Doctor reveals why cold weather is causing men to get ‘winter penis’

He warned of concerns

We're well into November now, which means we are now very much staring down the barrel of winter - and with winter comes cold temperatures.

However, what some may not realise is that the cold weather can have some curious side effects for men.

It's a phenomenon as old as humans themselves, with most men experiencing at some point the extreme shrinkage of their chap downstairs.

In concurrence with Men's Health Awareness Month, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor from The Independent Pharmacy spoke about the matter and revealed the cause.

Dr Grant 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."

He explained: “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." 

Dr Grant also warned of the risks of erectile dysfunction as a result of exposure to the cold.

“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 effectiveness disorder could also play a part, leading to a decrease in libido. 

Reportedly, in the chilly conditions, penis size can be reduced by 50% with girth taking a 30% hit too.

Winter penis is just an aspect of living with the cold, however, Dr Grant did warn of the risks of heavily reduced blood flow.

He said: "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.