How to Be Careful with Testicles During Sex

The time is now for testicle play

Anyone who has testicles — or has inadvertently kneed someone who does — understands that the balls are extremely sensitive.

“For better or worse, the scrotum is loaded with nerve endings that can generate very intense sensations,” says Dr. Evan Goldstein, CEO and founder of Bespoke Surgical. “And with the appropriate touch, that feeling can be pleasurable.”

As clinical sexologist Dr. Megan Stubbs, EdD explains, “It’s part of the genital area, which is generally a pleasurable zone, so it shouldn’t be that shocking that with technique it can feel good.”

Fair point. Unfortunately, lots of people shy away from touching their partner’s testicles because the image of someone clutching their balls in agony is so deeply ingrained.

While the testicles are certainly sensitive, they aren’t completely off-limits — you just need to be cautious and learn what feels good. That’s why we created this guide to testicle play. Here, sex experts outline the perks of ball stimulation and offer their best advice for giving the right kind of attention to your partner’s balls.

Benefits of testicle play

Handling the testicles can be intensely pleasurable — which alone is reason to try it — but ball stimulation may also provide some health benefits, too. Seriously.

The testes are responsible for producing sperm, and according to Dr. Goldstein, stimulating them might encourage production of the male reproductive cells. “Ball stimulation can actually promote ejaculatory production,” he says.

Interacting with the testicles can also increase blood flow to the area, Stubbs notes. Also, while bedroom ball play can’t (really!) replace medical check-ups, it may help partners notice any unusual changes in their significant other’s anatomy.

“Handling your partner’s testicles can help you become familiar with them,” says Stubbs. “That way you’ll be able to detect irregularities like lumps or swelling that could signal a problem.”

If that sounds clinical rather than sexy, consider that about 6 in every 100,000 men will receive a testicular cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives (and that over 70 percent of cases occur in adults ages 20 to 44).

No question, partnered testicle play is beneficial. But if you own testicles, solo attention to them is a great way to enjoy the same benefits — and it can be equally fun!

How to explore partnered testicle play

1. Communicate

Testicle play can take many forms — using your mouth, hands, toys, and more — so Stubbs says what counts as play depends on the person with the testicles and what they like.

In fact, because some people deliberately seek pain during sex, Stubbs notes testicle play isn’t strictly defined as purely pleasurable. “Some people enjoy cock and ball torture, heavy pressure, and even sensations that might be described as painful,” she says.

“Intent and communication are important,” she adds. Meaning, if the touch, lick, grab, etc. is sexual, consensual, clearly communicated, and aimed at arousal, it can be considered testicle play.

(That said, “An erection isn’t necessary for testicle play to feel good,” according to Stubbs. Helpful to know.)

She points out that normally, testicle play isn’t surprising. “Unless surprise is part of pre-agreed sexual play between you and your partner, touching your partner’s testicles when they aren’t expecting it may not feel good.”

And while some people enjoy testicle contact, others may dislike it entirely — some find it ticklish or simply irritating, Stubbs says.

“Just as people with vulvas vary in their desires for penetration or direct clitoral stimulation, people with testicles range from not enjoying touch at all to finding it highly pleasurable,” she says. You won’t know where your partner falls unless you talk — or, if your partner is unsure, communicate and experiment together.

So, beyond getting consent, clear communication is essential for satisfying testicle play.

2. Take your rings off!

Hand hygiene and care are necessary for gentle handling. Before you begin, remove your rings — especially bulky rings — and tend to any hangnails.

Consider trimming and filing your nails so sharp edges won’t snag or cut delicate skin, advises Dr. Goldstein. Yeah, ouch!

3. Experiment with different techniques

Manual play with your partner’s balls can be the main event, or a pleasurable complement to activities like penetration, oral, or hand stimulation — again, provided you’ve talked about it.

