Vitamin D and ED: Can You Sun Tan Your Shaft?

Perhaps the worst thing about the winter months is the sun setting at 3 p.m. and the seasonal depression setting in. With less time outside, we’ve kissed our sun-kissed skin goodbye and might be dealing with vitamin D deficiency —which, by the way, affects more than just your mood. But could it also be impacting your male sexual health? Is there a connection between vitamin D and ED (erectile dysfunction)? Should you be tanning your testes? Let’s talk about it!

If your schlong stays soft, you might need a little sun. Research suggests that erectile dysfunction (ED) may be linked to vitamin D deficiency. One study found that men with ED had significantly lower levels of vitamin D than those without. While this doesn’t mean that more sun will magically turn you into a Greek god in the bedroom, it does raise an interesting question: Can vitamin D impact sexual performance?

While sun exposure benefits include natural vitamin D production, it’s not always enough—especially if you live somewhere that sees more rain than rays. And before you start stripping down for a full-body tan, let’s get real: tanning your shaft won’t do much. Your penis only makes up about 1% of your body’s surface area, so it’s not exactly a vitamin D factory.

That’s where vitamin D supplementation comes in. Taking a high-quality men’s health supplement with vitamin D can help fill the gaps in your diet and may support testosterone levels, which play a big role in libido and erections.

Should you still want to catch a tan sans bathing suit (because who likes tan lines?), use SPF. The skin on your penis and scrotum is thin and sensitive, making it prone to sunburn. Apply sunscreen like you would anywhere else—but be careful with your bell end (aka the head of your penis). Getting sunscreen in your urethra? Not fun.

While we’re all for getting a healthy dose of D, excessive sun exposure comes with risks. UV rays can damage your skin, and while your penis isn’t more susceptible to skin cancer than other parts of your body, skin cancer removal down there sounds like a nightmare. Plus, too much sun exposure has been linked to lower testosterone levels, which isn’t exactly great for libido enhancement.

So, how do you even know if you're vitamin D deficient? Some common symptoms include muscle and bone pain, tingling “pins and needles” in the hands and feet, and even muscle twitches or tremors. But the best way to know for sure? A simple blood test through your primary care provider. Routine blood work gives you a snapshot of your body’s health—like a progress report, but for your insides. It helps you spot deficiencies before they become bigger issues. If your vitamin D levels are running low, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to get them back on track.

So what have we learned? While getting enough vitamin D is crucial for male sexual health, sunning your shaft isn’t the answer. Vitamin D supplementation, a healthy diet, and proper lifestyle habits are your best bets for supporting testosterone levels, penile health, and overall libido enhancement. If you’re looking for ways to boost your performance, check out Popstar Volume + Taste Supplement.