Why 'Ballmaxxing' May Be More Dangerous Than You Think

Experts say that “Ballmaxxing” may lead to permanent damage. Image Credit: Heathline/Paloma Rincon Studio/Getty Images Ballmaxxing is the latest social media “maxxing” trend. The protocol involves injecting fluids into the testicles in order to increase their size. Experts caution that this trend may do more damage to the body than good. “Maxxing” has become a major trend across social media platforms, from “looksmaxxing” to “fibermaxxing” to “sleepmaxxing.” The latest maxxing trend is known as “ballmaxxing,” in which men inject fluids like Surgilube or saline into their testicles to increase their size. Saline is a sterile solution of sodium chloride in water used for medical and health purposes. Surgilube is a sterile, water-soluble surgical lubricant used clinically to facilitate the insertion of medical instruments, catheters, and endoscopes. It’s designed for external medical use and instrument lubrication. Some participants in this trend are injecting these fluids until their testicles are the size of grapefruits. The question on everyone’s mind with this new trend is, “Why?” Some say that increasing their scrotum size makes them feel more masculine and confident. Others say that they believe women prefer larger testicles. While others state that it can enhance sex and the pleasure that comes from sex. Another reason may simply be fascination. Whatever the reason, experts warn that this trend may actually cause more harm than people may realize. “Physicians have called Ballmaxxing one of the most reckless body modification trends to emerge from male online communities, warning that the temporary size increase often leads to permanent damage,” Robert Glatter, MD, attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell, said. Glatter spoke to Healthline about this potentially dangerous tr