Stubbs suggests using your hands to try varied sensations:

• lightly pulling
• carefully squeezing
• stroking downward
• rolling them between your palms like dice
• tapping a rhythm with your fingers

For each move, dialing in the pressure your partner prefers is crucial. Too light and it might feel ticklish; too firm and it could hurt.

Remember: What’s pleasurable for one person might not be for another. “Testicles are like snowflakes — no two are the same!” Stubbs says.

To figure out how much pressure your partner likes, Stubbs suggests having them demonstrate. Place your hands on their testicles and have your partner put their hand over yours, applying pressure until it no longer feels good for them.

4. If you’re using your hand, add lube

“A slick, wetter feeling on the balls reduces friction and heightens sensation,” says Stubbs. Saliva dries quickly, she adds.

That’s where lubricant helps. “Using lube makes skin-on-skin contact more comfortable and less tacky,” she says. Also, lube makes transitioning from ball play to a hand job…smoother.

Sexpert tip: Rub your hands together to warm them before squirting lube into your palm. This keeps the lube from feeling cold and shocking on your partner’s testicles.

5. Get mouthy

When giving oral, you’re ideally positioned to include the balls. “Licking and gentle sucking are usually acceptable,” says Dr. Goldstein, “and tongue flicking may used depending on what your partner prefers.”

If you plan to suck, begin slowly and softly. You can take the whole ball into your mouth (if comfortable for you and pleasurable for your partner), or just an inch or so of skin. “Moisten the area as much as possible, then move slowly. This lets you read their responses and build momentum,” he says.

Use your partner’s verbal and physical cues to judge how strongly to suck.

If you opt to lick, feel free to experiment: lick each ball individually, trace the seam between them, spell words, or move side-to-side and up-and-down.

Some people like just the tip of your tongue, while others prefer a flatter, fuller portion. But whatever you do, avoid using your teeth unless explicitly asked — the skin is thin.

6. Switch up sex positions

If you’re having anal or vaginal sex, adding testicle play can create a dual sensation similar to simultaneous G-spot and clitoral stimulation for people with vulvas, Stubbs says.

Which positions suit you will depend on your mobility, flexibility, and comfort with bending and twisting, but there are many possibilities.

Positions that often allow good access to the testicles include:

• reverse cowgirl
• reverse lap dance
• downward doggy style

Stubbs explains that positions like reverse cowgirl or reverse lap dance let you reach between you and your partner’s legs. Or try downward doggy and reach your hands through your own legs to reach their testicles.

Other choices like cowgirl, reverse lotus, and seated wheelbarrow may also work depending on both partners’ shapes and sizes.

7. Add toys!

There are toys specifically designed for testicular stimulation. Once you and your partner know they enjoy ball play, consider trying a toy or vibrator.

“Products like testicle vibrators or cock rings are available for this purpose,” says Stubbs. Many other sex toys can be useful, too.

Toys to consider:

• Tenuto by Mysteryvibe
• Crescendo by Mysteryvibe
• Enby by Wild Flower
• Tor by Lelo
• Buddy Ring by Toyfriend
• Fin Finger Vibe by Dame Products

You can also try the lowest setting on a wand or clitoral vibrator and adjust based on how it feels.

For more solo technique ideas and pleasure tips, see this guide on how to masturbate for men.

Don’t get too rough

Even if your partner enjoys rough play, don’t twist the testicles! Seriously, the left should stay left and the right should stay right.

“The testicles can twist internally which can cause serious harm, like pinching or swelling,” explains Stubbs. If that occurs, seek medical help. “If this happens… you’ll notice.”

Dr. Goldstein adds, “You shouldn’t be scared of them, but you also shouldn’t use forceful moves that could injure them.” Usually the negative effects of going too hard are temporary, he says, but if you or your partner suspect something more serious, contact a doctor.

The bottom line: Testicle play can be intensely pleasurable for people with testicles and their partners. As Goldstein notes, “It may take practice to master the art of testicular play.” Still, once you learn it, “it can provide a sexual experience you both won’t forget.”

Ready, set, play ball!