As cold weather is set to grip the east coast of America, doctors have warned men that they may be about to suffer difficulties in the bedroom.
A weather-related affliction known as ‘winter penis’ is caused by a sharp drop in temperature, which causes male genitals to shrink as a result of restricted blood flow to the area.
Not only does this lead to a size reduction of up to 50 per cent, the reduced blood flow to the area can make it more challenging for a man to maintain an erection.
Dr Saransh Jain, a world renowned sexologist based out of India, explained that the problem happens because ‘when it’s cold out, your body limits blood flow to extremities like fingers, toes, and yes – your penis to retain heat in your vital organs’.
He said this reaction is known as vasoconstriction, and it causes your blood vessels constrict, which limits blood flow to your penis.
When ‘winter penis’ takes hold, Dr Jain reveals that ‘the shaft of the penis and testicles move closer to the body to maintain the optimal temperature for sperm production’ and this is an evolutionary mechanism to protect sperm and testes.
While most men who experience ‘winter penis’ will find it only occurs briefly and occasionally, it can be far worse for those with underlying erectile dysfunction (ED).
Some 30 million men in the US are thought to suffer with erectile dysfunction, according to the NIH.
‘Winter penis’ the name given for the phenomenon where men’s genitals shrink in in the colder seasons
The experts say men who already suffer from ED could find their condition more difficult to manage, when weather begins to deteriorate.
Winter penis also has a simple fix: once you warm up the size of the organ will return to normal, as body stops adapting to better survive the cold.
‘The effects are only temporary and do not cause any long-term changes,’ Dr Jain says of the condition.
To help combat ‘winter penis,’ the medic suggests wearing insulated underwear and pants, limiting time in frigid temperatures where possible and keeping hydrated as ‘dehydration exacerbates the effects of vasoconstriction’.
However, experts warn that just because winter penis exists men shouldn’t dismiss consistent changes to the size and function of their penis.
They advice any man experiencing a longer term change in the shape of their genitals, including the testes, or the blood flow to their member to seek advice from their health provider as a precaution.
Dr Jain says on the matter: ‘Don’t be embarrassed to discuss penis health and any changes you’ve noticed with your doctor.
‘Early diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions is key to preventing permanent damage and supporting your long term sexual and penile health.’
Additionally, any man suffering from ED should seek out help as range of treatments and medications can help address the problem.
This is important because not only is sexual function a key aspect of people’s wellbeing, but ED can also sometimes be an indicator of serious health problems like cardiovascular disease.
Winter penis shouldn’t be confused with frostbite, a serious medical condition where tissue is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.
With frostbite the affected area begins to feel cold and painful as blood withdraws from the area to protect internal body temperature.
If exposure to cold continues, the sensation of pins and needles can happen before the area finally numbs over as tissue freezes, damaging it.
In extreme cases the tissue can be lost as a result, requiring amputation.
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 be wrapped in clothing if someone is caught outdoors.
The Mayo Clinic says those who suffer frostbite – most commonly winter climbers, cross-country skiers and the homeless – should be taken to a warm environment urgently and protect the injured area from further damage.
Dr Jain says other factors that can temporarily cause male genitals to appear smaller include aging, weight gain, and stress and anxiety.
On his last point he explains: ‘Feeling stressed or anxious causes changes in your body that can affect penis size.
‘High stress levels increase cortisol, the stress hormone, which, in turn, decreases testosterone, the sex hormone responsible for libido and erections.
‘Less testosterone means less blood flow to the penis, resulting in a smaller size.’
