Is It Normal for Testicles to Feel Soft and Small After Ejaculation?
Yes, it is completely normal for testicles to become softer, smaller, and feel "mushy" immediately after ejaculation—this is a physiological response that occurs as part of the normal ejaculatory process. 1
Normal Physiological Changes During Ejaculation
The testicles undergo predictable morphological changes during sexual activity that are part of normal male sexual function:
During erection, testicular volume increases, consistency becomes softer, temperature rises, and blood flow (vascularity) increases significantly 1
At the moment of ejaculation, testicular volume decreases, consistency becomes firmer initially then softer, temperature drops, and blood flow diminishes 1
After ejaculation, the testicles return to their baseline state but may temporarily feel smaller and softer than usual due to reduced blood flow and the resolution of the erectile-phase engorgement 1
Why This Happens
The changes you're experiencing reflect the coordinated vascular and muscular activity that supports ejaculation:
Blood flow changes: Doppler ultrasound studies demonstrate that testicular vascularity increases during erection and then diminishes at ejaculation, explaining the softer, less engorged feeling afterward 1
Scrotal muscle activity: The dartos muscle (the smooth muscle layer in the scrotum) shows increased electrical activity during both erection and ejaculation, which helps elevate the testicles closer to the body during sexual activity 1
Temperature regulation: Testicular temperature increases during erection and then decreases during ejaculation, which may contribute to the sensation of change in consistency 1
When to Be Concerned
This is a normal finding and does not indicate pathology unless accompanied by distress, pain, persistent changes, or other concerning features that would require evaluation for underlying neurological, hormonal, or structural causes 2
You should seek medical evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent testicular atrophy (shrinkage that doesn't resolve)
- Pain or discomfort
- Changes in ejaculate volume or fertility concerns
- Concerns about erectile function
The temporary soft and small feeling after ejaculation simply represents the normal resolution phase of the sexual response cycle and the return of the testicles to their resting state after the increased blood flow and engorgement of sexual arousal.