'Ballmaxxing' explained as men reveal reason behind extreme bedroom trend

We're all different when it comes to our preferences down there.

However, it's clear some of us make particularly unique choices, and the latest 'ballmaxxing' trend is a testament to exactly that.

Now, we already know all about the very X-rated 'nutmaxxing' trend, which sees men make it their life’s mission to ejaculate as much as possible in one go, but what on earth is 'ballmaxxing'?

Well, for starters, it's exactly what it says on the tin, but way more wild than it may initially sound.

In short, ballmaxxing sees blokes inflating their scrotum with fluid until it reaches a size more akin to a cantaloupe melon than a human reproductive organ.

One widely reported method, cited by Vice, involves pumping saline through an IV line into the scrotum using a butterfly needle placed at the junction of the penis and scrotum.

What on earth is 'ballmaxxing' and why is it popular among some men? (Getty Stock Images)

The outlet notes that a litre of saline can inflate your nether regions for 24 up to a whopping 42 hours.

Over eight thousand men have rushed to the r/salineinflation thread on Reddit to open up about the 'electrifying' and 'euphoric' experience, along with sharing photos of their inflated sacks, and sharing tips on how to achieve the 'perfectly ballooned balls'.

But why do people do it?

Speaking to Men's Health, Marcus revealed he's been ballmaxxing for decades now.

According to the 57-year-old, he's managed to inflate his scrotal sac up to 14.5 inches (which is about the size of a small cantaloupe melon) by injecting a surgical lubricant into his downstairs region.

'It's freaky and abnormal looking'

Thousands of men have opened up about their experiences 'ballmaxxing' on Reddit (Getty Stock Images)

"I'm astonished at how flexible the testicles are," he shared. "They just expand."

Meanwhile, 31-year-old Jack divulged: "Nothing really matches experiencing it yourself.

"You have to talk yourself into doing it, find the time, get everything prepped, and then sit there for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half while it takes effect."

A 29-year-old admitted: "I know it's freaky and abnormal looking - that's exactly what I like about it."

And according to a 35-year-old, having an inflated scrotum 'makes me especially horny, when I move around in public, knowing that someone can see that'.

What have experts said about 'ballmaxxing'?

A doctor has warned about several health consequences of 'ballmaxxing' (Getty Stock Images)

Despite the popularity of the seemingly niche sex trend, it's clear medical professionals aren't on board with it.

Dr Shirin Lakhani, an aesthetic physician and intimate health expert in Kent, England, told Men's Health: "The scrotum area is very sensitive and contains delicate structures, including the testes, blood vessels, and nerves, which are not designed to accommodate fluid distension."

He warned that if a scrotum is stretched past its limit and is no longer able to expand, then the skin will rupture.

"You could also experience tissue or nerve damage as stretching the scrotal skin and underlying structures can cause microtears, bruising, or longer-term damage to connective tissue," the expert continued.

Additionally, people could also risk a series of delayed complications, including erectile dysfunction and permanent infertility.

The outlet adds that some associated effects can be life-threatening, such as gangrene and embolism.

Other wild bedroom trends

Ballmaxxing isn't the only bedroom trend that has caught the internet by surprise. Take a look at these...

Toothing

No, toothing isn't about your pearly whites. As reported by Reuters via ABC, it's ‘a form of anonymous sex with strangers, usually on some form of transport or enclosed area such as a conference or training seminar’.

Shallowing

Shallowing involves light stimulation around the entrance of the vagina, rather than full penetration. It can be enjoyed solo and even has some health benefits, too.

Sploshing

Also known as the 'wet and messy' fetish, sploshing falls under the umbrella of sitophilia: the sexual arousal from food. It involves getting messy in the bedroom, though the trend isn't without its warnings.

Castlecore

Have you ever dreamed of prancing around medieval castles and fighting dragons? Well, the castlecore trend might just be for you - and you're not alone. In 2024, Lovehoney found an increase in customers experimenting with corsets and dildos inspired by fantasy creatures.

The more you know, eh?