Doctor warns of increase in bizarre ‘winter penis’, which causes organs to shrink by up to 50 percent – here’s how to avoid it

Doctors have warned British men that they may be experiencing problems in the bedroom due to a weather-related condition known as ‘winter penis’.

The phenomenon describes how male genitalia shrink as temperatures drop, due to limited blood flow to the area.

Not only does this lead to a reduction in size of up to 50 percent, the reduced blood flow to the area can make it more difficult for a man to maintain an erection.

Dr. Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical adviser at The Independent Pharmacy, explained that the problem arises because the body ‘prioritises blood flow to more important parts of the body’ such as internal organs when cold.

While most men who experience ‘winter penis’ will find that it only occurs briefly and occasionally, it can be much worse for those with underlying erectile dysfunction (ED).

According to the Urology Foundation, around 4.3 million men in Britain suffer from erectile dysfunction.

‘Men who already suffer from erectile dysfunction may find it more difficult to manage their condition when it starts to worsen again,’ says Dr Grant.

Dr. Grant said winter penis is a completely natural reaction the body undergoes to protect the organ from freezing weather, and can affect men of all ages.

‘Winter penis’ is the name given to the phenomenon of men’s genitals shrinking in the colder seasons

“Winter penis is the body’s temporary response to the drop in temperature, which causes the penis and testicles to become smaller,” he said.

‘The testicles shrink so they stay as close to the body as possible to stay warm.’

The winter penis also has a simple solution: Once you warm up, the organ’s size will return to normal as the body stops adapting to better survive the cold, he added.

However, experts warn that just because winter penis exists, men should not ignore consistent changes in the size and function of their penis.

Dr. Grant advised any man who experiences a long-term change in the shape of his sexual organs, including the testes, or the blood flow to his member, to seek advice from his GP as a precaution.

Furthermore, any man suffering from ED should seek help, as a range of treatments and medications can help address the problem.

This is important because not only is sexual function an important aspect of people’s well-being, but ED can sometimes also be an indicator of serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease.

Winter penis should not be confused with frostbite, a serious medical condition in which 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 cold exposure continues, a pins-and-needles sensation may occur before the area eventually numbs as the tissue freezes and damages it.

In extreme cases, the tissue can be lost, requiring amputation.

Frostbite on the penis is rare compared to other parts of the body, such as the ears or fingers, because the genitals are more likely to be wrapped in clothing if someone is caught outside.

The NHS says those suffering from frostbite – usually climbers, skiers and the homeless – should be urgently moved to a warm environment.