Doctor warns men could soon experience several dramatic effects of a 'winter penis'
Niamh Shackleton
Featured Image Credit: Getty stock photos
A doctor has revealed that some men might suffer with an unwanted condition down below over the winter months.
Known as 'winter penis', it's exactly what it says on the tin and is the total opposite to 'summer penis'.
In the winter months, some men might notice some changes to their manhood - but fear not fellas, it's only temporary.
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As you know, when winter hits so does the cold weather, and colder climes can cause a little bit of shrinkage down below.
Dr Sarah Jarvis GP and clinical director of Patient.info, said: "Technically winter penis is a thing."
She further explained to The Sun in 2018: "Basically, in winter your body retains heat by shutting down blood vessels on the surface.
"We know that one of the most obvious places, because it has a very large surface area, is the penis.
"We also know that testicles tend to get smaller in cold whether and may well be drawn higher up into the scrotum."
While the idea of your family jewels and pecker going inside you is quite a horrifying thought, Dr Jarvis insisted that it's only temporary.
"It is not a physical permanent change, if you warm up then it will go back to normal," she assured.
"Do not panic, it may well look smaller, just go into a warm room or have a nice warm bath and you will be fine."
But how much shrinkage might you prepare for?
Dr Darius Parduch, a sexual health specialist, told Men’s Health that you manhood night shrivel by about 50 percent in length and 20 to 30 percent in girth when you’re exposed to any air temperature below 60°F.
"When you’re cold, your blood vessels constrict, which limits blood flow to your penis," Parduch explained, echoing Dr Jarvis' sentiments.
Parduch also warned it could cause some pain and discomfort. With this in mind, he advised that men wear sport boxer briefs to prevent your appendage moving around and causing unwanted friction.
If you're really struggling with winter penis, a doctor may prescribe you erectile dysfunction tablets to encourage blood flow to your penis.
You shouldn't get an unwanted boner, however. This will only occur when you're aroused.
Erectile disfunction is also something to be wary of in the winter months.
Explaining why, Pilot writes: "While [erectile dysfunction] can occur at any time of the year, it's more common in winter as lower levels of sunlight affect the brain and increase amounts of melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy."
It adds: "With this lower sunlight, you'll also experience a reduction in how much serotonin your body produces which is linked to depressive symptoms."