Increased occurrence of "summer penis" in men due to soaring temperatures, reaching 31C, and the reasons behind this prevalence
In the warmer months, a colloquial term has emerged to describe a temporary change in the appearance of the penis - the so-called "summer penis." This phenomenon is not a medically recognized condition, but it is a noticeable effect of increased blood flow in warmer months.
What Causes the Summer Penis?
The primary cause of the summer penis is vasodilation, where blood vessels expand due to heat, increasing blood flow to the skin and extremities, including the penis. This can make the penis appear larger, especially when flaccid. The body attempts to cool down by widening blood vessels, which can increase the volume of blood in the penis, making it look fuller.
Effects of the Summer Penis
The summer penis may look bigger and softer than usual when flaccid. Despite this enlarged appearance in warm conditions, this phenomenon typically does not affect sexual performance or erectile function. Some men may experience slight discomfort or increased sensitivity due to the heat and increased blood flow, but this is not harmful.
Myths and Facts
Contrary to popular belief, there is no correlation between shoe size and penis length. Creams and oils cannot increase the size of your penis, and surgery is the only proven way to increase the size, but it only affects the length when the penis is flaccid. The average male has three to five erections each night, with the 'morning glory' being the last of these.
Caring for Your Penis
To maintain penis health, it's essential to keep your penis clean, avoid strong perfumed soap or very hot water, and check for lumps in the testicles. The shape of the penis, with a ridge between the top of the shaft and the glans, is thought to scoop out and remove any sperm left behind in the vagina by a previous partner, according to the 'semen displacement theory.'
Misconceptions and Safety
While the summer penis is a real physiological phenomenon, it is not a medically recognized disorder with pathological effects. It primarily influences penis appearance when flaccid and does not have significant health or sexual function impacts. It is rare but possible to break the penis during an erection due to a violent twisting or bending motion.
Preventing the Summer Penis
If you want to prevent the summer penis, it might be an idea to wear loose breathable clothing, like a nice pair of cotton boxers or shorts. Wearing tight clothing, like skinny jeans or snug briefs, can limit circulation and potentially prevent the summer penis effect.
Additional Information
Exposure to sunlight can boost the production of melatonin and serotonin, and regulate the body's internal clock, potentially improving sleep. Heat exhaustion can occur when the body's systems that try to keep you cool become overwhelmed, and symptoms include a rise in temperature over 40C, lack of sweating, and feeling unwell. A micropenis is defined as a penis measuring less than 7cm.
[1] Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical, has stated that this phenomenon is not an official medical thing, but rather a noticeable effect of increased blood flow in warmer months. [2] 'Summer penis' is not a sign of anything serious, but sudden or unusual changes in the penis, like significant swelling, pain, or discomfort, should be checked by a doctor.
The summer penis is primarily caused by vasodilation, a process where blood vessels expand due to heat, increasing blood flow to the skin and extremities, such as the penis. This phenomenon can make the penis appear larger, especially when flaccid.
The summer penis does not have significant health or sexual function impacts, but it may cause slight discomfort or increased sensitivity due to the heat and increased blood flow in warmer months. Wearing loose, breathable clothing can potentially prevent the summer penis effect.
