Treatment for a Short Frenulum

The frenulum, also known as the frenulum breve, is a thin but inelastic band of tissue located on the underside of the penis, connecting the glans to the shaft. If this band is too short or tight, it can cause pain and discomfort during erection and sexual activity, leading to bleeding and microtraumas. This condition is called frenulum breve. It can occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised men and often results in significant sexual discomfort, making treatment essential in most cases.

Why is treatment for a short frenulum recommended?

A short frenulum can cause pain and bleeding and may also contribute to premature ejaculation, a sexual dysfunction experienced by many men. In such cases, surgical treatment of the short frenulum, such as a frenulectomy or frenuloplasty, offers a long-term solution. These procedures improve the mobility of the penile skin, relieve pain, and enhance sexual pleasure.

What are frenulectomy and frenuloplasty?

Frenulectomy and frenuloplasty are surgical procedures aimed at relieving the tension and restriction caused by a short frenulum. During a frenulectomy, the tight band is partially or completely removed, increasing skin mobility and eliminating pain. In frenuloplasty, the frenulum is incised and extended to increase flexibility, preserving its fundamental function but removing restrictions. The procedures are usually performed under local anesthesia and take only 15-20 minutes. Patients can quickly resume daily activities, as recovery time is short and complications are rare.

What issues does a short frenulum cause?

A short frenulum can cause several problems in daily life, particularly in sexual activities, including:

• Pain: A tight frenulum restricts skin movement during an erection, causing pain, especially during sexual intercourse.
• Bleeding: The short frenulum can tear easily with vigorous movement, leading to microtraumas and bleeding.
• Premature ejaculation: Tightness in the frenulum can increase sensitivity, leading to premature ejaculation.
• Erection issues: Continuous pain and the fear of further injury can lead to problems with maintaining an erection.

Who should consider a frenulectomy or frenuloplasty?

Frenulectomy or frenuloplasty is recommended for men who experience significant pain, bleeding, or sexual dysfunction due to frenulum breve. Those who experience frequent pain during sexual activity or erection and have difficulties due to a short frenulum should consult a doctor to discuss treatment options.

The frenulectomy process

During a frenulectomy, the doctor makes a small incision in the frenulum tissue to relieve tightness. The goal of the procedure is to allow free movement of the penile skin, preventing painful tension during erection. The procedure may be complemented by circumcision or autologous fat grafting. It is performed under local anesthesia, resulting in minimal discomfort for the patient. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures, making recovery quick and effective.

Benefits of frenulectomy

Frenulectomy and frenuloplasty offer several advantages for those experiencing pain due to a short frenulum:

• Pain relief: After the procedure, the frenulum’s tightness is alleviated, significantly reducing pain during sexual activity and erection.
• Reduced sexual discomfort: Tearing of the frenulum and the resulting bleeding are eliminated, enhancing sexual pleasure.
• Improved sexual function: With the pain gone, sexual activity becomes more enjoyable, and self-confidence may also improve.
• Simple and quick procedure: The procedure is quick to perform, and recovery is brief.

What happens during a frenuloplasty?

Frenuloplasty is similar to frenulectomy but focuses on lengthening the frenulum. The doctor makes an incision in the short band and extends it with sutures to increase skin flexibility. This procedure is ideal for those who wish to keep the foreskin but want to eliminate issues caused by a tight frenulum.

Post-procedure care

After a frenulectomy or frenuloplasty, the following steps aid in recovery:

• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Avoid bathing and swimming for the first 10 days.
• Protect the wound from excessive movement and wear snug underwear for stability.
• Apply petroleum jelly around the wound to prevent dryness.
• Refrain from sexual activity for 4-6 weeks until the wound is fully healed.

Risks and complications

Although frenulectomy and frenuloplasty are generally safe, minor complications may include:

• Swelling and bruising around the wound.
• Mild bleeding that can be managed with pressure.
• Rare cases of infection, which may require antibiotics.
• Scarring or improper wound healing may necessitate additional intervention.