The penile frenulum is a tiny piece of skin that connects the shaft of the penis to the foreskin. When it tears during intercourse, it's called "frenulum breve". This happens when the penis is pulled back too far during thrusting. It may be painful but isn't serious. Most men recover within 24 hours without treatment.
During intercourse, the frenulum pulls tightly against the glans penis. If there is a significant amount of friction, this can cause microtears in the frenulum. As the penis moves in and out of the vagina, the tear gets bigger. Eventually, the frenulum separates from the glans completely and falls off. The risk of infection is low. But if the torn area becomes infected, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Frenulum breve is common in uncircumcised men. About 10% of uncut men have it. However, it can occur in circumcised men as well. Men who are not circumcised before puberty have an increased risk of developing frenulum breve. Circumcision after puberty may help prevent this condition. But there's no evidence that circumcision reduces its severity once it occurs.
Treatment is usually unnecessary. In most cases, the torn tissue will heal on its own within 24-72 hours. Cold packs or anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce swelling. Topical corticosteroids may also be applied to speed up healing. For severe tears, surgery may be required to reattach the frenulum. This involves stitches, local anesthesia, and a brief recovery period.
Prevention methods include using lubricant during sex. Applying petroleum jelly or another moisturizing agent to the frenulum before sexual activity may also help. Avoiding rough or fast thrusting may also reduce friction. Unprotected anal intercourse should be avoided. Oral sex with a partner known to have genital warts increases the risk of transmission.
There is some evidence that wearing a tight-fitting condom may increase the risk of frenulum breve. The condom restricts movement and adds friction. Condoms made from latex or polyurethane seem to be more likely to cause problems than those made from other materials. Wearing a loose-fitting condom or none at all may reduce the risk.
If you experience pain or discomfort during intercourse, see your doctor immediately. Prompt treatment can reduce complications like infection and scarring. You should also avoid having sex until the injury has healed completely. Be patient and gentle during healing periods to prevent further damage.
Frenulum breve is relatively common but often goes unnoticed. It's not usually serious. However, it may require medical attention if there are persistent symptoms or signs of infection. Proper hygiene, safe sex practices, and prompt care are important for prevention and treatment.