THE winter months might typically be associated with snow, log fires and all-around festive cheer.
But there are two other (arguably far less fun) by-products of the drop in temperature – say hello to ‘winter penis’ and ‘winter vagina‘.
Now, if you’re thinking along the lines of wrapping tinsel around your manhood, or wearing festive pants, you have the wrong idea.
Both conditions can wreak havoc in the bedroom, stripping people of their sex drives.
As the Met Office warns of extremely cold weather with snow and ice over the next few days, here is everything you need to know about the two dreaded defects.
‘Winter penis’ is a new name born from social media discussion on how men’s members can shrink during the winter months.
Now, all the guys out there can tell you that weather-related penis changes are nothing new.
But seasonal fluctuation when it comes to your ‘bits’ has been a hot topic in recent years.
“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,” Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy said.
“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.”
Thankfully, the shrinkage doesn’t last forever.
“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,” he added.
To make matters even worse, restriction of blood flow may impact a man’s ability to maintain that all-important erection needed to have penetrative sex.
“Therefore, men who already suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) could find their condition more difficult to manage, when weather begins to deteriorate,” the expert said.
And while it’s an issue few will want to discuss openly, our vaginas can enter ‘drought mode’ during this time, too
Mary Burke
“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. “
We all know as the temperature drops and the heating gets switched on that it can cause issues with your skin.
Cold weather can affect our health in many ways.
Some of them you might expect, such as increased coughs and colds as more of us are driven to shelter inside.
But the plunge in temperature could increase the risk of several life-threatening health conditions.
The newly icy temperatures could see some suffering from back pain, breathing issues and even an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
To read more about the six unexpected ways cold weather can affect our bodies, click here.
Dry skin and chapped lips become more of a problem, leaving us reaching for hand cream and lip salve.
As it turns out, that “drought” can affect all parts of the body – including, yep, you guessed it, your private parts.
Mary Burke, a former NHS midwife and senior clinical nurse at the London Bridge Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Clinic previously told Sun Health women may well suffer more from vaginal dryness, or ‘winter vagina’ during the winter months.
“Dry autumn and winter air depletes moisture from our bodies, leaving our skin dehydrated and cracked, and out sinuses parched,” she said.
“And while it’s an issue few will want to discuss openly, our vaginas can enter ‘drought mode’ during this time, too.
“When we spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms, or with the heating on, we’re living in air which carries very little moisture.”
“And the dryness we experience can often extend to every inch of our bodies – including our most private regions.”
Debate aside, vaginal dryness is a seriously debilitating condition that can affect women of all ages.
It can be embarrassing, and it can make sex unbearably painful.
While it’s a very common problem, it’s most likely to affect women who are going through or have already experienced menopause.
Other factors including certain medications, diabetes, breastfeeding or childbirth can also increase a woman’s likelihood of experiencing vaginal dryness.
And in some cases low levels of the female sex hormone, oestrogen can be the cause.
The NHS recommends using a lubricant or vaginal moisturiser to try and ease symptoms, and treatments like vaginal oestrogen and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help.
