A doctor has weighed in on the ‘winter penis’ phenomenon, and said it could cause complications for those suffering from erectile dysfunction. The warning comes as the Met Office says temperatures across the UK are set to plummet from Sunday, with some parts of the country seeing the first major snow of the season.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy said: “With temperatures falling around this time of year, men might start to notice some changes in the size of their genitals. While it’s not something to be worried about, understanding why it occurs can provide men with important clarity on their penile health.
“Winter penis is the body’s temporary response to the drop in temperatures which causes the penis and testicles to shrink in size. It occurs due to restricted blood flow, as the body prioritises other, more essential areas to maintain warmth - such as vital organs found in our core. The testicles shrink so they remain as close to the body as possible to stay warm.
“It’s a completely natural reaction to harsh temperatures and can happen to men of all ages. The reaction can last as long as the body is exposed to cold temperatures, with size returning to normal once the body returns to a warmer, more comfortable state.
“While cold weather and winter penis can not directly cause erectile dysfunction (ED), they can still impact men’s ability to achieve and maintain erections, impacting sex life and confidence. As stated previously, the cold weather restricts blood flow around the body, dramatically impacting erection quality as the body prioritises more important sections of the body. Therefore, men who already suffer from ED could find their condition more difficult to manage, when weather begins to deteriorate.
“Additionally, ED can stem from psychological effects, with not being able to get aroused or in the correct mood a common theme among sufferers. Cold weather doesn’t help this at all, leading to cold stress or general discomfort, seasonal affectiveness disorder could also play a part, leading to a decrease in libido.
“According to the BBC, the penis can reduce in size by 50% and 30% in girth highlighting how men’s confidence could be influencing their issues surrounding genital function. Overall, the cold weather and winter penis response could further affect men already suffering from erectile dysfunction, but it’s highly unlikely to be a cause on its own.
“For men suffering from ED, there’s a range of treatments available, allowing them to gain more control over their sex life. Fortunately, winter penis is a completely natural response to the conditions, meaning it’s very rarely a cause for concern. It will resolve on its own without any needed treatment or medical attention and will occur to most men throughout the winter season.
“However, if an individual is experiencing problems associated with blood flow or experience a long-term change in size or shape of genitals, it’s always safe to seek more tailored advice from their GP, who can advise on lifestyle habits, treatments and potential causes.
“Overall, with November marking Men’s Health Awareness Month, the priority of male well-being and providing clarity on these common issues is crucial for the maintenance of general health."
