Doctor warns of rise in bizarre ‘winter penis’ condition and tells men how to avoid it

With cold weather set to grip America’s east coast, doctors have warned men they are about to have trouble in the bedroom.

A weather-related condition known as ‘winter penis’ is caused by a sharp drop in temperature, which causes male genitalia to shrink due to restricted 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. Saransh Jain, a world-renowned sexologist from India, explained that the problem occurs because ‘when it’s cold, your body restricts blood flow to extremities like fingers, toes and yes – your penis to retain heat in your vital organs’ .

He said This response is known as vasoconstriction and causes your blood vessels to constrict, restricting blood flow to your penis.

When ‘winter penis’ sets in, Dr Jain reveals that ‘the shaft of the penis and testicles move closer to the body to maintain the optimal temperature for sperm production’ and this is an evolutionary mechanism to protect sperm and testicles.

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 NIH, an estimated 30 million men in the US suffer from erectile dysfunction.

The experts say men who already suffer from ED may find it more difficult to cope with their condition when it starts to worsen again.

The winter penis also has a simple solution: as soon as you warm up, the size of the organ returns to normal, because the body no longer adapts to better survive the cold.

“The effects are only temporary and do not cause long-term changes,” says Dr. Jain of the condition.

To help combat “winter penis,” the doctor suggests wearing insulated underwear and pants, limiting time in cold temperatures where possible, and staying hydrated, as “dehydration worsens the effects of vasoconstriction.”

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

They advise any man who experiences a longer-term change in the shape of his genitals, including the testicles, or the blood flow to his member, to seek advice from his or her healthcare provider as a precaution.

Dr. Jain says: ‘Don’t be ashamed to discuss your penis health and any changes you’ve noticed with your doctor.

‘Early diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions is key to preventing permanent damage and supporting your long-term sexual and penile health.’

Furthermore, any man suffering from erectile dysfunction 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 Mayo Clinic says that those who suffer from frostbite – usually winter climbers, cross-country skiers and the homeless – should urgently be taken to a warm environment and protect the injured area from further damage.

Dr. Jain says other factors that can temporarily make male sex organs appear smaller include aging, weight gain, and stress and anxiety.

On his final point, he explains: ‘Feeling stressed or anxious causes changes in your body that can affect penis size.

‘High stress levels increase cortisol, the stress hormone, which in turn decreases testosterone, the sex hormone responsible for libido and erections.

‘Less testosterone means less blood flow to the penis, resulting in a smaller size.’