Penis Frenulum

The frenulum of your penis is a thin, delicate ridge of tissue on your penis. It’s located where your foreskin meets the underside of the head of your penis. Your foreskin usually covers the frenulum, so it’s harder to see. If you have a circumcised penis, the frenulum is easier to see because the foreskin isn’t there. It may look like the letter “V.”

Other names for the penis frenulum include:

• Banjo string
• Frenulum of the penis
• Frenum
• Penile frenulum and frenum

“Frenum” means “bridle” in Latin. “Frenulum” means “little bridle.”

What is the main function of the frenulum?

The main purpose of the frenulum is to help pull the foreskin over the head of your penis. It also helps you pull foreskin back when you have an erection. Without a frenulum, it would be difficult or painful to move your foreskin.

Does it feel good for men?

Yes. The frenulum contains a lot of nerve endings. It’s one of the most sensitive parts of your penis. Light touch and stimulation feel very good and can cause sexual arousal. Some men can orgasm from frenulum stimulation.

Even if a healthcare provider removes your frenulum, the area may still be sensitive.

What does the penis frenulum look like?

In most males, the penile frenulum is on the underside of the penis — the side closest to the scrotum. It looks like a bridge of tissue that connects your foreskin to the head of your penis. It consists of mucous membrane (mucosa) and tough collagen fibers (fibrous connective tissue). The frenulum is the same color as the rest of your penis.

What are the common conditions and disorders that affect the penile frenulum?

Conditions that can affect the frenulum of your penis include:

• Frenulum breve: This is when your penile frenulum is too short. A short frenulum is at greater risk of tearing and bleeding. Vigorous sexual activity increases the risk. A short frenulum can also cause painful sexual intercourse.
• Frenular chordee: A short penis frenulum may also cause the head of your penis to bend down. Another name for this is congenital penile curvature.
• Premature ejaculation: Researchers think a short frenulum may cause you to ejaculate before you want to. A surgical procedure may help.
• Scarring: Scar tissue may develop if your frenulum tears a lot.
• Hypospadias: The hole where pee exits your body (urethral meatus) isn’t at the tip of your penis. Hypospadias is often associated with a missing frenulum.

Symptoms something isn’t working right

Signs that something may be wrong with your penile frenulum include:

• Bleeding
• Pain, especially when you get an erection or while having sex
• Tearing
• The head of your penis pointing downward
• Trouble pulling back your foreskin

What happens if you snap it?

If snapping or tearing your penis frenulum causes light bleeding, you should:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Rinse the area with soap and water.
3. Gently pat your penis dry with a clean towel.
4. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) or skin care ointment (Aquaphor®) to the area.
5. Apply a clean bandage or gauze over the affected area.

If a snap causes heavy bleeding that you can’t stop, go to the nearest ER.

Snapping or tearing your penis frenulum can happen during sexual activity, including masturbation. But other causes may include:

• Playing contact sports, including baseball, hockey, martial arts and football
• Riding a bicycle
• Wearing tight or uncomfortable underwear or pants

How should I care for my penis frenulum?

Keeping your penis clean and dry is good for your frenulum and overall health. Make sure you wear clean underwear and clothing.

It’s also important to know what your penis typically looks and feels like. Starting around puberty, you should check it at least once a month. Look for:

• Blisters
• Bruising
• Cheesy-looking buildup (smegma)
• Discharge from the tip
• Discoloration
• Firm or tender areas
• Lumps

If you notice any changes, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.

Why do men cut theirs?

Males may have a healthcare provider cut (excise) their frenulum if:

• It’s too short and causes pain.
• It tears a lot.
• The head of your penis curves downward.
• Scar tissue has developed.

If you don’t have any problems with your frenulum, there’s no reason to remove it. Removing the frenulum doesn’t increase the size of your penis. But it can improve comfort and sexual function.

Removal is usually an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. A provider (usually a urologist) may perform this procedure in their office. Or they may recommend an outpatient surgery center.

Before excision, your provider may first recommend gentle stretching exercises or steroid creams. These can help slowly stretch your frenulum over time. It’s very important that you only do frenulum stretches with the guidance of a healthcare provider. If you’re not careful, you can tear your frenulum.

Is it normal to have a frenulum of the penis?

Yes, it’s normal to have a penile frenulum. But if it causes problems, it’s OK to get it removed. If you have a circumcised penis, you may only have a partial frenulum or no frenulum at all.