You’ve heard of ‘winter penis’, now prepare to learn about the summer side effects…
Medical experts are raising eyebrows — and concerns — over a phenomenon informally dubbed “summer penis,” and they’ve outlined who might be more susceptible to its unexpected effects.
While most are familiar with the idea of “winter penis,” where colder temperatures lead to noticeable shrinkage, the warmer months aren’t entirely off the hook either. Turns out, heat can play its own mischievous role down below — and not always in ways you might expect.
In chillier climates, when the air dips below 60°F, some men may see up to a 50% reduction in length due to blood vessel constriction. On the flip side, summer heat often causes a bit of swelling or increased blood flow, making things appear slightly more robust — at least on the surface.
However, a medical professional has pointed out that the dog days of summer can also bring trouble to the bedroom. Three specific factors have been identified as culprits that may disrupt performance during hotter weather — making this seasonal swing less of a blessing and more of a potential burden for some men.
The problem can affect men of any age but mostly older men (Getty Images)
According to medical experts, the so-called “summer penis” is simply the body’s natural response to rising temperatures — blood vessels widen instinctively to help regulate internal heat.
But while things might look more aesthetically enhanced in the heat, the truth beneath the surface isn’t quite as sexy. As temperatures soar, sexual performance may actually take a hit.
Dr. Donald Grant, a general practitioner and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, told The Daily Mail that hot weather can trigger a slew of health complications — including a noticeable aggravation of erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms.
Dehydration, he notes, is a major offender.
“One of the primary ways high temperatures affect ED is through dehydration,” Dr. Grant explained. “When the body loses too much fluid, blood volume drops. This makes it significantly harder for men already dealing with erectile difficulties to both achieve and sustain an erection.”
In other words, while the summer sun may brighten your skin and lift your mood, it might be quietly draining the pressure from your plumbing.
It can have a knock-on effect in the bedroom (Getty Images)
Exhaustion and Restless Nights Disrupt Hormones
Another contributor to summertime bedroom struggles stems from sheer exhaustion — not just from sleepless nights spent tossing in the sweltering heat, but from how the body biologically responds to high temperatures.
Dr. Donald Grant elaborated, “When the weather heats up, our bodies expend extra energy trying to maintain a stable internal temperature, which often leads to persistent fatigue.”
He added, “Interrupted or poor-quality sleep directly disrupts hormone regulation, especially testosterone production. When testosterone levels dip, it becomes even harder for men to achieve and sustain an erection — exacerbating symptoms of ED.”
Boozy Beer Garden Breaks Can Backfire
As the mercury climbs, many instinctively reach for a cold pint in the shade — but that chilled escape can come with an unwelcome side effect.
“Alcohol has a significant negative influence on erectile function,” Dr. Grant warned. “It lowers blood pressure and impairs blood circulation, including to the genital region — which can further compound issues like ED.”
In essence, while summer invites relaxation, sunshine, and social sipping, it may also quietly unravel the very chemistry that fuels intimacy.
Feeling hot, bothered and tired doesn’t help (Getty Images)
Extended abuse of alcohol doesn’t just strain the liver — it can corrode the delicate nerves and blood vessels essential to male sexual function, compounding the effects of erectile dysfunction.
Dr. Bhavini Shah, a general practitioner with LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, underscored the profound impact of psychological distress on ED in a recent interview.
“Long-standing stress, lingering anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can seriously interfere with a man’s ability to achieve or sustain an erection,” she noted.
“When we’re mentally overwhelmed, the body produces stress hormones that constrict the blood vessels responsible for sexual performance.”
She added, “Stress and anxiety can drain sexual desire and scatter focus. These emotional weights often nudge individuals toward self-destructive habits like smoking or excessive drinking — both of which only deepen the struggle with ED.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image