Frenulum Breve (Short Frenulum)

Frenulum breve (pronounced “FREN-yuh-luhm brev-AY”) is when your penis frenulum is too short. The frenulum is the skin fold that connects the head of your penis (glans) to the underside of your foreskin. The purpose of the frenulum is to allow your foreskin to draw back over the head of your penis. If the frenulum is too short, it pulls on the foreskin and can cause pain or discomfort.

Another name for frenulum breve is short foreskin.

Symptoms of frenulum breve

The most common signs and symptoms of frenulum breve are:

• Discomfort or pain in your penis, especially when you have an erection
• Pain during masturbation or sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Tearing and bleeding underneath the head of your penis
• Trouble pulling back your foreskin

For some, frenulum breve may also cause you to ejaculate before you want to (premature ejaculation).

Does it affect penis sensation?

No. Your frenulum is very sensitive. Even if it’s shorter than expected, it won’t affect sensation (feelings) in your penis. You actually may be more likely to ejaculate before you want to if you have frenulum breve.

Frenulum breve causes

Most males who have frenulum breve have it at birth (congenital). But sometimes, frenulum breve can happen because of other penile disorders. These include:

• Infections or inflammation that cause the tissue in your frenulum to change
• An injury to your frenulum that doesn’t heal as it should
• A foreskin that’s too tight (phimosis), which may also cause a shorter frenulum

Are there other conditions associated with it?

Yes. Other conditions can cause an uncomfortable tightening of your frenulum. These include:

• Balanitis: This is when an infection or other skin condition causes inflammation in the head of your penis.
• Balanoposthitis: Inflammation affects your foreskin and the head of your penis.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Some STIs can cause balanitis, which may lead to frenulum breve.
• Skin diseases: Some skin diseases that affect your penis can cause inflammation and swelling, which can tighten your frenulum.

How doctors diagnose frenulum breve

Frenulum breve symptoms are obvious. Many people notice discomfort, pain and even bleeding, especially during sexual activity. A healthcare provider can diagnose a short frenulum after reviewing your symptoms and examining your penis.

How is frenulum breve treated?

There are several treatments for a short frenulum. Home treatments may include gentle stretching exercises and steroid creams. If these don’t work, your healthcare provider may recommend surgically removing (excising) the frenulum.

The surgery is an outpatient procedure. “Outpatient” means you can go home the same day as the procedure. You’ll receive anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain.

Should the frenulum be removed?

It depends on how tight your frenulum is. You usually don’t need to remove your frenulum in mild cases. But severe cases may require surgery.

Recovery time

If you need surgery, you’ll likely have slight discomfort or pain in the incision area for two to three days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. With proper incision care, the area should heal in about 10 days in younger children. It may take as long as four to six weeks for adults.

How do I loosen my frenulum?

In milder cases, a healthcare provider may suggest that you gently stretch your frenulum for a few minutes each day. A lubricant or hot shower can help loosen the skin before you stretch.

It’s very important that you only do frenulum stretches under the guidance of a healthcare provider. If you’re not careful, your frenulum can tear.

What if my frenulum tears?

Pulling a short frenulum sometimes causes tearing. When this happens, it can bleed and cause severe pain. If you think you tore your frenulum, you should:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Wash the area with soap and water and apply a clean bandage.
• Keep it clean and avoid having sexual intercourse until it heals.
• See a healthcare provider if it doesn’t heal on its own or shows signs of infection, like discoloration or inflammation.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Talk to a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of frenulum breve. During your appointment, you may wish to ask:

• What can I do at home to reduce my discomfort or pain?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Are there any side effects to your recommended treatment?
• If I need a surgical procedure, what should I expect?
• How will I feel after frenulum breve treatment?
• Will surgery improve premature ejaculation?
• How often should I schedule check-ups?

What can I expect if I have frenulum breve?

With a proper diagnosis and treatment, the outlook for frenulum breve is good. Surgical procedures are routine. They also have a high success rate.

When can I resume sexual intercourse?

After surgery, recovery may take four to six weeks. Avoid all sexual activity, including masturbation, during that time to allow the area to heal. This also helps prevent infections.

Can frenulum breve be prevented?

You can’t prevent all causes of frenulum breve. But circumcision at birth prevents the risk.

Taking proper care of your penis can also help prevent an injury that can lead to it:

• Clean your penis regularly, including washing under your foreskin and making sure it’s dry.
• Practice safe sex to help reduce your risk of STIs.
• Wear an athletic cup and jock strap during contact sports.

Can I cut my frenulum at home?

No. Don’t attempt to cut your frenulum at home. It may not fix the problem. It can even make it worse. Any scar tissue that forms can keep the frenulum short and tight. If you have problems with your frenulum, talk to a healthcare provider.

What is the difference between frenulum breve and phimosis?

Frenulum breve and phimosis are both penis conditions that share common symptoms. Phimosis is when your foreskin is too tight to pull back. But it doesn’t involve a short frenulum.