The information in the article is provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms of a disease appear, you should consult a doctor.

Contents:

  1. When is surgery needed for a short frenulum?
  2. How is a short frenulum diagnosed?
  3. How to prepare for surgery?
  4. How is surgery to correct a short frenulum performed?
  5. How does recovery after surgery take place?
  6. Contraindications to surgery
  7. Advantages of short frenulum plasty at “Oxford Medical”
  8. Frequently asked questions

The frenulum is a small area of skin that connects the foreskin with the glans penis. At rest it is responsible for covering it, and during erection it determines the shape and position of the penis.

Signs that the frenulum is too short are:

  • discomfort, a feeling of tension during erection;

  • pain during sexual intercourse;

  • deviation of the glans penis downward by 20 degrees or more;

  • incomplete exposure of the glans;

  • microtears of the skin;

  • premature ejaculation;

  • erectile dysfunction.

Most often the problem of a short frenulum is detected in boys during puberty, and ideally it is at this time that treatment should be carried out. A short frenulum is an anatomical feature, but the problem can also be triggered by balanoposthitis, groin injuries, and wearing tight, uncomfortable underwear.

When is surgery needed for a short frenulum?

Surgery is the only way to correct a short frenulum. It is recommended for all men who have this feature.

The main indications for surgical treatment are:

  • severe tension of the frenulum during erection;

  • discomfort when exposing the glans;

  • pain during sexual intercourse;

  • bending of the penis downward;

  • rupture of the frenulum.

With a short frenulum, a man cannot lead a full sexual life. During sex, the glans does not fully expose, which provokes pain and a high risk of rupture. In the latter case, severe bleeding occurs, and hospitalization may be required to stop it. After healing, a scar remains on the frenulum, which leads to even greater tension and worsening of symptoms.

How is a short frenulum diagnosed?

According to statistics, about 7% of men face the problem of a short frenulum. In most, it is congenital but is not diagnosed in childhood. Usually, the anatomical feature is detected during puberty.

Many boys experience discomfort during erection and pain during their first intimate relationships. This can form a negative attitude toward sex and psychological problems. Therefore, to detect the disorder in a timely manner and avoid complications, adolescents are advised to undergo preventive examinations by a doctor.

If symptoms of a short frenulum are present, you should consult a urologist or an andrologist. These doctors have similar specializations, but urologists deal with the genitourinary system as a whole, while andrologists specialize specifically in men’s health issues.

Specialists at “Oxford Medical” report that an experienced doctor can diagnose a short frenulum during a standard examination. Signs of the disorder are incomplete exposure of the glans, its deviation by more than 20 degrees, severe tension of the frenulum, as well as the patient’s complaints of pain and discomfort.
Additional studies are not required to establish such a diagnosis, but for preventive purposes the doctor may prescribe urethral smear tests.

How to prepare for surgery?

Before scheduling surgery, you need to consult a urologist or an andrologist. During the examination, the doctor will assess the condition of the frenulum and explain how to prepare for plasty.

The operation itself is considered simple, but local anesthesia or general anesthesia is used for pain relief, each of which has a number of contraindications. To exclude them and reduce the risk of complications, an examination is necessary.

Before surgery under local anesthesia, a man may be prescribed:

  • general urinalysis;

  • urethral smear analysis for microflora;

  • blood tests for common infections (HIV, hepatitis, etc.);

  • blood coagulation test.

General anesthesia for short frenulum plasty is performed quite rarely. It is usually recommended for more complex interventions.

To prepare for general anesthesia, the following are additionally performed:

  • ultrasound of the genitourinary system;

  • electrocardiogram (ECG);

  • fluorography (results valid for up to 1 year);

  • biochemical blood test.

You should also consult the anesthesiologist who will perform the anesthesia, and, if chronic diseases are present, the relevant specialists.

