men are less likely than women to go see a doctor, especially for more intimate problems. But it's worth emphasising again: testicular pain should not be ignored. 

Although symptoms of sperm cramps are not often medically concerning, any testicle pain that lasts longer than an hour can be cause for concern, and even minor discomfort should be monitored by a healthcare provider if it’s recurring. If you experience sudden or sharp testicular pain, we recommend going to A&E immediately, as these symptoms may point to an emergency situation like testicular torsion.

It’s also advisable to see a doctor if you've been experiencing more general symptoms along with sperm cramps, such as aching testicular pain, swollen testicles, pain during urination or ejaculation, fever or chills, or a change in the shape, feel, or appearance of your testicles.

The Bottom Line

"Sperm cramps" can be a confusing and excessively general term, especially as there is no medical information or research on it. However, it can be a useful entry point for connecting with a healthcare provider and narrowing down potentially treatable causes of testicular pain. 

As STIs are a common cause of sperm cramp symptoms, it's important to test yourself regularly to minimise your risk of developing complications. One of the easiest ways is by using a Yoxly STI test kit, which tests for multiple infections that can bring on sperm cramps, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Sexual self-care is important for being happy and healthy in your sex life, and being proactive with your sexual health is a great way to start.