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Topics: Health, Weird, Weather, Sex and Relationships, UK News
Olivia Burke
Topics: Health, Weird, Weather, Sex and Relationships, UK News
Although you might think that your genitals remain the same no matter what the season, apparently that's not the case for everybody.
It turns out a warmer climate can have quite the interesting effect on your private parts - so brace yourself as we hopefully head into a long hot summer, lads.
When the temperature changes, so can the appearance of your penis, according to experts.
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Most men will likely consider this to be a brilliant bonus which the summer brings, however, it can also make for an uncomfortable situation in your boxers for some.
And as the UK is currently basking in the sunshine and we've officially put the clocks forward to welcome British Summer Time (BST), a few blokes might be experiencing a 'summer penis'.
Although health professionals say it is not an 'official medical thing', it's certainly a unique phenomenon which a lot of fellas have experienced.
Dr Chun Tang, a GP from private healthcare clinic Pall Mall Medical, previously shared his thoughts on the 'summer penis' while explaining why it happens.
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He said it is a term which is used to 'describe when a male's penis seems a bit bigger or fuller during hot weather' when speaking to The Sun last year.
"It’s not an official medical thing, just something people have noticed and talked about," Dr Tang said.
"The idea is that in warmer months, especially when it’s hot and humid, the heat causes your blood vessels to expand a bit, which can make things down there look a bit different."
Apparently, your manhood might appear 'a little larger, especially when it's flaccid' thanks to the heat - however, the increased blood flow to your intimate area might also make it 'feel a bit softer or more relaxed than usual'.
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There's no guarantees that the 'summer penis' sensation will impact you, nor is there an exact temperature to trigger it, but a summer heatwave is the most likely time if any.
"When it’s hot, your body naturally tries to cool down by widening the blood vessels, which can make more blood flow to places like your hands, feet, and even your penis," Dr Tang continued.
As a result, you'd be best off wearing some loose-fitting and breathable underwear - as wearing something skin-tight might stump your 'summer penis' by limiting circulation in that area.
So... does a 'summer penis' equate to a summer filled with better sex?
Sadly not, according to Dr Sarah Jarvis, who explained that it's almost like an optical illusion, just on your genitals.
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The GP and clinical director of Patient.info also told the publication last year: "Technically when you're hot, as well as when you are excited, then your blood vessels may expand.
"When blood vessels on the surface are a bit bigger, then things are going to look a bit bigger.
"But your penis is not growing, it's just your blood vessels growing slightly larger as a way to reduce heat. It's not going to make you perform better either - when you are erect your penis is swollen to the max anyway."
Womp, womp - but hey, at least the penis impression poking through your duds will look a bit larger for a fleeting moment in time.
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If this swelling in your private region makes you feel uncomfortable, Dr Tang recommends wearing 'loose clothes', staying 'well-hydrated' and avoiding basking in the sunshine.
"This can help minimise the effect," he added. "On its own, 'summer penis' isn’t a sign of anything serious.
"But, if you notice any sudden or unusual changes in your penis - like significant swelling, pain, or discomfort - then it’s definitely a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor.
"Those could be signs of something that does need attention, like an infection or an injury."
And for those who were wondering - yes, there is a 'winter penis' phenomenon too, which brings even less desirable effects than it's summer counterpart does.