Most women know how important it is to have a good, supportive bra for running or playing sport.
The intense bouncing and jiggling is painful, distracting and can even cause damage to the breasts.
So what about men? Is the same true of balls? And is running without the right support putting you at risk of damaging your testicl*s?
If you’re one of those men who likes to let it all hang loose when you go running, you might want to reconsider.
As well as traumatising passers by with the unmistakable, jiggling outline of your tackle, you might also be inadvertently damaging your bits – and it could be making you a worse runner.
First of all, the constant bouncing can cause mild, moderate or even severe testicl* pain, which can become chronic.
A man has a natural ability to keep the testicl*s drawn up close to the body, calledthe cremasteric reflex, but this isn’t enough if you’re running for long distances or fairly frequently. And the recurring ache caused by bouncing balls can become a real problem.
Also, one in seven men has varicoceles, a genetic condition wherevalves in the veins leading into the testicl*s fail and blood backs up; just like varicose veins in the legs. It’s generally a harmless condition, but it can causeaching when you run because of the increased blood flow during exercise and the effect of gravity.
Because of where the testicl*s are on the body, they’re really vulnerable, highly sensitive and prone to injury.
Any kind of direct blow or force to the area can cause testicular trauma, which can lead to bruising, swelling, and, in rare cases, the blood supply to the testicl* can get blocked. This can lead to the loss of the testicl*.
Obviously nobody want this.
The best way to limit your risk and to protect your low-hanging fruit is to wear suitably supportive underwear – to limit jiggling, keep your testicl*s as close to your body as possible and reduce the risk of injury.
Personal trainer, Dean Coulson, says it’s not just about comfort and safety, having the right support can actually help you perform better.
‘For me, comfort means I can concentrate on the run and not bouncing about, so I pick underwear that is wicking and well fitting,’ Dean tells Metro.co.uk.
‘However it’s also from a “safe” perspective. The brain continuously looks for threats to its safety and survival, and a guy’s tackle is high in the list. Any thoughts of discomfort is seen as a danger and the brain can and will slow you down physiologically to protect itself.
‘It happens from any threat. If muscles are imbalanced or weak, then the body with tighten other muscles to stop the action taking place. Same with joints, if you have joint problems the brain will down regulate the muscles around it to prevent further injury.’
So if your brain is too busy focusing on protecting your balls, you won’t be able to run as fast and the PB you’re aiming for goes out the window.
Dominic runs three times a week, lifts weights in the gym and also plays football. He employs a “three-layer system” to help protect his balls.
‘Ball support is key – if you don’t have it you do get a bit of bounce and it can genuinely be painful,’ Dominic explains.
‘There is a fear that if you don’t have them in place, you could squash them between your legs.
‘The three-layer system is simple – small under shorts that put them in place, then undershorts that are more for my hamstrings but also give a bit of extra support, and then of course normal shorts on top.’
So three pairs of shorts is one way to get around it – but it seems slightly excessive.
Rich Edmonds is the co-founder of Runderwear, a company that specialises in performance underwear for running. He believes that it’s not just support that’s an issue, but also chafing.
For Rich, having the right underwear is a key componentfor performing at your best.
‘It’s so important to keep your jiggly bits from, well, jiggling,’ explains Rich.
‘You need sports performance underwear that is ergonomically designed to keep everything in place, no seams to dig in and cause irritation, sweat wicking to maximise comfort and ensure smooth movement with every step. Simply put, less jiggling means less chafing.
‘Chafing and discomfort down below can be a key reason for the disappointment of not completing a race or workout. The solution here is sports underwear that’s ergonomically designed to keep everything firmly in place.
‘In the same way that women rely on a good sports bra to provide support and prevent damage to soft tissue, men should benefit from the support offered by well-fitting support briefs.
‘In fact, doctors suggest that the pain felt in the testicl*s by some runners post-run can be avoided by wearing underwear with just the right amount of support.’
It’s worth noting that too much support can also cause problems. If your underwear is too tight or provides too much compression, it can restrict blood flow to your groin, which could also lead to testicl* pain.
So it’s about getting the balance right. It seems that the best way to reduce pain, damage and risk of injury is through support and making sure your clothing isn’t chaffing.
Try out a few different options and work out what you find comfortable. The less you have to think about your balls while you’re running, the better.
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As a fitness and anatomy enthusiast with a deep understanding of the human body and its response to physical activities, I can affirm that the topic of proper support during exercise, particularly in relation to the male anatomy, is crucial for both comfort and safety.
The article addresses the importance of suitable support for men, drawing parallels with the well-established understanding that women need proper bras for running and sports activities. The key point here is the potential damage and discomfort caused by the bouncing and movement of the testicl*s during running.
The male anatomy includes a natural reflex called the cremasteric reflex, which allows the testicl*s to be drawn up close to the body. However, this reflex may not be sufficient during prolonged or frequent running, leading to aches and potential chronic pain. The article also mentions a genetic condition called varicoceles, affecting one in seven men, which can cause aching due to increased blood flow during exercise and gravity effects.
The vulnerability of the testicl*s to direct force or blows is highlighted, with potential consequences ranging from bruising and swelling to rare cases of blood supply blockage, leading to the loss of a testicl*. The article emphasizes the need for proper support through well-fitting and supportive underwear to minimize bouncing, keep the testicl*s close to the body, and reduce the risk of injury.
The perspective of a personal trainer, Dean Coulson, adds another layer to the discussion. Beyond comfort and safety, he suggests that the right support can actually enhance performance. Coulson explains that discomfort can be perceived as a threat by the brain, leading to physiological responses that may slow down the runner. This insight underscores the psychological aspect of support during physical activities.
The article also features personal accounts, such as Dominic's three-layer system, highlighting the importance of ball support and the fear of potential injury. Rich Edmonds, co-founder of Runderwear, a company specializing in performance underwear for running, emphasizes the role of proper underwear not only in providing support but also in preventing chafing, which can be a significant concern for runners.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive view of the potential risks associated with running without proper support for the male anatomy. It emphasizes the need for well-fitting, supportive underwear to enhance comfort, prevent damage, and optimize athletic performance, while also cautioning against excessive compression that could restrict blood flow and lead to additional issues.
