Ask any man what they fear most, and they may say getting kicked in the genitals. If this is their answer, they likely have never experienced sperm cramps. Although many people remain unaware of this condition, it can occur in some men. These males experience discomfort in their testicles, lower abdomen, or pelvis, and this pain is associated with sperm accumulation or ejaculation.
These cramps may be mild and rarely happen, but some men find that they have been occurring frequently and are incredibly intense. What causes these cramps? How long will they last? What can a man do to relieve them? These questions and more are answered in the following guide that covers sperm cramp basics.
What Are Sperm Cramps?
Sperm cramps are the term used to describe pain that a man feels in their lower abdomen, groin, or pelvis. These cramps are the result of sperm that has built up in the male’s body and is causing pressure. However, they may also be the result of a problem with the prostate or an infection. At times, men experience these cramps when they have muscle contractions related to ejaculation. Some men have mild cramps, while others describe them as sharp and stabbing pains. If these cramps worsen over time or are persistent, the male needs to seek medical attention promptly.
Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms may lead to sperm cramps. When a man ejaculates, his pelvic muscles contract. This contraction is what expels the semen from his body. During ejaculation, the muscles may begin to spasm or tighten excessively, leading to cramping. Men will find this is a normal response to ejaculation and that the discomfort subsides rapidly.
Prostrate Issues
A male may develop sperm cramps when they have a prostate issue. Many men don’t realize the role of the prostate gland in ejaculation. When this body part is inflamed or enlarged for any reason, the male may experience pain when they ejaculate or immediately after. They may associate this pain with a sperm cramp. Prostatitis, prostate infections, and benign prostatic hyperplasia are three common causes of sperm cramps.
Sperm Accumulation
A male may find that sperm accumulate in his body without being released. This buildup can lead to pressure and discomfort in the genitals. Men often refer to this as blue ball syndrome when they become sexually aroused and do not ejaculate.
Urinary Tract or Sexually Transmitted Infection
A urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted disease may also lead to sperm cramps. The urinary tract or reproductive system becomes inflamed and irritated, leading to cramps. When the male urinates, he experiences a burning sensation. He may also have pain in his lower abdomen or pelvis, or notice an unusual discharge from his genitals. Some men also run a fever. A doctor needs to be seen to treat this infection.
What Do Sperm Cramps Feel Like?
Those who have never experienced a sperm cramp often wonder what they feel like. The pain can be mild or moderate and tends to appear in the lower abdomen or pelvis. Some men describe it as a sharp or stabbing sensation, while others say they experience pressure or tightness in their groin. The pain may also radiate to the inner thighs, testicles, or lower back.
Sperm Cramp Duration
Sperm cramps may last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. If the pain is moderate, it typically goes away within 30 minutes and may subside if the male rests. Persistent pain can last for days and is often the result of an infection or prostate problem. The male should see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the issue and receive treatment.
Men typically don’t need to be worried about mild sperm cramps. However, if the pain is severe, chronic, or increases, it’s time to visit a doctor. A person should never experience pain when they ejaculate or urinate, as this pain is a sign of an underlying issue. Anytime a male has swelling or unusual discharge from their genitals, they need medical treatment, and a fever is a sign that they need to be seen by a doctor. Any man who frequently experiences discomfort after having sex should also see a doctor.
Preventing Sperm Cramps
Can sperm cramps be prevented? Once a man learns about these muscle spasms, that is often their first question. Fortunately, the answer is typically yes. Men who remain hydrated and eat a healthy diet are less likely to experience sperm cramps. For those males who have had these cramps in the past, pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, may help reduce the frequency of the cramps. Men may also consider relieving muscle tension with the help of heat or cold therapy. Men who experience cramps should try over-the-counter pain relievers to obtain relief.
Many men are surprised that they need to ejaculate to prevent sperm cramps regularly. Allowing sperm to build up in the epididymis without being released can lead to these cramps. Pressure builds up and causes the discomfort that comes with sperm cramps.
Regularly ejaculating can help reduce the risk of sperm accumulating in the testicles and causing pain. Ejaculation also helps remove old sperm fluid from the body to minimize pelvic congestion. Furthermore, regularly ejaculating helps improve blood flow to the genitals to prevent the muscles from becoming tight.
No man wants to experience sperm cramps, but every man is at risk of this problem. Many things can bring about these cramps, including sperm accumulation and muscle spasms. However, the underlying cause may be a prostate condition or infection, which is why a male should always see their doctor when they experience sperm cramps.
The doctor will let them know when further treatment is needed and what steps they can take at home if they do have mild cramps that only lead to minimal discomfort. The goal should always be to prevent these cramps rather than treating them after the fact. No one wants to experience pain in their genitals, and preventative measures can reduce the risk of that happening.
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