British men may be enjoying a ‘summer penis’ thanks to warmer weather but doctors warn that as the mercury rises so too does risk of erectile dysfunction.
Summer penis is a term given to the phenomenon where men find their manhood swells in size as the temperature climbs.
This is a simple biological reaction to the heat with blood vessels in the member expanding instinctively to help cool the body.
As a result, this can make the penis seem slightly larger or fuller than normal.
However, Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senor clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, warned that warmer weather wasn’t completely good news for men’s nether regions.
‘Across the UK, we’ve been blessed with some incredible spring weather as temperatures exceed 25C in some cities,’ he said.
‘While this is welcome news, the warm weather can also affect many health conditions, exacerbating symptoms. This includes erectile dysfunction (ED).’
He explained that hotter temperatures can worsen impotency—which is where men are unable to get or keep an erection—in multiple ways.
Summer penis is a term given to the phenomenon where men find their manhood swells in size as the temperature climbs
‘One of the main ways warmer weather can affect ED symptoms is through dehydration,’ he said.
‘When we become dehydrated, our bodies reduce blood volume, making it more difficult for men with penile issues to achieve and maintain an erection.’
Dr Grant said another way the heat could ruin men’s intimate moments was through simple tiredness and a lack of sleep.
‘The warmer weather forces our bodies to work harder to maintain a safe internal temperature, which can often trigger fatigue,’ he said.
‘Poor sleep can have a direct impact on hormone production, limiting the amount of testosterone produced, which, in turn, worsens ED symptoms and makes achieving an erection more difficult.’
He explained the combination has a knock-on effect on ED sufferers, increasing stress and worsening performance anxiety.
Finally, while the warm weather may make some men crave for an ice-cold pint Dr Grant warned this will also make ED worse.
‘When temperatures rise, so does alcohol consumption, as Brits make use of beer gardens and host get-togethers to enjoy the warm weather.
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‘However, alcohol can have an extremely negative impact on ED symptoms, lowering blood pressure and affecting blood flow to the gentile area.
‘Long-term, unhealthy alcohol consumption can damage nerves and blood vessels, further impacting men with this condition.’
Dr Bhavini Shah, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, added that stress could also play a role in causing men issues in the bedroom.
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‘Chronic stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions can make it harder to get and keep an erection,’ she said.
‘When we’re stressed or anxious, our body releases hormones that can affect the blood vessels responsible for erections.
‘Stress and anxiety can also make us lose interest in sex and have difficulty concentrating. Plus, these negative feelings can make us turn to unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking alcohol, which can make ED worse.’
Erectile dysfunction, also called impotency, is thought to effect about half of men over 40.
While most cases of erectile dysfunction are isolated and nothing to worry about, repeated or sustained impotency should be checked out by a GP.
It can be an indicator of serious health problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, diabetes, hormone problems and mental issues like depression and anxiety.
Drugs that boost the flow of blood to the penis are the most commonly recommended treatment for ED.
However they cannot be taken by all men, for example those with heart problems can be advised to avoid them.
