Analysis of the reasons why the frenulum on the head hurts and what to do about it

Inflammation of the frenulum of the penis is considered a fairly serious phenomenon that needs to be given special attention. The cause of inflammatory processes may be some kind of damage to the frenulum due to the fact that it is too short. Or we are talking about some kind of infection, like herpes or papilloma. One way or another, you will need to contact a medical specialist immediately after the initial signs of the disease appear. If you ignore such symptoms, complications and consequences may arise that will be more difficult to cope with.

When inflammation of the frenulum of the penis occurs as a result of injury to this organ, surgical intervention is most often required. Let a specialist determine which course of therapy is most suitable for you. Perhaps an initial examination will be sufficient for this. You may be referred by your doctor for additional tests if confirmation of the diagnosis is needed. In any case, get ready for treatment and don’t give up.

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Answers to frequently asked questions on the topic of the frenulum of the penis:

• Which doctor treats frenulum of the foreskin?
• Where to go with a problem on the frenulum of the foreskin?
• What tests should be taken if there are problems with the frenulum of the penis?
• Diagnosis of diseases of the frenulum of the penis
• Treatment of diseases of the frenulum of the penis
• Is it possible to remove the frenulum of the penis?
• Swollen frenulum of the penis
• Rash on the frenulum of the penis
• Herpes on the frenulum of the penis
• How does the foreskin affect sensitivity?
• How to stretch the foreskin?
• What is the foreskin for?
• Diagnosis of diseases of the foreskin?
• Why doesn't the foreskin open completely?
• What to do if the foreskin is swollen?
• Have plaque appeared under the foreskin?
• Do you perform foreskin plastic surgery at your clinic?

Reasons for the development of pathology

In the vast majority of cases, a short frenulum is a consequence of a developmental abnormality and is combined with phimosis - a narrowing of the foreskin with the impossibility of exposing the head of the penis. According to statistics, up to 5% of uncircumcised men suffer from insufficient extensibility of the folds of skin on the penis. This anomaly is accompanied by a number of painful and unpleasant symptoms:

• curvature of the penis in an erect state;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• premature ejaculation;

  

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• the frenulum breaks as a result of active movements during intercourse.

With normal development, the frenulum is of sufficient length and can stretch significantly, providing comfortable and painless movement of the foreskin. A fold of skin that is too short causes a lot of trouble and can cause serious complications.

A little about the complexities of the anatomy of the tongue

The frenulum of the tongue is a thin bridge that connects the lower part of the oral cavity to the tongue. Its main function is to maintain the correct position of the tongue in the mouth by ensuring its movement, which is directly related to diction and the ability to pronounce individual sounds.

To see the frenulum, it will be enough to lift the tongue upward. It is located in the middle of the tongue, connecting to the base of the gums, as if holding this organ in place.

A normal frenulum does not cause discomfort

The length of the frenulum of an adult is approximately 3 cm. If this figure is less or the frenulum of the tongue is located in such a way that when it is raised, it is strongly stretched, we can talk about a short frenulum. In turn, it will interfere with the free rotation, protrusion and elevation of the tongue.

Possible triggers

Other possible causes of pathology are:

• Chronic inflammatory diseases of the penis
  . Balanitis and balanoposthitis, in most cases occurring with the presence of pathogenic microflora, lead to structural tissue changes in the area of ​​the head of the penis.

  

• Chronic injuries to the foreskin
  . Even microdamages to the delicate skin of the penis without proper and timely response can lead to improper tissue fusion. Such injuries occur when playing certain sports or wearing too tight underwear and clothes.

  

• Diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation
  . In this case, tissue changes are caused by a characteristic sign of the disease - a disruption of the regeneration process, as a result of which cicatricial deformities begin to appear in the tissues of the frenulum.

Most often, the pathology is diagnosed when a man begins to have an active sexual life. That's when the real problems begin. Especially if the disease is not detected and treated in time.

Causes of pathology in children

It is not possible to identify a pathological condition in a small child. The main symptoms appear only during puberty. Indirect indications of the presence of an anomaly are:

• Phimosis
  . Although physiological phimosis is present in almost all newborns, by the 3rd year of life in 90% of boys the head opens completely. Only in 1-5% of children the pathology persists until adulthood - and, as a rule, is accompanied by a short frenulum.

  

• Heredity
  . Genetic factors influence the transmission to subsequent generations of most abnormal deviations, including those in the structure of organs and systems. If one of the parents has such a pathology in the family, there is a high probability that the anomaly will manifest itself in the child.

It is possible to detect the presence of a pathological condition of the frenulum of the penis in a boy only by indirect signs, since the child prefers to endure discomfort. However, if you regularly cry while urinating, a thorough examination of the penis is necessary. Possible signs of pathology are:

• redness or swelling in the foreskin area;
• the presence of phimosis - the inability to expose the head;
• the appearance of bloody discharge during water procedures;
• accumulation of smegma (preputial lubricant), causing pain and burning.

