Penis owners of the UK beware, as the freezing weather heading our way may be about to have an unwanted side effect on your genitals.
The winter months are no joke; darker nights, icy mornings, and the heartbreaking realisation that we may not properly see the sun for a few months until next year.
But some can forget rising heating bills and the risk of falling flat on their a*se while walking down the street - as the chilling spectre of 'winter penis' is back to haunt them on the days where the mercury drops below a certain temperature.
Advert
What is 'winter penis' and what causes it?
Now, winter penis may sound like a ridiculous urban legend created to scare people into wearing their thermal underwear, but it's actually a very real thing, according to medical experts.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy explained that winter penis is the body's 'temporary' response to a drop in temperatures outside.
"It occurs due to restricted blood flow, as the body prioritises other, more essential areas to maintain warmth - such as vital organs found in our core," Dr Grant explained.
Advert
"The testicles shrink so they remain as close to the body as possible to stay warm."
The GP went on to reassure people that it's a 'completely natural reaction' to cooler weather, and shouldn't be anything to be worried about.
"The reaction can last as long as the body is exposed to cold temperatures, with size returning to normal once the body returns to a warmer, more comfortable state," he added.
When should you become concerned about winter penis?
Once again, we must stress that winter penis is a 'a completely natural response' to cold weather, but we imagine that's not going to be much comfort to anyone who unzips their pants and finds their member has shrivelled up smaller than a cocktail sausage.
Advert
So, when should you be concerned about winter penis?
Well, Dr Grant has advised anyone who is experiencing a long-term change to the shape and size of their genitals should consult a GP for further advice, to rule out any concerning health conditions.
He has also shared advice for those who already suffer from erectile dysfunction, as - although not directly related - winter penis can impact men's ability 'to achieve and maintain erections'.
Advert
Read more: Autopsy assistant explains surprising thing that happens to your penis when you die
"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," he said.
"Therefore, men who already suffer from ED could find their condition more difficult to manage, when weather begins to deteriorate."
Might be worth getting those thermal underwear after all.
Brenna Cooper