Many men are concerned about the potential side effects of pre-workout supplements, especially on their testicles. Can taking pre workout really shrink your balls and make them smaller over time?
The short answer to this is no. Taking pre workout cannot shrink your balls and make them smaller as testicle size is a result of genetics and male sex hormones.
Pre workout does not have any impact on male sex hormones in a way that can shrink the size of your testicles, and there is no scientific evidence to support that pre workout can make your testicles shrink over time.
Read on to learn more about why.
Does Pre Workout Shrink Your Balls?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that pre-workout supplements shrink the testicles. The rumor that pre-workout supplements can shrink the testicles likely originated from the fact that some ingredients found in these supplements, such as caffeine and creatine, can affect hormone levels in the body.
Caffeine, which is a common ingredient in pre-workout supplements, is a stimulant that can temporarily increase testosterone levels.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that caffeine causes long term changes in testosterone levels or that it has any impact on testicle size.

Creatine is another common ingredient in pre-workout supplements. It is a naturally-occurring compound found in muscle cells and is often used to improve athletic performance. While creatine can lead to muscle growth, it does not affect testicle size.
Certain ingredients such as DHEA, androstenedione, and yohimbine, which may be found in some pre-workout supplements, have been found to have an effect on hormones and testicles size but it is not found in all pre-workouts supplements and also the quantity used is very minimal in most supplements, if found and used.
Pre Workout and Anabolic Steroids Are Not The Same
While typical pre workouts that are purchased legally do not have the ability to shrink your testicles, anabolic steroids DO have the ability to shrink what you got down there.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that are similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. They are used by some people to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.
Anabolic steroids work by increasing the levels of testosterone in the body. However, when anabolic steroids are used in high doses or for prolonged periods of time, the body’s natural production of testosterone can decrease. This can lead to a decrease in the size of the testicles, known as testicular atrophy.
Testicular atrophy caused by anabolic steroids can also lead to other changes in the testicles such as reduction of sperm count and decrease in the production of sperm. These changes can be permanent and may lead to infertility.
Do not get the two confused. Pre workouts will not contain anabolic steroids, and pre workout will not shrink your balls like steroids would.
However, It is important to keep in mind that the effects of pre-workout supplements can vary depending on the individual, and that excessive use or misuse of these supplements can lead to serious side effects. It is always recommended to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.
Potential Side Effects of Pre Workout
Taking pre workout does come with side effects for some people, but not everyone. Here is a common list of potential side effects to be aware of:
- Jitteriness or nervousness
- Insomnia
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Headaches
- Dehydration
- Cramping or muscle soreness
- Loss of appetite
- Kidney damage
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Testosterone suppression
- Hormonal imbalances
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
It’s important to note that many of these side effects are associated with excessive use or misuse of pre-workout supplements, and that the risk of side effects can vary depending on the specific individual.
I can’t stress enough, it is always recommended to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions already.
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Be Mindful of Pre Workout with Illegal Ingredients
All preworkout is not created equal. Some brands of pre workout do contain ingredients that can be much stronger than pre workouts that only contain caffeine, such as pre workouts containing caffeine as well as illegal stimulants combined.
One common example is pre workouts that contain 1,3-Dmaa (1,3 Dimethylamylamine.)
1,3-Dmaa is a synthetic drug that is made in a laboratory and was originally used as a nasal decongestant when first developed in 1948.
Today, 1,3-Dmaa is sold as a “dietary supplement” and commonly added to many pre workouts for its energy boosting effects and is commonly marketed under the name geranium oil.
While it may be listed as geranium oil, 1,3-Dmaa is not a naturally occuring substance at all.
Due to the fact that 1,3- Dmaa is not cleared by the FDA and is illegal, it is usually not found for long under the same brand name when production is halted. This does not mean it is still not manufactured and sold and in all truth, it is easily available.
1,3-Dmaa produces a similar effect on the body as adrenaline does, acting as a central nervous system stimulant.
This means that if you are taking this stimulant, maybe even unknowingly, you could be constricting vessels that supply your testicles which can cause them to feel enlarged or even painful.
If you are not comfortable with the ingredients in a preworkout and are concerned about their potential side effects, it is best to avoid buying or using it.
Always be sure to check the ingredients list out first before using. It is always best to stay safe.
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Does Pre Workout Make Your Balls Hurt?
Some men may experience testicular pain as a side effect of using pre-workout supplements. This is generally due to the ingredients in the supplements, such as caffeine, which can lead to slightly constricted blood vessels and build up of pressure in the testicles.
If you have ever heard of the term “blue balls,” this is basically the same principle of what might be occuring in this scenario as well.
When a man has blue balls, it is because he is sexually aroused but then this is quickly halted for some reason and he is not able to “finish,” which causes a build up of blood congestion in the testicles, causing pain.

This can also happen when taking a pre workout containing caffeine, as caffeine can definately have an impact on blood flow by constricting blood vessels.
It’s also possible that some men may experience testicular pain due to excessive use or misuse of pre-workout supplements. For example, taking a higher dose of a supplement than recommended or using a supplement for a longer period of time than recommended could increase the risk of side effects, including testicular pain.
It is always important to be safe when taking any supplement. Never exceed the recommended dosages on the label.
It’s important to note that testicular pain can also be caused by a variety of other factors unrelated to pre-workout supplements, such as injury, infection, or medical conditions like varicocele or testicular torsion. If you experience testicular pain, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
In general, it’s important to always read the label, follow the instructions and not exceed the recommended dosages when using pre-workout supplements. It’s also a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Can Lifting Weights Make Testicles Bigger?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that lifting weights can make the testicles bigger. The size of the testicles is determined by genetics and hormonal factors, and is not affected by muscle building exercises such as weightlifting.
Weightlifting can increase the size of the muscles in the body, including the muscles in the groin area. However, this increase in muscle size does not affect the size of the testicles.
The testicles are located in the scrotum, which is a separate from the muscles in the body.
It is also worth mentioning that testicle size can fluctuate due to various factors such as temperature, stress, and hormone levels. Some people might experience testicles shrinkage due to certain medical conditions such as varicocele or hypogonadism, but this is not related to weightlifting.
While you may feel your testicles may be bigger after weight lifting or even cardio, this is not the case. It may just be that temperature change has caused loosening of the skin in which the testicles are housed, the scrotum.
It’s important to mention again here, that if you have any concerns about your testicles size or any other symptoms, you should speak with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment for it.
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In Summary
To summarize for you, pre workout does not have the ability to shrink your testicles, as the size of your testicles is determined by genetics and the body’s hormones, such as testosterone.
However, pre workout that contains stimulants such as caffeine does have the ability to effect blood flow to the testicles, which can sometimes cause unwanted testicular pain or discomfort.
When taking pre workout, it is important to always make sure the one you select is legal, and also that it is safe to take. This is especially true if you have any current medical conditions such as heart arrhythmias or hypertension.
Remember, safety is always top priority.
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