All these symptoms indicate the possible presence of pathology in the genitals. The presence of alarming signs requires mandatory medical consultation. And in case of diagnosing a pathology - timely treatment.

Causes of pathology in adolescents

At the age of 13-18 years, rapid development of the genital organs occurs and the reproductive system is formed. This period is characterized by the possible occurrence of hormonal imbalances, as well as disruption of the normal functionality of certain systems and organs.

It is during puberty that there is a high probability of a discrepancy between the growth rate of skin tissue and the rapidly developing cavernous bodies in the penis.

As a result of the rapid onset of puberty, the frenulum of the penis becomes short in comparison with the size of the organ itself and is unable to painlessly perform its functions - to help the foreskin cover the glans.

If a teenager in this state begins to have sex (masturbation), there is a high probability that the skin fold will rupture or cracks will appear on it. Mini-damages of this kind must be treated with an antiseptic and consult a doctor.

Otherwise, not only mechanical damage, but also psycho-emotional discomfort may occur.

In the long term, this can lead to a decrease in confidence in one's sexual capabilities. And even cause impotence. During adolescence, not only puberty occurs, but also psychological foundations are formed. Therefore, the young person is especially vulnerable.

How inflammation develops

To prevent such inflammation, teach your child to follow simple hygiene standards. It is very important to brush your teeth regularly. If a child finds a wound in his mouth, it should be immediately treated with brilliant green or iodine. Invite your child to rinse his mouth thoroughly with a decoction of chamomile, calendula, sage, a weak solution of potassium permanganate or soda. All these products have an antibacterial effect. If swelling or painful redness appears, take your child to the doctor immediately. He will recommend how to proceed further. Don't risk your child's health and don't waste time on self-medication! Under no circumstances should this swelling be rubbed, iced, or heated. Because of this, the abscess can burst inside.

Methods of treating the pathological condition

Although a short frenulum is not an independent disease, such an anomaly requires qualified help and drug treatment. As a method of correcting the situation, traditional medicine offers exclusively surgical intervention.

It is emphasized that the earlier the pathology is identified, the less traumatic the treatment will be: the volume of surgical intervention in childhood is minimal, and the psyche adapts much better than in a mature man.

For adult men, the main sign by which an anomaly can be suspected is pain and discomfort of the penis during an erection.

In addition to a visual examination, the specialist conducts laboratory and hardware tests, after which he individually selects the most optimal type of surgical operation.

Frenulotomy or frenuloplasty

Dissection of the frenulum or frenulotomy is the most effective type of surgical intervention used in medical practice. Although it lasts no more than 20 minutes. and is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis (for adolescents - with general anesthesia), requires full preparation for surgical intervention:

• blood and urine tests;
• passing tests for allergies to painkillers;
• additional blood tests (Rh factor, group, clotting rate).

2-3 days before surgical treatment, it is recommended to switch to a diet. It is necessary to stop drinking alcoholic beverages. Immediately before the operation, hair in the intimate area should be removed and careful hygiene should be carried out.

How is frenulotomy performed?

On the day of the operation, you need to come to the clinic in advance (about an hour) in loose outer clothing. The patient is asked to assume a supine position on the operating table. After that:

• the genital area is disinfected;
• local or general (injection into a vein) anesthesia is performed;
• the doctor makes a transverse incision on the frenulum, straightening the fold to the desired size;

  

• if there are scars, the surgeon excises them during the operation;
• the edges of the incisions are stitched with threads that dissolve during the rehabilitation process;
• the final stage is applying a napkin with an antiseptic (for at least 12 hours).

This is what the operation looks like using a regular scalpel. However, advances in technology have made it possible to expand the variability of frenuloplasty offerings. Clinics offer frenuloplasty using the following tools:

At the end of the medical procedures, the patient goes home, having first listened to the doctor’s recommendations. The hygienic bandage should be removed after 12-24 hours. A longer period (days) is preferable, but you should not leave the bandage on the wound too long.

Rehabilitation period

After this, it is necessary to carry out regular hygiene of the operated area and ensure that you do not develop new injuries or cracks in the skin of the penis:

• exclude increased physical activity;
• refuse sexual intercourse and masturbation;
• temporarily stop visiting baths and saunas.

The rehabilitation period lasts up to 3 weeks. This type of intervention has another important advantage - the cosmetic effect in this case is maximum. There are practically no scars or seams left.

When is VUplasty used?

The method is rarely used because it leaves noticeable scars on the penis that cannot be hidden by the foreskin. The surgeon makes a V-shaped incision in the frenulum, then sutures the edges in such a way as to increase the length of the fold.

In addition to cosmetic discomfort, this type of intervention can provoke phimosis, since after the operation there is a narrowing of the foreskin.

However, VU-plasty is performed in cases where other types of intervention are contraindicated.

But only after examination and doctor’s recommendation.

In what cases is circumcision recommended?

The cutting technique is similar to frenulotomy. The preparatory period, duration of the operation, anesthesia, and postoperative care are the same. The differences are as follows:

• Problem solving mechanism
  . In this case, not only the frenulum is cut, but the entire fold of the foreskin is removed - the doctor leaves a small area of ​​skin around the circumference (0.5-1 cm) so that there is no strong tension during an erection.
• Duration of rehabilitation
  . With circumcision, the recovery period is longer (up to 8 weeks), since a large area is injured.

