Testicle Pain After Sex: Could It Be Chlamydia or Something Else?

“I Thought It Was Just Blue Balls” , When Pain Isn’t Just Pressure

Marcus, 24, had a habit of brushing things off. When his right testicle started hurting after sex with his new partner, he figured it was a “release issue”, maybe some leftover pressure from edging too long. He iced it, took ibuprofen, and assumed it would fade. But two days later, he couldn’t sit comfortably and noticed a low fever creeping in. By the time he walked into urgent care, he was diagnosed with epididymitis, likely caused by an untreated chlamydia infection.

“I had no idea you could have an STD without discharge,” he said. “It never even crossed my mind.”

This is more common than people think. Pain in the testicles, especially after ejaculation, can come from several sources, not all sexual, but some definitely are. The biggest challenge is that men often assume it’s something minor… until it isn’t. Blue balls (yes, it’s real) causes temporary pain due to blood flow congestion. But STDs can cause inflammation, infection, and swelling that won’t just go away after a cold shower.

So how do you tell the difference? Let’s start with the medical mechanics behind testicular pain, what structures are involved, how infections reach them, and why timing after sex matters so much.

The Path From Penis to Pain: How STDs Affect the Testicles

Most people don’t realize how vulnerable the testicles are to infection until something goes wrong. Unlike external symptoms like sores or discharge, testicle-related complications often happen quietly and internally. Here’s how it works.

STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea typically infect the urethra, the tube inside the penis. From there, bacteria can go back into the epididymis, which is a tightly coiled tube behind each testicle that stores and matures sperm. This causes epididymitis, which is swelling, inflammation, and often very bad pain that gets worse after sex or ejaculation. In serious cases, it can spread to the testicle and cause epididymo-orchitis.

What's tricky is that many men won’t notice symptoms right away. For some, the only red flag is a deep ache after sex that doesn’t resolve. Some people may feel tenderness, heat, or see swelling on only one side. It's easier to ignore an infection until it gets worse because there are no symptoms or discharge.

Non-STD causes like hernias, trauma, or even prolonged arousal can mimic these symptoms. But if you’ve had unprotected sex recently, or your partner tested positive, testicle pain could be your body's only warning.

Table 1. Differentiating causes of post-sex testicle pain based on presentation and STD risk.

Let’s dive deeper into one of the biggest culprits, chlamydia, and how it can infect without obvious signs.

People are also reading: Burning, Itching, Pain, but No Discharge? You Still Might Have an STD

Chlamydia Doesn’t Always Announce Itself, But It Hurts When It Does

The most unsettling part about chlamydia in men is how often it shows up silently. The CDC estimates that most men with chlamydia are asymptomatic, meaning they feel totally fine, or think they do, while the infection spreads through their system. In many cases, there’s no discharge, no itching, and no burning. But under the surface, inflammation is brewing.

Jay, 29, had been with his girlfriend for a few months. They were monogamous, but neither had tested since their last partners. After a weekend getaway and a particularly active sex marathon, Jay noticed a strange, low-grade ache in his scrotum. It didn’t feel like a pulled muscle. A few days later, the ache became sharper, especially after sex. No discharge. No rash. Just the feeling that something was off.

“I kept thinking, if it was an STD, wouldn’t I have more symptoms?” he said. When he finally got tested, he was positive for chlamydia. His girlfriend tested positive too. They both had no idea how long it had been in their bodies.

That’s the problem. Many men only get tested when symptoms become unbearable, or when a partner urges them to. But by then, the infection can move deeper into the reproductive system, increasing the risk of complications like infertility or chronic pain. That’s why timing matters. Testing too early can miss an infection. Waiting too long can lead to damage.

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How Soon Is Too Soon? Testing Timelines for STD-Related Ball Pain

Let’s say you had sex three days ago. You’re feeling sore down there, and now you’re freaking out. Should you test immediately? Not so fast. The body needs time to build up detectable levels of bacteria or antibodies. Testing too soon might give you a false negative, offering false reassurance while the infection continues.

Here’s a breakdown of the average window periods, the time between exposure and when a test can reliably detect an infection. This matters if your pain started shortly after a new sexual encounter.

Table 2. Window periods for common STDs that can cause testicle pain or swelling.

If it’s been fewer than 5 days since exposure, a rapid test might not catch an early infection. But if your symptoms are intense, don’t wait, especially if you have swelling, fever, or one-sided pain. A doctor may treat you empirically based on symptoms while recommending retesting in a few weeks.

If you’re outside the window and still experiencing pain, a discreet at-home STD test can give you clarity. You don’t need to sit in a clinic. No one needs to know unless you choose to share. You can take control without the shame spiral.

