Why is there a frenulum on the foreskin?

It is usually a normal physiological structure to have a frenulum on the foreskin, called the frenulum. Foreskin frenulum may be caused by congenital development, local inflammation, trauma, Peyronie's disease, short frenulum, etc. It can be treated through daily cleaning, drug treatment, frenuloplasty, frenulum correction, psychological counseling, etc.

1. Congenital development

The foreskin frenulum is the elastic fiber tissue on the ventral side of the male penis that connects the glans to the foreskin and is a normal anatomical structure. This structure is present in most men at birth and has the function of maintaining the retracted position of the foreskin and providing sexual sensitivity. No special treatment is required, just clean it gently every day to avoid tearing caused by pulling hard.

2. Local inflammation

Posthitis or balanitis may cause the frenulum to become red, swollen and painful. Common pathogens include Candida albicans, Streptococcus, etc., which manifest as local burning sensation and increased secretions. You can use clotrimazole cream to fight fungi or erythromycin ointment to fight bacterial infections as directed by your doctor, while keeping the perineum dry.

3. Trauma

Sexual activity or strenuous exercise may cause the frenulum to tear, causing bleeding and severe pain. Minor lacerations can be stopped by compression, while serious breaks require emergency suturing. To avoid erectile stimulation during the recovery period, lidocaine gel can be used for short-term pain relief, and cefaclor dispersible tablets can be taken orally to prevent infection if necessary.

4. Peyronie’s disease

Deposits of fibrous plaque may affect the frenulum, causing erections to be curved and painful. The cause is related to abnormal microtrauma healing, manifested as palpable induration. Injectable collagenase Clostridium histolytica can dissolve plaques, or oral vitamin E soft capsules can help improve fibrosis.

5. The lace is too short

Congenital shortening of the frenulum may limit the exposure of the glans and make it easy to tear during sexual intercourse. Urological examination and evaluation are required before frenulum lengthening surgery is performed. Compound polymyxin B ointment is used to prevent infection after surgery, and low-frequency electrical stimulation is used to promote healing. Psychological intervention can help relieve postoperative anxiety.

Foreskin frenulum problems need to be treated according to the specific cause. You should choose loose cotton underwear to reduce friction every day, and avoid vigorous washing when bathing. If persistent redness, swelling, bleeding, or urination is affected, you should seek medical advice promptly and do not use folk remedies on your own. If a pre-pubescent child has a short frenulum, parents are advised to observe it until development is complete and then evaluate whether surgical correction is needed.