The doctor recommends trimming the foreskin in cases where signs of phimosis are present. During one surgical procedure, a specialist can solve two problems at once: trim part of the skin fold, while simultaneously lengthening the frenulum. And forever rid a man of self-doubt.

Contraindications to surgical treatment

During preparation for surgery, a number of studies are required. However, the doctor may not be aware of any pathology in the patient. Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the list of contraindications:

• diseases that cause decreased blood clotting;
• functional disorders in the liver and kidneys;
• oncology;

  

• injuries or ulcers in the operated area;
• inflammation of the MPS organs and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).

The last contraindication is relative. It may be removed from the list after preliminary treatment.

Help from traditional medicine

Using folk recipes and solutions, you can disinfect wounds without resorting to pharmaceuticals. In addition, many of them promote rapid healing of wounds and reduce pain.

Sage tincture. An excellent assistant in the fight against pain during the treatment of various oral injuries. To obtain a miraculous decoction, you need 2 tbsp. pour sage with 2 cups of boiling water and leave for about half an hour. You can rinse 5-10 times a day or as needed.

Sage tincture for rinsing - an effective folk remedy

Chamomile tincture. Chamomile has long been known for its antimicrobial properties. 1 tbsp of dried flowers of this plant is poured with boiling water and infused for 30-40 minutes. The broth must be filtered and used as a rinse solution several times a day.

Bedstraw decoction. This decoction can be used as a tea or rinse. Pour a tablespoon of herb into 1 cup of boiling water and leave for at least 30 minutes.

Alcohol tincture of St. John's wort. It is necessary to prepare 5 parts of 40% alcohol and 1 part of dried St. John's wort herb, let it brew for a while. After this, use 25-30 drops of tincture per glass of water and rinse. This is an excellent remedy for injuries to the tongue and oral cavity.

Using folk recipes, you can save a lot, and the result sometimes exceeds all expectations.

Non-surgical methods

Traditional medicine categorically denies the effectiveness of such techniques. However, if there are contraindications to surgical treatment, it is worth trying home methods for stretching the skin fold. There are several of them:

1. The thumbs are carefully inserted into the prepuncial sac and begin to slightly stretch the skin. In this case, the feeling of discomfort should not develop into pain.

   

2. Before the procedure, take a warm 15-minute shower or hot bath to soften the skin. Then the foreskin is retracted as much as possible and fixed for several minutes - this slightly stretches the frenulum and makes it more elastic.

Like any unconventional methods, such treatment will only work if used for a long time - more than 3 months minimum. The effectiveness will also depend on the individual characteristics of the organism. Such as age, physiology, regularity and correctness of execution.

What to do if the frenulum of the foreskin is torn?

As a result of careless movements or sudden entry into the vagina, injuries or tears in the skin fold are possible. If there is pain near the frenulum or there is a rupture, do not panic. The actions should be as follows:

• First of all, stop the bleeding. To do this, it is enough to press the gap with your fingers for at least 15 minutes. At the same time, try to fix only the damaged area, without completely pinching the vessels of the penis.
• The second step is treatment with an antiseptic. Hydrogen peroxide is most suitable, since alcohol can burn delicate skin.
• Seek advice from a specialist who will assess the extent of the damage and give recommendations on further actions.

In most cases, if the frenulum is torn, the doctor will refer you for surgery. Anyone who has torn it once may be injured in the future. And with consequences of varying complexity.

Which doctor should I go to for help with a swollen head?

Representatives of the stronger sex, when faced with a problem for the first time, tend to hide the presence of pathological symptoms and try to self-medicate.

It is a bad idea.

It is best to seek help from a competent doctor who can provide professional assistance.

However, not all patients know which doctor to contact if suspicious symptoms appear.

In fact, there are not as many options as you might think.

Representatives of the stronger sex should first of all visit a urologist.

It is urologists who deal with problems with urination and diseases of the male genitourinary system in general.

True, unlike a gynecologist, a urologist can also provide assistance to a woman if she needs it.

In addition to the urologist, it is worth visiting a venereologist.

The doctor deals with the diagnosis and treatment of infections that can be sexually transmitted.

A venereologist often combines his work with dermatology, which means he can also provide assistance with skin diseases.

In some cases, if an allergic reaction is suspected, the patient is recommended to visit an allergist-immunologist.

Consultation with this physician will also be needed when choosing treatment for infectious pathologies.

Since many patients require selection of drugs to correct their immune status.

Why have surgery?

Some men live happily with a short frenulum all their lives because they do not experience discomfort. However, the appearance of pain, especially at an early age, is an alarming signal.

Indeed, in the future, discomfort during sex can become a trigger mechanism for the development of impotence. If the anomaly is acquired (due to balanoposthitis or other inflammatory diseases), then surgical treatment is the only way to avoid further injuries.