Frenulum breve - short frenulum

Understanding Frenulum Breve: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Frenulum breve is a condition that affects men, causing discomfort and potential challenges in their sexual activities. This blog will discuss what frenulum breve is, explore its causes, identify symptoms, and discuss available treatment options.

What is Frenulum Breve?

The frenulum is a small band of tissue located on the underside of the penis, connecting the glans to the foreskin. In individuals with frenulum breve, this band is shorter than usual, restricting the movement of the foreskin. This condition can lead to pain, tearing, and difficulty retracting the foreskin during activities such as sexual intercourse or masturbation.

Causes

Frenulum breve can be caused by various factors, including congenital conditions where the frenulum is naturally shorter than average. Additionally, trauma, injury or scaring (BXO) to the genital area may contribute to the development of frenulum breve. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of frenulum breve include pain during sexual activity, difficulty retracting the foreskin and tearing of the frenulum. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice to diagnose the condition and explore suitable treatment options properly.

Treatment Options

1. Topical Steroids: In some cases, topical steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and promote frenulum stretching. This conservative approach is often recommended initially.

2. Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises may be suggested to elongate the frenulum gradually. It's essential to follow medical guidance to avoid injury and ensure the effectiveness of these exercises.

3. Frenuloplasty: In more severe cases, a surgical procedure known as frenuloplasty may be recommended. This involves making a small incision in the frenulum to release tension with stitches and sealing it with glue, allowing for increased mobility.

4. Circumcision: In cases with tight foreskin or when other treatments are unsuccessful, circumcision – the surgical removal of the foreskin – may be considered as a last resort. However, this is a significant decision that should be thoroughly discussed with our urologist.

Conclusion

Frenulum breve is a condition that can impact the quality of life for affected individuals. Seeking medical advice is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of the condition. With various treatment options available, individuals experiencing symptoms of frenulum breve can find relief and regain comfort in intimate situations. Always consult an experienced consultant urologist for personalised advice tailored to your problem.

Please call us to discuss about tight frenulum

Free advice for tight foreskin and tight frenulum

Phimosis is a term used for tight foreskin. Phimosis is when you cannot pull the foreskin back to see the tip of the penis. In some cases, the skin may fold back when the penis is relaxed but is unable to withdraw when the penis is erect. When the foreskin is tight, there is minor trauma to the foreskin during each erection and sexual activity. This generates to loss of elastic fibres due to scarring. In adults, sexually transmitted infections or other infections such as balanitis can be associated with phimosis.

Adult Circumcision is an operation that matches men’s cosmetic and functional requirements. Tightness of the foreskin can be due to BXO or Lichen Sclerosis.

Frenulectomy of penis

Minor Tears at the Penile Frenulum Can Cause Pain and Bleeding During Sex.

What should you do if your penis frenulum is torn?

The penile frenulum, often referred to as the "banjo string," plays a crucial role in male anatomy by connecting the foreskin to the head of the penis. When this small piece of skin is too short, it can lead to a condition known as frenulum breve, causing discomfort during erection and sexual activities.

Adults feel pain during sex due to several reasons.  Some men have recurrent pain during sex. This may be due to a short or tight frenulum or a tear to the frenulum.   However, pain can occur due to other reasons as well. 

What is Frenulum Breve?

 Frenulum breve occurs when the penile frenulum is too tight. This small band of skin can cause pain, tears, bleeding, and scarring during sexual activities, making it a concern for many adolescents and men. In some cases, frenulum breve is associated with a skin condition called Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO), which can result in more severe scarring.

 Understanding the Stages of the penile frenulum

1. Tight/Short Frenulum without Tear or Scar:

   - Mild cases with no visible issues.

   - Lubricants during sex can help prevent problems.

2. Torn Frenulum with Healing:

   - Tear and healing occur, but no lasting scar.

   - Considerable discomfort during this stage.

3. Visible Frenulum Scarring with or without BXO:

   - Scar tissue becomes visible.

   - Associated with a skin condition (BXO) in some cases.

4. Complete Scarring of BXO Beyond the Frenulum:

   - Severe scarring extends beyond the frenulum.

   - Can result in significant complications.

Treatment Options

1. Observation:

   - For mild cases, no specific treatment.

   - Using a lubricant during sex can help avoid problems.

2. Steroids Cream:

   - In the early stages of scarring, applying a steroid cream can be effective.

3. Penile Frenuloplasty or frenulectomy:

   - A procedure to release the tight frenulum.

   - Dissolvable stitches used for healing.

   - Loose bandage applied for a day or two.

4. Circumcision:

   - Removal of the foreskin, suitable for more severe cases.

Frenuloplasty or frenulectomy of the penis or release or division of frenulum breve can be cured the pain during sex. Frenulectomy, is simply a foreskin-releasing procedure. An incision is made on the frenulum or excised the ridge underneath the surface, thus allowing full retraction. This will allow you to retain your foreskin but at the same time be able to keep the area underneath clean. 

Frenulectomy and circumcision can be done at the same time. Sometimes, adults preferred frenulum removal during the circumcision. 

Frenulectomy is the first-line treatment in these cases in which pain or tear to the frenulum is the main complaint. 

The benefit is that he retains his foreskin. Frenuloplasty helps to get rid of most of the bending of the penis.

What Happens During Frenuloplasty or Frenulectomy

- Done under local or general anaesthesia.

- The frenulum is cut and stitched in a way that lengthens it.

- Wound is sealed with glue

- Dissolvable stitches are used, and a bandage is applied temporarily.

Risks and After-Effects:

- Expect swelling and bruising, which can last a few weeks.

- Minimal bleeding, usually manageable with pressure.

- Infection is a rare complication treated with antibiotics.

- Changes in sensation over the penis head may occur.

- Some tenderness at the scar site.

- 5-10% chance of foreskin tightness recurrence.

Taking Care After the Procedure:

- Swelling and bruising may persist for a few days.

- Stitches dissolve in 3-4 weeks.

- Painkillers can help with discomfort.

- Keep the area dry. Avoid baths for 10 days.

- No swimming or intense exercise for two weeks.

- Maintain wound hygiene after urination.

- Apply Vaseline to the penis tip.

- Wear tight underwear for a couple of days.

- Start withdrawing the foreskin daily after 4 days.

- Sexual abstinence for 4-6 weeks.

Dr. Khan and Our Consultant Urologists, who are fully trained and most experienced in frenuloplasty or frenulectomy (removal of frenulum), will give you professional advice on whether this frenulum removal suits you.