WINTER weather can trigger a variety of health problems, including increased risk of flu, asthma attacks, and greater chance of heart attacks and strokes.
With sub-zero temperatures forecast across the UK, doctors are now warning of another issue men in particular face – and it could affect their performance in the bedroom.
‘Winter penis’ is the body’s temporary response to a drop in temperatures.
Considered a normal physiological change rather than a medical condition, it 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.
During bouts of winter penis, some men could also experience erectile dysfunction, with decreased blood flow making it more difficult to achieve and maintain an erection.
While all men are at risk of winter penis, those that already have erectile dysfunction are most likely to encounter problems, said Dr Crystal Wyllie, Asda Online Doctor.
She warned: “Those with erectile dysfunction are most at risk as they could find their symptoms more difficult to manage.”
GP Dr Jeff Foster, Director of Health at Manual www.manual.co, explained some of the symptoms to look out for.
“Typical symptoms are a potential reduction in penile length of 50 per cent and girth of 30 per cent.
“But this is highly variable and I have no idea how these measurements were made at a large scale.”
There’s no treatment necessary for winter penis as it’s just a reaction to cold weather.
Penis size should return to normal once you reach a warmer place.
“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,” advised Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy.
But if someone 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, said Dr Grant.
“They can advise on lifestyle habits, treatments and potential causes.”
As a precaution, the doctors recommend wearing insulated underwear to help keep the penis warm and less likely to react to the cold.
The weather can affect the penis in other ways – many men believe as the heat rises it has a flattering effect on their length and girth down below.
Dr Chun Tang, GP at private healthcare clinic Pall Mall Medical, previously told Sun Health: “Summer penis is a term people use to describe when a male’s penis seems a bit bigger or fuller during hot weather.
“It’s not an official medical thing, just something people have noticed and talked about.
“The idea is that in warmer months, especially when it’s hot and humid, the heat causes your blood vessels to expand a bit, which can make things down there look a bit different.”
In terms of symptoms, males who experience summer penis may see a bit more size or fullness than normal.
Dr Tang added: “Some men notice that their penis looks a little larger, especially when it’s flaccid.
“Because of the increased blood flow, it might feel a bit softer or more relaxed than usual.”
ERECTILE dysfunction - also known as impotence - is very common, especially in men over 40.
Erectile dysfunction is when you are either:
Depending on the cause, you may still be able to get an erection at other times, such as when you wake up.
Sometimes you might also have low sex drive.
It’s not usually the sign of something serious but you should speak to a GP about it, especially if it’s causing you distress.
Possible causes include stress, tiredness, having too much booze, as well as some medicines.
But if your ED is persistent, it might be caused by:
