Question:
Hello,
You had given some advice before about wearing compression shorts for running, and I’ve been doing that more often now. I’ve heard some people talk about jockstraps—are those any better or worse? I was debating if I should try them. My balls have gotten bigger, I think, so I feel like I need to make sure I am protecting them.
What other activities should I be wearing compression shorts for besides running? I know a cup is for contact sports, but I’m talking about noncontact things like lifting weights.
Thanks again!
Answer:
Testicular torsion, or a twisted testicle, happens in about 1 in 4,000 men. If it happens, it typically happens during adolescence when the body and genitals are rapidly growing. Testicles hang on a cord, and their blood supply is brought to them by arteries that loosely wrap around that cord. If a testicle twists on its cord, it will pinch off the blood supply to that testicle. The result is very painful and, if not corrected, can cause the testicle to die in about 4 to 12 hours. Usually, the twisted side also swells and turns a darker color from the backed-up blood. If this happens, it is considered a medical emergency and should not be ignored.
Jockstraps and compression shorts hold your testicles against your body so they are unable to bounce and twist. Both work well for the intended purpose, though most guys find compression shorts more comfortable. You would wear them in any sport where you run or make sudden turns. They don’t help with contact sports where you might get hit in the groin. For contact sports, you will need a cup, which is a plastic shield for your genitals. Some jockstraps and compression shorts have a pouch to hold the cup in place.
Jockstraps and compression shorts should not be worn all the time. Since they press the testicles against the body, they raise the testicles’ temperature, causing them to not function as well in producing sperm and testosterone. Your testicles need to hang to cool. Having them pressed up against your body while you are playing a sport causes no harm since you will eventually take them off, and the testicles can cool back down.
Question:
I think I’m safe regarding how long I wear my compression shorts. I only use them for sports or working out. I don’t like to wear something that tight for everyday underwear.
For protecting your testicles, is it better to point your penis up or down in the compression shorts or jockstrap?
Answer:
You’ll find it more comfortable to have your penis pointing upward in the event you have a spontaneous erection.
Question:
That seems like a good idea. I’m not sure if it’s normal, but sometimes I do get hard when I put my compression shorts on. I’m not sure what causes it, but it usually goes away.
Answer:
Getting an erection is normal. The compression shorts change the feeling of your penis, making you more aware of your genitals. The pressure also triggers your sphincter muscles to contract, which causes an erection. However, you soon get used to the feeling and pressure, your muscles relax, and your erection goes away.
Response:
Thanks again. This is all good info!