A doctor has revealed a pretty X-rated way that men can prevent their penises from shrinking.
As we get older our bodies tend to go through a lot of changes, and for some men, this can mean things getting smaller downstairs.
This probably isn't something that you'd tell anyone other than a doctor, but I imagine it would be quite alarming and embarrassing.
But fear not, because a doctor has a way to stop this from happening... though it's very NSFW.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Gen Z adults are reportedly having less sex than any previous generation, and this is alarming to experts.
Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, a sex and relationship expert, told the outlet that sexually inactive men could develop a rare condition known as penile atrophy.
This condition causes the tissue of the penis to lose elasticity, potentially shrinking by one to two centimeters.
"Most people need affection, touch, and sexual connections with others," Suwinyattichaiporn said.
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Without these, she warned, mental health can deteriorate, leading to anxiety, depression, and increased stress levels.
In short, men should seek to have sex in order to stop their penis from shrinking.
A 2021 study from the University of California found that 38% of young adults aged 18 to 30 had not engaged in sexual activity in the previous year.
This marks a significant increase from past decades, with abstention rates nearly doubling since 2011.
According to Suwinyattichaiporn, going without sex for weeks, months, or even years can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health.
"Sex releases hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which regulate emotions and boost mood," she explained.
The absence of these feel-good chemicals could lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and in some cases, aggression.
Sex therapist Sari Cooper highlighted how sexual droughts can strain relationships.
"If couples aren't having sex, they don’t approach their partner with softness or vulnerability," she told the Daily Mail. "They may resort to criticism or guilt to get their needs met."
For men, long-term abstinence poses even more severe risks, including an increased chance of developing prostate cancer.
Studies suggest that regular ejaculation may help prevent the build-up of carcinogens in the prostate.
Women, too, are not immune to the risks of sexual inactivity. When women go without sex for extended periods, they may experience vaginal atrophy, a condition where tissues become dry and thin, making intercourse painful.
Regular sexual activity helps maintain blood flow and tissue elasticity, which can prevent these issues.
To combat the psychological and physical impacts of sexual inactivity, Suwinyattichaiporn advised individuals to manage stress, as it can interfere with sexual desire.
"Stressed out people don't have the capacity to enjoy sex," she noted, suggesting stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, and regular date nights with a partner.