Before surgery it is recommended to follow these rules:

  • 7–14 days beforehand, discontinue drugs that affect blood clotting, including aspirin and other NSAIDs (as agreed with the doctor);

  • 14 days beforehand, quit smoking or limit it as much as possible;

  • 7 days beforehand, refrain from alcohol;

  • 7 days beforehand, exclude or reduce the consumption of fatty and spicy foods.

Immediately before plasty you need to:

  • not eat for 6 hours;

  • not drink for 2 hours;

  • perform personal hygiene and shave the hair in the genital area.

How is surgery to correct a short frenulum performed?

To correct a short frenulum, a plastic surgery called frenulotomy is performed. It involves a straight–transverse incision of the tissues followed by longitudinal suturing. This makes it possible to significantly increase the length of the frenulum and hide the small scar from the surgical intervention.

Most often the operation is performed under local anesthesia in a day-hospital setting. The manipulation lasts from 15 to 30 minutes, and the stay in the clinic does not exceed a few hours. If general anesthesia is used, short-term hospitalization may be required.

How does recovery after surgery take place?

The rehabilitation period averages 2–3 weeks. During this time patients are advised to follow these rules:

  • maintain sexual rest;

  • refrain from visiting pools, saunas, and open bodies of water;

  • do not consume alcohol;

  • monitor intimate hygiene in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.

In addition, the doctor may give individual prescriptions, on the implementation of which the successful healing of the frenulum depends.

Short frenulum plasty is easily tolerated by most men. Complications after it are rare, but in order to notice them in time and prevent worsening, you need to carefully monitor your health.

If the following symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor:

  • increased pain;

  • suture rupture;

  • bleeding;

  • pus discharge from the wound;

  • severe redness;

  • swelling;

  • fever.

Contraindications to surgery

Correction of a short frenulum is performed by a simple plastic surgery, but its simplicity does not exclude the presence of contraindications. The main ones are:

  • blood clotting disorders;

  • renal or hepatic failure;

  • severe cardiovascular diseases;

  • malignant tumors;

  • certain diseases of the genitourinary system;

  • skin tears on the penis;

  • exacerbation of chronic diseases;

  • colds, flu, and other acute illnesses.

Most contraindications are relative, that is, the operation can be performed after improvement or stabilization of the patient’s health.

Advantages of short frenulum plasty at “Oxford Medical”

At “Oxford Medical,” surgical treatment is carried out in a modern high-tech surgical inpatient unit. The operating rooms are equipped with new, expert-class equipment from recent years of manufacture. Thanks to this, as well as the involvement of highly qualified urological surgeons, each patient receives medical care at the highest level.

The advantages of correcting a short frenulum at “Oxford Medical” are:

  • performing the operation without hospitalization;

  • sampling of tests and preoperative examinations in one clinic;

  • high professionalism of surgeons and urologists;

  • use of modern equipment;

  • safety of the procedure and an aesthetic result;

  • complete confidentiality;

  • high level of service.

To make an appointment with a urologist or obtain additional information, call our contact center or write in the chat on the website.

Frequently asked questions:

At what age is it better to perform the surgery?

In childhood, a short frenulum is not diagnosed. As a rule, boys notice the problem during puberty. It is also desirable to perform the operation at this time, since with the start of sexual activity the risk of its rupture increases.

How is a short penile frenulum treated?

Treatment of a short frenulum is carried out by surgical method. The problem can be solved with a simple plastic surgery that is performed under local anesthesia and does not require hospitalization. Conservative methods in this case are ineffective.

How long does recovery after surgery last?

On average, the rehabilitation period is 2–3 weeks. After this, you should undergo a follow-up examination by a urologist.

How does a short frenulum affect intimate life?

With a short frenulum, it is difficult for a man to lead a full sexual life. It can cause curvature of the penis, impaired sensitivity, and premature ejaculation. During sex, pain and rupture of the frenulum may occur, accompanied by profuse bleeding and requiring urgent hospitalization.