Penis Frenulum (Human Anatomy): Image, Functions, Diseases and Treatments

The frenulum of the penis, also known as the frenulum of prepuce of penis or simply the frenulum, is a small, thin fold of skin located on the underside of the penis. It connects the foreskin (prepuce) to the underside of the glans, or head of the penis.

The frenulum is an important part of the male anatomy because it helps to stabilise the movement of the foreskin and keep it in place. It also contains a number of nerve endings, which can contribute to sexual pleasure during sexual activity.

The frenulum of the penis has other names, including frenum and 'banjo string.'

• The penile frenulum, also known as the frenulum of the penis, is a small, thin fold of skin located on the underside of the penis.
• Imagine that you have a little rubber band stretched across the bottom of a banana. The frenulum is like that rubber band, connecting the skin (foreskin) to the head of the banana (glans).
• The frenulum is an important part of the male anatomy because it helps to stabilise the movement of the foreskin and keep it in place. It also contains a number of nerve endings, which can contribute to sexual pleasure during sexual activity.
• So, to sum it up, the frenulum is a small, sensitive structure on the underside of the penis that helps to keep the foreskin in place and contributes to sexual pleasure. It is located between the glans and the foreskin.

• During sexual activity, the frenulum may be stimulated, which can contribute to sexual arousal and pleasure. In addition, the frenulum plays a role in facilitating sexual intercourse by helping to keep the foreskin in place and allowing it to move smoothly over the glans.
• While the frenulum is not directly involved in reproduction, it can play a role in sexual pleasure and in the overall sexual experience.
• Overall, the frenulum of the penis is a small, sensitive structure that helps to stabilize the foreskin and contributes to sexual pleasure. It is an important part of the male anatomy that helps to facilitate sexual activity and contribute to overall sexual health and wellbeing.

• Frenulum breve: This is a condition in which the frenulum, a small band of tissue connecting the foreskin to the underside of the penis, is shorter than normal. This can result in tearing and bleeding during sexual activity, as well as difficulty maintaining cleanliness in the area under the foreskin. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to lengthen or remove the frenulum.
• Scarring: If the frenulum is frequently torn, it may form scar tissue.
• Frenular chordee: This condition occurs when a short frenulum causes the head of the penis to bend downward.
• Dyspareunia: This is a condition characterized by pain during sexual intercourse.
• Hypospadias: This condition involves the urethral meatus, the opening through which urine is expelled, not being located in its usual position. This condition is often associated with a missing frenulum.
• Premature ejaculation: Researchers are examining the possibility that a short frenulum may contribute to premature ejaculation and whether surgical intervention may be beneficial in addressing this issue.
• Balanitis: Symptoms of this condition include redness on the penis, pain, and looseness of the tissue. It is often caused by an infection leading to inflammation of the glans penis.
• Balanoposthitis: This is a type of balanitis that affects the foreskin of an uncircumcised man.
• Phimosis: This condition is caused by an infection that prevents the foreskin from retracting to reveal the glans penis.
• Anorgasmia: This condition refers to a man being unable to achieve orgasm despite attempts at stimulation.

There are a few common signs and symptoms of conditions that can affect the frenulum of the penis, including:

• Pain or discomfort during sexual activity or erection: If the frenulum is too short or tight, it can cause discomfort or pain during sexual activity or during an erection.
• Bleeding or tearing of the frenulum: If the frenulum is too short or tight, it can tear or bleed during sexual activity or during an erection.
• If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can assess your specific condition and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

• Nocturnal Penile Tumescence Testing ( Erection Testing): Nocturnal penile tumescence testing, also known as erection testing, is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
• Physical examination: measures of penile circumference, penile length, and the number and location of erections
• Testicular Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to view structures in your body. It can be used to detect problems with your reproductive organs, including a short frenulum.

• Stretching exercises: Your healthcare provider may suggest stretching exercises to gently lengthen the frenulum, although this may not be as effective as with other tissues.
• Frenuloplasty or frenular reconstruction: These surgical procedures involve lengthening the frenulum and adding a small amount of length to the penis. If these procedures are not successful in resolving the issue, circumcision may be recommended.
• Frenulectomy: This surgery involves removing the frenulum from the penis.
• Circumcision: This surgery removes the foreskin from the penis.
• Pull and burn method: This is a non-invasive treatment for short frenulum conditions that involves using heat to stretch the frenulum. This can help resolve the problem and improve sexual function.

• Steroids for reducing inflammation of the penis frenulum: While there is no cure for conditions affecting the penile frenulum, treatments can help improve symptoms.
• Analgesics for pain in the penis frenulum: Chlorpheniramine-PE-Codeine is a commonly used medication to reduce pain in the penis frenulum.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: The medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help reduce inflammation and pain. Muscle relaxants like diazepam (Valium) can also be helpful in relieving stiffness and pain.
• Antibiotics for infection in the penis frenulum: Some antibiotics that may be used to treat infections of the penis include TMP-SMX, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin (Zithromax), doxycycline combined with ceftriaxone (Rocephin), or cefixime (Suprax).
• Nutritional supplements for reducing pain in the penis frenulum: Ginkgo biloba, Ashwagandha, and turmeric are all natural supplements that have been used to treat various medical issues. Ginkgo biloba is known to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, while Ashwagandha is known to support overall nerve health and reduce inflammation.

Here are some tips for caring for the frenulum:

• Wash the area regularly: Clean the frenulum and surrounding area with warm water and gentle soap.
• Dry the area thoroughly: After washing, make sure to dry the area completely to prevent moisture from accumulating and promoting the growth of bacteria.
• Use lubricant during sexual activity: If you experience pain or discomfort during sexual activity, try using a water-based lubricant to reduce friction and irritation.
• Avoid rough or aggressive sexual activity: Be gentle when engaging in sexual activity to avoid tearing or damaging the frenulum.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands before and after touching the frenulum to prevent the spread of bacteria or infection.

If you experience any pain, swelling, or redness in the frenulum or surrounding area, or if you notice any unusual discharge, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.