In winter, faced with the cold, the skin dries out, the heart rate accelerates… and the penis can shrink by half. In any case, this is the information recalled by Dr Donald Grant, British general practitioner and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy in the Daily Mail. According to him, the ambient cold could confront men with difficulties even in intimacy, if they experience what he calls a “winter penis”.
A normal protective reaction
However, there is no reason to panic in the face of this disturbing shrinkage. The phenomenon simply describes how the male genitals shrink when the temperature drops, due to a restriction in blood flow to the area.
“The problem occurs because the body prioritizes blood flow to more important parts of the body in cold weather, such as internal organs,” explains the expert.
Winter penis is just the body’s temporary response to falling temperatures, which causes the penis and testicles to shrink in size. Because yes, “the testicles also shrink to stay as close to the body as possible and stay warm. continues the doctor.
But be reassured if you see your attributes melting like snow in the sun, “as soon as you warm up, the size of the organ will return to normal, because the body stops adapting to better survive the cold. assures Dr. Grant.
But one more worry in case of erectile dysfunction
On the other hand, the event can be experienced as an additional worry for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction (i.e. more than 3 million French people). Because this winter penis causes a reduction in penis size of up to 50%, but the reduction in blood flow to the area can also make it more difficult for a man to maintain an erection.
“Men who already suffer from erectile dysfunction may find their condition more difficult to manage when the weather starts to deteriorate”said Dr. Grant.
Knowing about this phenomenon can therefore reassure them (it is only temporary). However, a change should not be attributed solely to the cold. Dr Grant recommends that any man experiencing a long-term change in the shape of his genitals, including the testicles, or in the blood flow to his member, should seek advice from their GP as a precaution. Additionally, any man suffering from erectile dysfunction should seek help, as a range of treatments and medications can help resolve the problem.
Not to be confused with frostbite on the genitals
On the other hand, winter penis should not be confused with frostbite, a serious condition in which tissues are exposed to extremely cold temperatures. (And from which Prince Harry himself had suffered). In the event of frostbite, it is therefore not the shrinkage that should worry you first. The affected area begins to become cold and painful, as blood withdraws from the area to protect the body’s internal temperature. If exposure to cold continues, a tingling sensation may occur before the area becomes permanently numb as the tissue freezes and damages it. In extreme cases, tissue may be lost, requiring amputation.
Fortunately, unless you are going on a high mountain expedition, frostbite of the penis is rare, compared to other parts of the body such as the ears or fingers. Genitals are more likely to be wrapped in clothing if someone is caught outside. The winter penis, on the other hand, can be experienced as soon as the temperatures plummet. They too.