Frenulum breve

 

 

Frenulum breve is the medical name for a short frenulum which restricts the movement of the foreskin. In other words, the foreskin cannot be pulled back.

The frenulum is a thin, elastic piece of tissue which connects the glans (head of the penis) to the inner layer of the foreskin. Also known as the ‘banjo string’(which it resembles) it also enables the foreskin to move over the glans. The frenulum is highly sensitive and responds immediately to stimulation.

But if the frenulum is too short it will affect the ability of the foreskin to retract which may affect sexual performance.

In some cases, the frenulum can tear during sexual intercourse which results in extensive bleeding and the formation of scar tissue.

This condition is usually treated by surgery which includes circumcision.

 

*If you do experience bleeding or pain in your genitals ensure you speak to a doctor or nurse at your haemophilia centre immediately.

 

 

Symptoms of frenulum breve

The main symptom is that of being unable to fully retract the foreskin because the frenulum is too short. You will feel this restriction as you attempt to pull back the foreskin. You will also find that you are unable to fully retract the foreskin.

Other symptoms include:

• The penis appears to bend forward (and at an angle)
• Unable to form an erection except at ejaculation
• Affects normal sexual activity
• Pain and discomfort

In some cases it can lead to impotence as the sufferer will avoid getting an erection due to pain experienced when they do so.

 

 

Tight foreskin (phimosis and paraphimosis) 

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis (glans).

Phimosis is normal in babies and toddlers, but in older children it may be the result of a skin condition that has caused scarring. It isn’t usually a problem unless it causes symptoms.

Immediate treatment is needed in cases where phimosis causes problems such as difficulty urinating.

 

Normal development

Most uncircumcised baby boys have a foreskin that won’t pull back (retract) because it’s still attached to the glans.

This is perfectly normal for about the first two to six years. By around the age of two, the foreskin should start to separate naturally from the glans.

The foreskin of some boys can take longer to separate, but this doesn’t mean there’s a problem – it will just detach at a later stage.

 

Paraphimosis

Paraphimosis is where the foreskin can’t be returned to its original position after being retracted.

It causes the glans to become painful and swollen and requires emergency medical treatment to avoid serious complications, such as increased pain, swelling and restricted blood flow to the penis.

 

 

 

 

       

Source: NHS Choices / Medic8