The unexpected downside when men last longer in bed

Alice Giddings

Published March 21, 2025 11:54am Updated March 21, 2025 12:05pm

It seems it’s not just women who get cramps (Picture: Metro)

We’ve heard of death grip syndrome and buried penises, but there’s a new phenomenon we need to add to our roster: sperm cramps.

That’s right gents, it seems women aren’t the only ones who suffer with some cramps in their intimate area – although us ladies still have it bad.

The term itself is a tad misleading because, well, sperm can’t cramp, it’s more of a slang phrase for discomfort.

Essentially, if you’ve got some impressive stamina and you’re having prolonged sex, cramps in your balls could be coming (sorry) your way.

But are they anything to worry about? And how common are they? We’ve got the long and short of it right here…

What are sperm cramps?

‘Sperm cramps’ is a colloquial term used to describe discomfort or aching pain in the testicles, lower abdomen, or perineal area (the region between your anus and genitals).

‘The pain is typically described as a dull, aching, or cramping sensation and it can sometimes feel similar to muscle cramps or mild testicular discomfort,’ GP Dr Suzanne Wylie tells Metro.

‘They often occur in relation to ejaculation or when you are aroused for a long time without finishing,’ she adds. ‘It’s thought to be linked to the temporary congestion of blood in the reproductive organs.’

You can also get these cramps after sex but this is apparently less common. And while there’s not any extensive clinical data, Dr Wylie says her experience is that it’s pretty common.

To check, we did some field research of our own (aka we asked some of our guy friends). Our (admittedly small) sample of six male mates found two had experienced sperm cramps, so clearly, it’s not just an internet term, but a real-life issue that deserves closer attention.

Are sperm cramps anything to worry about?

If you’re concerned – don’t be. Dr Wylie says that in most cases sperm cramps are ‘harmless’ and nothing to worry about.

‘They are a temporary and benign pain that usually resolves on its own,’ she explains. If you have this pain alongside swelling, redness or fever though, the medical advisor, for IQ Doctor, suggests you see a doctor quickly.

But there are different types of pain that you can get in your balls, and some aren’t as innocent as sperm cramps, so it’s important to know the difference.

‘Testicular pain can mean you have a more serious underlying condition,’ the doctor explains.

‘Sudden, severe testicular pain could mean you have testicular torsion – where your ball rotates and twists the internal cord that supplies the blood flow to your scrotum, cutting off the blood supply. This is a medical emergency, so seek help.’

Dr Wylie also says that ‘persistent or worsening pain’ that doesn’t resolve itself could mean you have an infection, a hernia (when tissue or an organ bulges through a muscle wall into a cavity it’s not meant to be in) or a tumour. You may need surgery if this is the case.

If you experience pain after injuring your testicle, this could mean it’s bleeding internally or rupturing – again both require medical attention.

Other causes of tescticular pain:

Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis – the tube at the back of your testicle acting as a storage space for mature sperm – often due to infection.
Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum, which can cause a dull ache.
Hydrocele: Fluid accumulating around the testicle, sometimes causing discomfort.

If you have any concerns about your testicles, get advice from a doctor.

Who gets sperm cramps and can you stop them?

While they can affect men of every age, older chaps can breathe a sigh of relief, because sperm cramps are more common in younger men.

Teenagers and guys in their early twenties are most prone to these dull aches and pains. ‘This is due to more frequent arousal and fluctuating hormone levels,’ Dr Wylie adds.

Even though they’re nothing to worry about, it would be nice to ease the uncomfortable sensation, and there are ways to do this.

‘Lying down, applying a warm compress to the area, gentle stretching, or engaging in light physical activity to encourage blood flow redistribution can all make you feel better,’ she adds.

Another simple method to ease that pain, is to ejaculate, so feel free to practice some self-love.