Don’t wait and wonder, get the clarity you deserve. This at-home combo test kit checks for the most common STDs discreetly and quickly.

But What If It’s Not an STD? How to Know When It’s Something Else

Not all post-sex testicle pain is a sign of infection. Sometimes, it really is “blue balls”, a result of prolonged sexual arousal without ejaculation. Other times, it’s a pulled groin, a minor trauma from rough sex, or even a poorly supported athletic event earlier in the day. But how do you tell which is which?

Blue balls, or epididymal hypertension, usually resolves within an hour or two after ejaculation. It causes a dull ache or fullness that’s bilateral (both testicles), not sharp or radiating. No fever, no redness, no urinary issues. If the pain disappears with rest or ejaculation, it’s unlikely to be an STD.

On the other hand, if the pain is one-sided, gets worse with time, or comes with any signs of infection, fever, swelling, pressure during urination, you need to look deeper. Especially if you had a recent unprotected hookup, or if a partner disclosed a recent STD scare.

Testicular torsion, while rare, is an emergency. It presents as sudden, sharp, one-sided pain that escalates fast. It often happens in younger men and can mimic the early signs of infection. But torsion requires immediate surgery, so don’t wait if the pain is excruciating and sudden. This isn’t one to Google through.

Then there's the emotional side. Some people get phantom symptoms after sex because they are anxious, especially if the sex was risky, taboo, or involved a lack of protection. Stress can make every sensation in your body stronger and make you more aware of small pains. That doesn’t mean it’s “all in your head,” but it does mean not every twinge is dangerous. Testing provides more than answers, it calms the storm of uncertainty.

Beyond STDs: Other Medical Reasons for Post-Sex Testicle Pain

It’s easy to zero in on STDs when testicle pain shows up after sex, and it’s a good instinct. But there are other conditions worth considering that can mimic infection without actually being sexually transmitted. Some of them are still serious. Others are just annoying. All of them benefit from knowing what’s what.

Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland, is a major player here. It often causes a dull ache in the lower pelvis, perineum (the area between the anus and testicles), or directly in the testicles. Bacterial infections, such as STDs, or non-infectious causes, such as sitting for a long time or pelvic tension, can cause it. It can happen after ejaculation or very intense sexual activity. 

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) also enter the conversation. While more common in women, men can get them too, especially after anal sex or if they have underlying health issues like diabetes. Pain in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, and testicular discomfort may all overlap with STD symptoms.

Even issues like varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), hydroceles (fluid buildup), or past hernia repairs can create testicle pain that flares after sex. They’re not infections, but they can absolutely make you miserable, and confused.

Table 3. Non-STD causes of testicle pain after sex and how they usually present.

If you’ve ruled out STDs or your tests come back negative, don’t ignore ongoing discomfort. Talk to a provider about these other possibilities, especially if the pain returns with every ejaculation or sex session. Pain that shows up like clockwork often points to mechanical or pelvic issues, not infection. But knowing is the first step toward getting relief.

People are also reading: The STD I Didn’t Feel Until It Nearly Ruined Me

How to Talk About It (Without Feeling Gross or Guilty)

Let’s be real. Saying, “Hey, my balls hurt after we had sex” isn’t exactly sexy pillow talk. But if you’re feeling symptoms and worried about what it could mean, for you or a partner, it’s worth saying something. Testing is care. So is communication.

Rami, 33, felt sharp pain in his right testicle three days after a Tinder hookup. He was embarrassed to bring it up with his partner, even though they had been mostly honest about testing. “I didn’t want her to think I was blaming her,” he said. Instead, he texted her a screenshot of a clinic’s FAQ page about chlamydia in men. It broke the ice.

You don’t need to accuse anyone. Start with your own concern: “Hey, I’m having some pain and my doctor said it might be something like chlamydia. I’m going to test. Just wanted you to know.” That gives your partner a chance to test too, and opens the door for real, stigma-free conversations.

If you test positive, many public health departments offer anonymous notification services, or you can use private tools to send a non-judgmental heads-up. It’s not about blame. It’s about breaking the silence so no one walks around hurting and unsure.

Need a private way to check your status first? You can order a discreet STD rapid test here without waiting rooms, small talk, or insurance worries. Your body, your choice, your clarity.

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When It’s Time to Get Tested (Even If You’re Not Sure)

If you’ve read this far, here’s the bottom line: if your testicles hurt after sex, and the pain sticks around more than a few hours, or worsens, you should get tested. Especially if:

Your last STD test was more than three months ago. You had unprotected sex recently. A partner told you they tested positive. Or this isn’t the first time this pain has happened after sex. None of these mean you’ve definitely caught something. But they are strong reasons to rule things out instead of guessing.

