Doctors have warned British men that they may be about to suffer difficulties in the bedroom due to a weather-related condition known as “winter penis”.
The phenomenon describes how male genitals shrink when the temperature drops, as a result of restricted blood flow to the area.
Not only does this lead to a size reduction of up to 50 percent, but reduced blood flow to the area can make it more difficult for a man to maintain an erection.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explained that the problem occurs because the body “prioritises blood flow to more important parts of the body” in the cold, such as internal organs.
While most men who experience “winter penis” will find that this only occurs briefly and occasionally, it can be much worse for those with underlying erectile dysfunction (ED).
According to the Urology Foundation, around 4.3 million men in the UK are thought to suffer from erectile dysfunction.
“Men who already suffer from erectile dysfunction may find it more difficult to manage their condition when the weather starts to get worse,” Dr. Grant said.
Dr Grant said winter penis is a perfectly natural reaction the body undergoes to protect the organ from cold weather and can affect men of all ages.
‘Winter penis’, this is the name of the phenomenon whereby male genitals shrink in the coldest seasons
“Winter penis is the body’s temporary response to falling temperatures, which causes the penis and testicles to shrink,” he said.
“The testicles shrink to stay as close to the body as possible to stay warm.”
The penis in winter also has a simple solution: once it warms up, the size of the organ will return to normal, as the body stops adapting to better survive the cold, he added.
However, experts warn that just because the winter penis exists, men should not rule out constant changes in the size and function of their penis.
Dr Grant recommended that any man who experiences a long-term change in the shape of his genitals, including his testicles, or in blood flow to his member, consult his GP as a precaution.
Additionally, any man suffering from erectile dysfunction should seek help, as a variety of treatments and medications can help address the problem.
This is important because not only is sexual function a key aspect of a person’s well-being, but sometimes erectile dysfunction can also be an indicator of serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease.
Penis in winter should not be confused with frostbite, a serious medical condition in which the tissue is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.
With freezing The affected area begins to feel cold and painful as blood is drawn away from the area to protect the body’s internal temperature.
If cold exposure continues, the tingling sensation may occur before the area eventually becomes numb as the tissue freezes, damaging it.
In extreme cases, tissue may be lost and amputation may be required.
Frostbite of the penis is rare compared to other parts of the body, such as the ears or fingers, as the genitals are more likely to become wrapped in clothing if someone is trapped outdoors.
The NHS says those suffering from frostbite (most commonly climbers, skiers and homeless people) should be urgently moved to warm environments.