What is Blue Ball Syndrome?
Epididymal hypertension (EH) is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the arteries supplying the testes. It affects approximately 1% of men and women, but it’s most common age group is between 20–40 years old.1 The incidence increases with age; however, it occurs in both sexes equally.2 Some studies have shown that EH may increase with aging,3 although others do not.4,5
The cause of EH is unknown. One theory suggests that increased levels of male hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which are produced during puberty, contribute to the development of EH.6 Another hypothesis suggests that high levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) in the blood may play a role in causing EH.7
How Is Blue Ball Syndrome Treated?
There are no known cures for EH. However, there are several treatments available to help reduce or prevent its effects.8 These include:9
Reducing your body fat – The higher the level of body fat, the greater the risk of developing EH. Therefore, losing weight is one way to lower your risk of developing EH.
Losing weight – This may decrease your blood levels of certain substances that can lead to high blood pressure (such as lipoprotein and triglycerides) and reducing your risk of developing EH.
Quitting smoking – If you smoke, quitting will lower your risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure (which are risk factors for EH).
Managing other medical conditions – If you have a condition that may increase your risk of EH, such as diabetes or kidney disease, it’s important to manage it properly with proper medical treatment.
Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension) – If you have high blood pressure, taking medication to lower it is extremely important.
If you have EH and are planning on having children, you may benefit from fertility treatments to increase the chance of pregnancy.
The Importance of a High-Fiber Diet
A high-fiber diet helps to lower your risk of developing various health conditions, some of which are related to EH.
For example, research shows that the risk of developing diverticular disease – which is a condition characterized by small pouches that develop in the lining of the large intestine – is lower in people who consume more fiber.10,11 Diverticulitis can lead to complications, such as bleeding in the lower digestive tract and a higher risk of colorectal cancer.12
Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that consuming fiber helps to lower your risk of colon cancer,13 bladder cancer,14 pancreatic cancer,15 and coronary heart disease.16,17
While the average person in the United States eats roughly 15 grams of fiber per day, health experts recommend that you consume at least 30 grams of fiber daily to lower your risk of serious health problems and diseases.18
However, it should be noted that consuming too much fiber can also have harmful effects.
Sources & references used in this article:
The orgasm answer guide by BR Komisaruk, B Whipple, S Nasserzadeh… – 2009 – books.google.com
Sperm collection and processing methods: a practical guide by RS Jeyendran – 2003 – books.google.com
The Penis Book: A Doctor’s Complete Guide to the Penis—From Size to Function and Everything in Between by A Spitz – 2018 – books.google.com
Emergencies in adolescents: Management guidelines for four presentations by R Winston – 1993 – Pan Macmillan
