If the skin that connects the head of your penis to the underside of your foreskin is too short, causing pain, discomfort and restricting the movement of your foreskin, you might be dealing with frenulum breve. Here’s what you need to know about the common penile disorder and what you can do about it.
What is frenulum breve?
A frenulum is a thin piece of tissue that connects two bodily structures and we have them in our mouths, digestive systems and genitals. The frenulum of your penis is a band of tissue connecting your foreskin to the underside of your penis, it’s often shaped like a V. It’s also referred to as a frenum or banjo string.
The frenulum should be long enough to allow the foreskin to retract smoothly. Frenulum breve is when the frenulum is too short, causing pain and discomfort when the foreskin is pulled back, usually when you have an erection. It’s usually something you are born with but it can also be caused by tissue damage from infection, inflammation or injury.
What are the signs and symptoms of frenulum breve?
Does frenulum breve cause premature ejaculation?
A short frenulum may contribute to premature ejaculation due to penile tension, altered sensitivity and pain. A small study found 43% of men presenting with premature ejaculation had a short frenulum. Treating frenulum breve may help resolve premature ejaculation but more evidence is needed to be sure.
How common is frenulum breve?
It’s hard to say how common it is to have a short frenulum because its prevalence in a population is not reported. However, research shows around one in 1200 boys in Denmark (where infant circumcision is uncommon) have frenulum breve requiring surgery.
Treatments for a short frenulum
There are a few different treatment options for a short frenulum and these depend on the severity of the condition.
1. Steroid creams and stretching exercises
A doctor or urologist will share instructions on how to stretch your frenulum and this should only be done with a medical professional’s guidance because if it’s not done correctly, damage to the frenulum can make things worse. Applying a steroid cream to the frenulum makes it easier to stretch the skin.
2. Frenuloplasty
Frenuloplasty is a procedure that involves small cuts to the frenulum, before it’s stretched and repaired lengthwise with dissolvable stitches. The procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes.
3. Frenulectomy or frenectomy
A frenulectomy or frenectomy is a procedure to remove the frenulum.
4. Circumcision
Circumcision removes the foreskin and frenulum to prevent painful tightening.
Does frenulum breve go away on its own?
A short frenulum does not go away on its own. However, sometimes your frenulum can tear, usually during sexual activity. Some people refer to a frenulum rupture as snapping your banjo string, and this can bleed and cause pain.
What if my frenulum tears?
If you think you’ve torn your frenulum, wash and bandage the area. Although it’s not a medical emergency, it’s important to see a doctor or urologist about a frenulum tear as it can cause scar tissue to form and create further issues with flexibility.
Can I cut my frenulum breve?
No. Please don’t. Cutting the frenulum on your own may not fix the problem and can even make it worse.
If you’re worried about your frenulum, see a doctor as soon as possible.
