As we near closer and closer to Christmas - along with all the inevitable office parties, present-shopping and market-perusing - many couples will be feeling the chaos of the festive season.
And, now that the Met Office has issued a 'yellow warning' over next week's snowfall, it's clear many will be rushing to the bedroom in the hopes of relieving the season's stress while also keeping warm.
However, couples have since been issued some handy advice on how to deal with 'winter penis' after a doctor issued a warning over it during Men's Mental Health month.
What is 'winter penis'?
Now, according to Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor from The Independent Pharmacy, men may notice 'some changes in the size of their genitals' when the mercury drops this time of year.
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Dr Grant explained that 'winter penis' is simply the body’s 'temporary response to the drop in temperatures' which causes the penis and testicles to 'shrink in size'.
Apparently, in chillier weather conditions, penis size can be reduced by up to 50 percent with girth taking a 30 percent hit too.
"It occurs due to restricted blood flow," the expert continued, "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."
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How long does 'winter penis' last?
Dr Grant notes that 'winter penis' is 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," he says, "with size returning to normal once the body returns to a warmer, more comfortable state."
Should you be worried about 'winter penis'?
The expert assures men and couples alike that while 'winter penis' isn't something to be worried about, understanding why it occurs 'can provide men with important clarity on their penile health'.
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Dr Grant also assures that 'winter penis' is simply just an aspect of living with the cold.
With that said, however, there are some risks of heavily reduced blood flow.
"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," he urged.
Is there a link between 'winter penis' and erectile dysfunction?
He also explained the science behind whether the risks of erectile dysfunction are increased a result of exposure to the cold.
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"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," Dr Grant shared.
"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, Dr Grant pointed out, ED can stem from 'psychological effects with not being able to get aroused or in the correct mood a common theme among sufferers'.
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"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," he added.
Find out more about erectile dysfunction on the official NHS website here.
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Life, Advice, Weather, Health
Rhiannon Ingle