It’s the opposite of the “pump.”
Summer’s in full swing, and men are looking for any way to get bigger, from a good long gym session to a below-the-belt enhancement.
But unlike the increased blood flow gym-goers feel after lifting weights, “gym penis” may leave men with an unwanted post-gym surprise.
If they want to get bigger, men turn to peptides to stimulate muscle growth or to a plastic surgeon for filler injections to increase girth.
However, the former may cause a decrease in size, albeit temporarily.
Colloquially called “gym penis” or “gym dick,” the phenomenon refers to the shrinkage that occurs after a workout session, according to Chris Bustamante, an aesthetic nurse practitioner and the founder of Lushful Aesthetics.
“Many men experience some degree of temporary retraction while working out, but the amount varies dramatically,” Bustamante said. “Some barely notice it. Others may feel like they are turtling, where the penis retracts closer to the body.”
This shrinkage is only temporary, though, as it’s a result of redirected blood flow to the muscles, heart, lungs and skin during a workout.
And certain workouts may also cause the body’s “fight or flight” system to become more active, such as cardio, deep, intense lifting or high-adrenaline workouts.
“Once your body cools down, your nervous system settles and blood flow redistributes, the penis typically returns to its usual flaccid appearance,” Bustamente explained. “For most men, that can happen within minutes to an hour after working out.”
But the process may take longer if you’re dehydrated, anxious, overstimulated from caffeine or pre-workout, cold or had an intense session.
While there’s no physical damage from “gym penis,” Bustamante says there may be psychological side effects.
“The psychological side is where it can matter more,” he said. “Some men may feel embarrassed, avoid locker rooms, compare themselves to others or worry that something is wrong with them.”
“That anxiety can become a bigger issue than the temporary retraction itself,” he added.
And while no physical harm typically comes with it, there are some signs to keep an eye out for.
Any persistent changes in size, new erectile dysfunction, pain, curvature, numbness or urinary symptoms “should be evaluated by a medical professional.”
Overall, men shouldn’t be too worried or anxious if they notice a change in their package as it’s normal, temporary and harmless.
“The biggest point is that flaccid size is extremely variable and often misunderstood,” Bustamante said. “Men should not judge their size or sexual health based on what they see in the gym mirror or locker room after a workout.”
