Why it is harmful to jump on your heels after a kick to the groin.

 The act of jumping on one's heels after a kick to the groin is a widely-held belief among many people. The rationale behind this suggestion varies from the presence of numerous nerve endings in the foot, causing the pain to diminish due to the impact on them, to the belief that the testicles sink into the scrotum when jumping. Such misconceptions can even be found among experienced athletes, with soccer players being a prime example of this phenomenon, often seen rhythmically bouncing after receiving a blow to the groin.

However, contrary to popular belief, jumping on one's heels in such a situation is not only unhelpful but even harmful. Blood circulation in the groin area is increased, as compared to other areas such as the toe, where it is only 150 times! Even a seemingly minor closed groin injury can cause serious consequences under adverse circumstances, such as infertility and sexual problems in the future if competent medical care is not provided in time.

For instance, the leading traumatologist at the N.N. Blokhin Oncology Research Center, I. Milevsky, in his book "Prevention of Disease," offers practical recommendations for athletes that can be applied to anyone, as no one is immune to such a blow. These include complete rest, assuming a knee-elbow pose if possible, especially if the shock was extremely strong and the pain response is unbearable, with an intermittent pulse. Immediate medical attention is essential, and in some cases, urgent surgery may be necessary.

The Russian KUDO Federation, which has strictly prohibited kicks to the groin in its official rules, provides a gradation of injuries and mutilations resulting from trauma to this area. These range from contusion of the testicle, causing subsequent swelling of the scrotum, accompanied by severe pain and a rupture of the blood vessels in the organ, to rupture of the scrotum with disruption of the seminal ducts, leading to complete infertility if immediate help is not provided. Impotence and impaired hormonal function can also occur as the body's complex response to trauma and pain shock.

Sports physicians of the KUDO Federation unequivocally recommend complete rest and emergency medical aid, with no amateurism or self-treatment, as the consequences are too deep and serious. Their words confirm the research of the University of Massachusetts, where specialists conducted an anonymous survey of 200 infertile men of fertile age. It revealed that one in five of them (20%) vividly recalled a severe injury resulting from a blow to the groin, for which they did not seek professional help and instead relied on distractions such as jumping on their heels. Even though the pain may eventually subside, something will inevitably be sacrificed, with the majority of cases leading to a disruption of sperm maturation synthesis and inflammatory processes in the pelvis.