Testing at home means you don’t have to explain yourself to a stranger. You don’t need permission or a referral. Just answers. Some men find out they’re clear and feel instantly relieved. Others catch something early and get treated before it becomes complicated. Either way, knowledge wins.

Whether it’s chlamydia, gonorrhea, or just a scare that turns out to be nothing, you deserve to know what's happening in your body. Pain is a message. You don’t have to decode it alone.

FAQs

1. Can testicle pain really be from an STD even if I don’t have discharge?

Totally. That’s one of the most frustrating parts. STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can travel up the urethra and inflame the epididymis, your sperm highway, without ever leaking a drop. So yeah, your balls might be screaming even if your underwear looks totally normal.

2. I thought it was just blue balls, how do I tell the difference?

Blue balls (yep, it’s real) usually feel like a dull ache or pressure in both testicles after prolonged arousal with no orgasm. It fades fast after release or a bit of time. But if the pain lingers, sharpens, shows up on just one side, or comes with swelling or a fever? That’s not blue balls. That’s a red flag.

3. I got tested last month, do I really need to test again?

If you had new unprotected sex since then and now your testicles hurt? Yep, it's worth testing again. Last month’s results don't protect you from last weekend’s choices. Testing is about timing, not judgment.

4. My testicle pain started two days after sex, too early to test?

Maybe. Most STD tests (especially the accurate ones like NAATs) need about 5–7 days post-exposure to pick up an infection. Earlier than that, and you might get a false negative. But if symptoms are strong, go now, some doctors will treat based on your story while advising a retest later.

5. Do I have to tell my partner if I test positive?

You don’t have to, but it’s the right thing to do. Think of it as harm reduction, not confession. A simple, “Hey, I tested positive and wanted to give you a heads up so you can get checked too,” keeps everyone safe and avoids the blame game. Anonymous text tools exist if talking feels too hard.

6. Can I catch something even if we used a condom?

Unfortunately, yes. Condoms are amazing (we stan protection), but they aren’t force fields. Some STDs transmit via skin-to-skin contact, and things like chlamydia can sneak past if the condom slipped, broke, or didn’t go on early enough. Protection is prevention, not perfection.

7. I feel fine except for some aching, could I still have chlamydia?

Absolutely. That’s the sneaky part. A lot of people with chlamydia or gonorrhea don’t feel anything obvious until the infection climbs deeper. Achy testicles can be the first and only clue. Don’t wait for fireworks, sometimes it whispers before it screams.

8. What kind of doctor should I see for this?

You can start with a primary care doc, an urgent care clinic, or even a telehealth STD service. If things get complicated or chronic, a urologist can help too. But honestly, if you’re just trying to rule out STDs first, an at-home test is the fastest move.

9. How long is “too long” to wait before testing?

If your pain is lasting more than 24–48 hours, or it’s worsening, don’t wait. Especially if it’s one-sided or comes with swelling, warmth, or fever. The longer an untreated infection lingers, the more damage it can cause. So yeah, the clock matters.

10. This is embarrassing. Do I really have to go to a clinic?

Nope. You’ve got options. Home testing exists exactly for this reason. If your brain is doing gymnastics about getting judged, sitting in a waiting room, or explaining your sex life to a stranger, skip it. Order a discreet kit, pee in peace, and get results from your couch.

You Deserve Answers, Not Assumptions

There’s nothing weak about asking why your body feels wrong. Pain after sex isn’t something to push through, it’s a message. Whether it’s mild aching or full-blown swelling, your testicles are trying to tell you something. The good news? Most causes are treatable, especially if caught early.

If you're dealing with ball pain and uncertainty, don’t leave it to chance. You can take back control, skip the clinic, and get real answers in days. Order your combo STD test kit and put your mind, and your body, at ease.

Sources

1. CDC – Chlamydia Fact Sheet

2. Epididymitis - Symptoms and causes (Mayo Clinic)

3. Epididymitis - STI Treatment Guidelines (CDC)

4. Epididymitis - PubMed (NIH)

5. Epididymitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment (Cleveland Clinic)

6. Chlamydia Infections (MedlinePlus)

7. About Chlamydia (CDC)

8. Gonorrhea - Symptoms and causes (Mayo Clinic)

9. Testicle Pain Causes (Mayo Clinic)

About the Author

Dr. F. David, MD is a board-certified specialist in infectious diseases who works to stop, find, and treat STIs. He wants to make it easier for people in both cities and rural areas to read his work by making it clinically accurate and easy to understand and positive about sex.

Reviewed by: Dr. Lena Ortiz, MPH | Last medically reviewed: December 2025

This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice.