As a person with a penis, you would be forgiven for thinking everything “down there” is fine if your penis hasn’t shown any physical changes or been generally uncomfortable. However, according to Dr Babak Ashrafi, GP at Superdrug Online Doctor, you can actually tell a lot about your physical health just from examining your penis. He shares: “Your penis is one of the few parts of the body that relies on healthy blood vessels, healthy nerves, balanced hormones and good psychological wellbeing all working together. “If something changes, it doesn’t always mean there’s a serious problem, but it can sometimes be the body’s way of flagging that something else deserves attention.” What a neat little system. What your penis can teach you about your health Erectile dysfunction According to The Urology Foundation, erectile dysfunction (ED) affects around 4.3 million men in the UK and is very common in men over the age of 40. “Many men think of erectile dysfunction as a condition in itself, but it’s often a symptom rather than the underlying cause,” says Dr Babak Ashrafi. “An erection relies on healthy blood vessels, nerves, hormones and psychological wellbeing all working together. If something is disrupting one of those systems, the penis can sometimes be one of the first places it becomes noticeable.” Dr Ashrafi adds that persistent erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early warning sign of wider health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. High blood pressure Often referred to as a ‘silent killer’, high blood pressure unfortunately rarely causes obvious symptoms. However, it can damage blood vessels throughout the body over time. Dr Ashrafi says: “If blood vessels begin to narrow or lose their elasticity because of high blood pressure, some men may notice changes to their erections before they experience any other symptoms. That’s why persistent changes shouldn’t simply be put down to age.” Diabetes Diabetes impacts more than just blood sugar. It can also damage nerves and blood vessels which are essential for healthy sexual function. Ashrafi urges: “For some men, changes in erections are one of the first things that prompts them to seek medical advice. “If these changes are accompanied by increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision or unexplained fatigue, diabetes is one of the conditions we would want to rule out.” Early diagnosis can also reduce the risk of complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. High cholesterol High cholesterol often develops silently, but over time it can reduce blood flow by causing fatty deposits to build up inside arteries. “Because the arteries supplying the penis are particularly narrow, they may be affected earlier than larger arteries elsewhere in the body,” says Dr Babak Ashrafi. “For some men, changes in erectile function can be an early clue that it’s time to have their cholesterol checked.” Low testosterone Changes aren’t always related to blood flow, Dr Ashrafi explains. “If you’re experiencing a reduced sex drive alongside persistent tiredness, low mood, reduced muscle strength or fewer spontaneous erections, hormones could be playing a role, “Low testosterone can affect both sexual desire and sexual function, so it’s important to look at the wider picture rather than focusing on one symptom alone.” Insomnia A poor night’s sleep could be affecting more than just your energy levels, particularly if it’s happening often. “Sleep plays an important role in hormone production, cardiovascular health and sexual function,” says Dr Ashrafi. “If someone notices changes in their erections alongside loud snoring, excessive daytime tiredness or poor quality sleep, it may be worth investigating whether an underlying sleep disorder could be contributing.” Improving sleep can have benefits for overall health as well as sexual wellbeing. If you are concerned about your health, speak to your GP. Related... The 11 Best Male Masturbators You Should Know About Right Now Study Reveals Why Penises In Old Paintings Are So Small Men Are Reporting 'Ozempic Penis' – But Experts Say It’s Not What They Think