Sperm cramps, a pain experienced by men in their reproductive age, is not much spoken about. There is very little awareness about it too, even among men. The norm has always been to relegate the pain/discomfort experienced in the testicles into the hushed corridors which was also true for period cramps till recently. Just to be clear, sperm cramps and period cramps are not connected. However, awareness about them is important to ensure a healthy understanding of one’s reproductive physiology.
What are sperm cramps?
The term sperm cramps can be confusing and intriguing for many. Experts shed light on this relatively new term in the sexual health lexicon.
“Sperm cramps is a type of pain felt in the testes during the process of ejaculation or even after ejaculation accompanied by testicular discomfort,” says Dr Amar Kumar K, consultant urologist, andrologist and reconstructive surgeon, at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru.
The pain is mostly experienced by men in their reproductive age.
“A more scientific term for this pain is orchialgia and is associated with ejaculation,” says Dr Dinesh Kumar TP, consultant urology, andrology, and kidney transplant surgeon, Manipal Hospitals, Mysuru. “It can be felt for a few minutes, or it may last for one to two hours. Sometimes it can also become chronic.”
Causes of sperm cramps
There can be various reasons why one would experience testicular discomfort and pain during ejaculation.
“Any infection or inflammation that might have occurred along the ejaculatory pathway through which the sperms come out – from the testes to the urethra via the ejaculatory duct – can cause sperm cramps,” says Dr Dinesh. “Varicocele, a condition in which the testicular veins get dilated, and their functions get affected, can be another cause. There are chances that nerves which are coming to the testes can get irritable and cause sperm cramps.”
Psychological factors like stress, anxiety and depression can cause sperm cramps. Having a sexual urge and not masturbating or getting involved in sexual activity can also cause it.
“Long intervals between masturbation or sexual intercourse, excessive masturbation, pelvic floor dysfunction, and psychosexual dysfunction also play a role,” adds Dr Amar.
Diagnosing sperm cramps
Knowing how and where exactly the sperm cramps pain is felt is the first step in its diagnosis.
“The pain is seen in one or both testes, or one could also experience pain in the perineum [area between the scrotum and anus] or sacrum region,” says Dr Amar. “Men experiencing sperm cramps might feel a dull aching discomfort or a constant discomfort after standing, walking or running.”
Dr Dinesh adds: “Examination and semen analysis along with a semen culture is done to check for infection. If there is an associated urinary infection, then a urine test and urine culture is also suggested. An ultrasound of the abdomen and scrotum is advised to check for engorgement and swelling of the testes as well as epididymis and to check for prostate infection or enlargement.”
To identify any psychological involvement as a trigger, it is important to consult a medical professional, who can assess and prescribe a course of action accordingly.
Sperm cramps pain relief
“If the cause is an infection, then based on the type detected through culture, antibiotics are administered,” says Dr Dinesh.
If there is inflammation, then anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Otherwise, based on the associated problem, symptomatic treatment is provided.
“The condition is usually treated depending upon the cause,” adds Dr Amar. “Having frequent masturbation, once in 10 days, helps. If one is into extensive masturbation, then they are advised to decrease. Counselling and biofeedback therapy also helps in improving the symptoms. For pelvic floor dysfunction, physiotherapy is advised.”
Dr Dinesh adds, “For pelvic floor relaxation, it is suggested to take a sitz bath, where one sits in a bathtub for 5-10 minutes, immersing the pelvis into the bathtub containing warm water. It aids in relieving muscular tensions and pelvic floor muscle spasms, especially when sperm cramps are accompanied by pelvic pain, either surrounding the penis, anus and perineum. If there is an ejaculatory tract obstruction, surgical treatment can be done.”
In general, change in lifestyle by doing regular walking and exercise helps, especially for those who are suffering from sperm cramps for a prolonged period. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding spicy and oily foods also helps.
Takeaways
- Sperm cramps lead to pain and discomfort felt in one or both the testicles during the process of ejaculation or even after ejaculation.
- The many causes include infection, inflammation, varicocele, nerve irritation, psychological stress, long interval for masturbation or sexual intercourse, excessive masturbation and pelvic floor dysfunction.
- The diagnosis involves understanding the type of pain, its occurrence, semen analysis and culture, urine analysis and culture, along with ultrasound of the abdomen and scrotum.
- The treatment method varies depending on the cause.
