What to do if the foreskin frenulum is too short

A short foreskin frenulum can be improved by adjusting living habits, topical medication, and surgical treatment. A short foreskin frenulum may be related to congenital developmental abnormalities, local inflammatory stimulation, trauma and other factors. It usually presents with symptoms such as erection pain, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and frenulum tears.

1. Adjust living habits

You need to avoid excessive pulling on the foreskin frenulum in daily life, and move gently during sexual intercourse to reduce friction. Choose loose and breathable cotton underwear, keep the perineum clean and dry, and wash the head of the penis and frenulum area with warm water every day. If you have a masturbation habit, you need to reduce the frequency and avoid violent stimulation of the frenulum area.

2. Topical application

When inflammation occurs, you can apply antibiotic ointments such as erythromycin ointment and mupirocin ointment to the affected area as directed by your doctor. If there is significant pain, local anesthesia with lidocaine gel can be applied for a short period of time. During medication, it is necessary to observe whether there is any skin allergic reaction and avoid the drug coming into contact with the urethral opening.

3. Frenuloplasty

For patients with repeated tears or severe impact on sexual function, frenulum lengthening surgery may be considered. The short frenulum is released through a Z-shaped or VY-shaped incision, and the wound needs to be soaked with potassium permanganate solution after surgery. This surgery is less invasive, the recovery period is usually 2-4 weeks, and temporary abstinence is required after the surgery.

4. Circumcision

When phimosis or foreskin is too long, simultaneous circumcision is recommended. Surgery can completely relieve frenulum tension and reduce the risk of secondary infection. Dressings need to be changed regularly after surgery, iodophor should be used to disinfect the wound, and strenuous exercise should be avoided to avoid wound dehiscence.

5. Physical rehabilitation training

Those with mildly short frenulum can try progressive stretching training, gently stretch the frenulum for 5-10 minutes every day, and massage with vitamin E ointment to improve elasticity. The training needs to last for 3-6 months. If the skin is damaged during the process, it should be stopped immediately.

Patients with too short foreskin frenulum should avoid trimming or violently stretching the frenulum to avoid irreversible damage. During the postoperative recovery period, you need to maintain a light diet and consume more foods rich in high-quality protein and vitamin C, such as fish and broccoli, to promote wound healing. Regular re-examinations are required to evaluate the recovery status, and straddling sports are prohibited within 3 months after surgery. If abnormalities such as repeated bleeding or suppuration of the frenulum occur, you must go to the urology department in time.