How Safe Is Ballbusting?

When most people think of ballbusting, they think of this really intense act that leaves the receiver doubled over in pain. Because of this, ballbusting can, understandably, seem scary, and leave people wondering "is ballbusting safe?"

With so many misconceptions out there, I want to shed some light on the risks and safety surrounding ballbusting. To get the facts, I spoke to Sofia Roos, a sexologist with Passionerad in Sweden and Dr. Farhan Malik, the medical director of Atlanta Innovative Medicine and a consulting physician for the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission, both of whom provided valuable input.

What is ballbusting?

Ballbusting is a form of cock and ball torture where the top, or ballbuster, delivers strikes to the testicles through a variety of methods. FemDom ballbusting is really popular because you are taking someone’s precious bits and controlling them; the ultimate power exchange.

There are a lot of folks into this BDSM activity. Ballbusting gives them incredible pleasure and creates new levels of connection with their partner. Some people even find erotic satisfaction from this type of play, on some level.

Ballbusting porn gives the impression that this practice is always extreme, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be. Engaging in ballbusting properly, with a focus on avoiding injury, requires that someone be skilled and knowledgeable in anatomy, impact play, and first aid.

Is ballbusting safe?

Given the extreme depictions of ballbusting, many people wonder whether this BDSM activity is dangerous.

Dr. Malik offers that “ballbusting, a form of consensual kink involving impact on the genitals, can be safe when practiced with proper communication, understanding of boundaries, and consent between all parties involved.”

However, even when done with great caution, there is still a possibility of the following: swelling, redness, bruising (from moderate to severe), abrasions or open wounds, tenderness, pain, and numbness. There is also a chance that if done hard enough, you could affect someone’s ability to orgasm, ejaculate, or urinate in the short term. This is why it’s important to play with someone who is skilled and ethical.

“Ballbusting takes time to master, and that is very important to understand before starting!” says Sofia Roos.

Can ballbusting make you sterile?

Any time there's an impact to the testicles, it raises worries about sterility. So, it's no wonder some people worry that ballbusting could make them sterile.

Dr. Malik gave his input about this very subject, “While ballbusting does carry some risks, there is no conclusive evidence that it can lead directly to sterility in otherwise healthy penis owners. The testes are designed to withstand reasonable impact thanks to multiple protective layers and the ability of the cremaster muscle to quickly retract them. However, very forceful, repeated trauma could potentially damage the testes and affect sperm production. Overall, the risks appear low for most recreational ballbusting between consenting partners. But those with pre-existing testicular issues, or who engage in extremely forceful ballbusting, may be at higher risk for complications. As with any intimate activity, communication, caution, and moderation are advised.”

How to ballbust:

Before getting into the physical acts of ballbusting, everyone who will potentially be involved needs to have a serious conversation. You should be talking about health concerns, the risks involved in the act of ballbusting, the level of intensity everyone wants, and everyone's previous experience with ballbusting, if they have any.

Roos offered the following advice: “Always be careful, have a safe-word and communicate all the time, preferably with the traffic light system (green = keep doing what you’re doing / go in the same direction, orange = things are heading towards something I’m not comfortable with, cool it down, red = stop immediately).”

When engaging in ballbusting, keep in mind that everybody’s anatomy is different. How you position the receiver and how the giver strikes can change drastically based on individual anatomy. How tight the testicles are to the body while playing can also determine the type of ballbusting you do and how you do it.

Here are some general tips:

• Make sure the person receiving is steady and supported on sturdy furniture because the force could cause them to buckle, especially if they’re new and not used to the sensation.
• For beginners, it might be helpful to gather the testicles together, separating them from other areas of the body to avoid unwanted strikes to other body parts.
• If someone has balls that hang further from the body, you might consider punching, almost like a speed bag in the gym but not quite as fast with your fists.
• If the testicles are closer to the body, using an open hand may be more beneficial because you have more control.
• Gradually increase intensity, giving a break in between each hit as there could be a delayed reaction. You also want to give the person a moment to process what just happened.
• Gauge their reaction before increasing the intensity.
• Taking breaks gives you a chance to evaluate the overall wellbeing of the receiver. 

Dr. Malik suggests, “Use an open-hand slap rather than a punch or kick. A cupped palm allows you to control the impact. Clenched fists and feet can create a more concentrated blunt force which is more dangerous."

The Bottom Line

In the words of Dr. Malik, “With the right precautions, consenting adults can explore ballbusting in a safer manner. But there is no way to eliminate risk entirely. Care and moderation remain key to avoiding long-term harm. Immediate nausea, vomiting, or sharp pain indicate potential serious injury requiring medical attention.”

If you want to try ballbusting, it's important to get a comprehensive education in this skill to avoid any serious complications. Regardless of how careful you are, ballbusting is risky play. That doesn't mean it should be avoided! It just means you need to make sure you have all information you need.

I highly recommend working with a mentor or coach to gain the skills necessary to make this play as safe and enjoyable for everyone as it can be.