A short penis frenulum, scientifically known as a short balano-preputial frenulum, occurs when the piece of skin that connects the foreskin to the glans is shorter than normal, creating a lot of tension when pulling the skin back or during an erection. This means that the brake may end up breaking during more vigorous activities, such as intimate contact, resulting in intense pain and bleeding.
Since this problem does not improve on its own over time, it is advisable to consult a urologist to evaluate the foreskin and undergo surgery, known as frenuloplasty, where the frenulum is cut in order to release the skin and reduce tension during erection.
Check out what to do if your brake breaks.
How to know if the brake is short
In most cases, it is easy to identify whether the frenulum is shorter than normal, as it is not possible to completely pull the skin over the glans without feeling slight pressure on the frenulum. However, other signs that may indicate this problem include:
- Pain or discomfort that interferes with intimate contact;
- Head of the penis bends downward when the skin is pulled back;
- Glans skin cannot be pulled back completely.
This problem can often be confused with phimosis, however, in phimosis, it is generally not possible to observe complete frenulum. Therefore, in cases of short frenulum it may not be possible to pull all the foreskin skin back, but normally it is possible to see the entire frenulum. Find out more about how to identify phimosis.
However, if there is a suspicion of a short penis frenulum or phimosis, it is recommended to consult a urologist to begin appropriate treatment, especially before starting an active sexual life, as this can prevent discomfort.
How to treat short frenulum
Treatment for short penis frenulum should always be guided by a urologist, as depending on the degree of tension caused by the frenulum, different techniques can be used, such as ointments with betamethasone or skin stretching exercises. However, the form of treatment used in almost all cases is surgery to cut the brake and reduce tension.
How is the surgery done
Surgery for a short penis frenulum, also known as frenuloplasty, is a very simple and quick form of treatment that can be performed in a urologist or plastic surgeon’s office, using only local anesthesia. Normally, the technique takes around 30 minutes and the man can return home immediately after surgery.
After surgery, there is good healing normally within about 2 weeks, and it is recommended, during the same period, to avoid having sexual intercourse and entering swimming pools or the sea to facilitate healing and avoid local infections.
