Is there such a thing as blue ovaries?

Dear Reader,  

No need to feel blue—there’s an answer to your question! If a person with a vagina doesn’t have an orgasm, they may experience pain or discomfort similar to what’s experienced when a person with a penis has "blue balls". However, it’s not the ovaries that may hurt, but the clitoris, vaginal walls, and other tissues in that area instead. That said, the pain is generally mild and will go away on its own. Read on to learn the naked truth about blue balls, the vaginal equivalent, and how to relieve some pain you may experience.  

What are “blue balls”? 

"Blue balls", or epididymal hypertension, is a phrase used to describe the discomfort or pain in the testicles, or balls. This can happen when a person with a penis doesn’t have an orgasm after becoming aroused. During an erection, more blood flows to the genital area and increases the area’s blood volume and size. Without an orgasm, the collected blood doesn’t drain away. This pooled blood can lose oxygen over time, creating a blueish or purplish tint of the skin around the genital area.   

Symptoms of blue balls can be mild pain, achiness, or heaviness in the testicles. These effects will generally go away after a few minutes.  

Is there a vaginal equivalent to blue balls? 

Yes, there is! It’s sometimes called “blue vulva syndrome”. Simailar to what happens in the scrotal area, more blood flows to the vaginal area during arousal., When no orgasm occurs, this can bring about a sense of pain and mild discomfort as well as:  

• Aching and heaviness in the genitals 
• Dissatisfaction or moodiness
• Continued sensations of arousal 
• Nausea or headache  

List adapted from WebMD  

While blue is in the name of both experiences, neither genitalia changes colors entirely during this experience.  

How can having an orgasm relieve discomfort for those with a vagina? 

During sexual arousal, blood flow increases to the genital area. This causes the labia, vaginal walls, and clitoris to swell, become more sensitive, and usually produce more natural lubrication (“wetness”). Like the penis, the clitoris is made of tissue that fills with blood and becomes firm and very sensitive during arousal. These are natural changes that occur throughout the arousal period. An orgasm is the body’s way of releasing tension that’s been built during arousal. During orgasm, the vaginal and pelvic muscles contract to help redistribute the extra blood out of the genitals and back into the rest of the body. After orgasm, swelling and sensitivity decrease, reducing the potential for pain and discomfort. 

How can you ease the potential pain from blue vulva syndrome? 

Like blue balls, blue vulva syndrome generally doesn’t last long and typically resolves on its own after orgasm, However, if orgasm doesn’t occur or you still feel some discomfort after it does, there are some things you can do to relieve the potential pain you experience. Other tips for relief include:  

• Taking a cold shower to direct blood flow away from the genitals. 
• Placing a cool or warm pack in the genital area to reduce swelling and relieve pain. 
• Distracting yourself to soothe the dissatisfaction or irritation you may feel with continued arousal and no relief. 
• Performing physical activity or exercise to help route the blood flow away from the genital area to different muscle groups and causes relief.  

List adapted from WebMD 

Overall, blue balls or blue vulva aren’t serious conditions. Their lingering discomfort or pain typically only lasts while you’re aroused and will likely go away on its own.  

Hope the blues stay away!