Millions of Britons have been warned that the icy conditions sweeping the country could have more than just an aesthetic impact ‘on the ground floor’.

The weather-related condition known as “winter penis” is used to refer to how the male genitalia shrinks in the colder months as a result of restricted blood flow to the area.

The phenomenon can see the penis shrink by up to half in size, but the reduced blood flow to the area that occurs can also make it harder to maintain an erection, particularly affecting people with erectile dysfunction (ED), doctors warn.

Dr. Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at Independent Pharmacysays “winter penis” occurs because when the mercury drops, “the body prioritizes other, more essential areas to maintain warmth – such as the vital organs found in our core.

“The testicles shrink so that they stay as close to the body as possible to stay warm,” he added.

For most, winter pucker occurs only occasionally and doesn’t last long, but men who already suffer from ED “may find their condition more difficult to manage when the weather starts to deteriorate,” explained Dr. Grant.

“While it’s cold times and winter penis cannot cause directly erectile dysfunction (ED), they can further affect men’s ability to get and maintain erections, affecting sex life and confidence,” he continued.

Dr. Grant said that when blood flow is restricted by cold weather, it can have a “dramatic” impact on “the quality of an erection because the body prioritizes the more important parts of the body.

“Therefore, men who already suffer from ED may find their condition more difficult to manage when the weather starts to deteriorate,” he added.

Dr. Grant noted that ED can “stem from psychological effects, not being able to get excited or in the right mood a common theme among sufferers.

“Cold weather doesn’t help this at all, leading to cold stress or general discomfort, seasonal affective disorder could also play a role, leading to decreased libido.”

There is a wide range of treatments available for those suffering from ED, says Dr. Grant, and winter penis is natural and “very rarely a cause for concern.”

“It will resolve on its own without any treatment or medical attention needed and will occur in most men throughout the winter season,” he added.

However, dr. Grant recommended that anyone experiencing problems associated with blood flow and a long-term change in the size or shape of their genitals “seek more personalized advice from their GP who can advise them on lifestyle habits , treatments and potential causes”.

ED, also known as impotence, is usually caused by stress, fatigue or drinking too much alcohol and is nothing to worry about, according to NHS website.

It can also result as a side effect of some medications. If erectile dysfunction occurs often, it could also be caused by conditions including high blood pressure or high cholesterol, diabetes, depression or anxiety, hormone problems.

The health service recommends seeing a GP if it continues to happen.