The terms frenulectomy and frenuloplasty are often used interchangeably by healthcare professionals. This procedure simply consists of cutting the frenulum of the penis with a device called a cautery that cauterizes the skin by heat, so no stitches are needed. The goal of the procedure is to reduce the tension of the frenulum and the related inconveniences.

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What is the frenulum of the foreskin?

The frenulum connects the foreskin to the glans and the body of the penis. It is located on the underside of the shaft (also known as the ventral surface of the penis).

When the frenulum is tight or short, the tension can cause discomfort or even pain during erections or sexual intercourse. The pain can, in turn, cause erectile dysfunction, as some men lose their erection due to the pain. This can sometimes cause bleeding during intercourse due to microtraumas, thus creating discomfort. A frenulum that is too short can also cause curvature of the penis (curved penis).

Treatment options

A short frenulum does not correct itself naturally. Generally, the following two options are necessary to correct the situation:

• Circumcision
• Frenulectomy / frenuloplasty

Circumcision

Circumcision is not necessarily the only solution to consider when experiencing pain during erections. It carries more risk of pain, infection, aesthetic issues, post-operative bleeding, and the recovery time of 6 weeks is much longer. However, some conditions require circumcision, such as phimosis, and in this case, the frenulectomy is performed during the same procedure. But can frenulectomy / frenuloplasty suit my condition?

Frenulectomy

Frenulectomy / frenuloplasty is a brief and minimally painful procedure performed under local anesthesia around the penis. The procedure does not take longer than about thirty minutes. Recovery after a frenulectomy / frenuloplasty is generally short, with most men not needing medication after the procedure (some may take Advil or Tylenol). Return to work can usually happen the next day for desk work or after a weekend for candidates with more physical/active jobs. In 90% of cases, frenulectomy / frenuloplasty resolves symptoms related to a short frenulum and allows greater skin mobility.

Recovery

It is recommended to wait 2 weeks before resuming gym workouts involving the area, such as cycling, and 2 weeks for sexual activities or until full healing or comfort. Without stitches, the abstinence period may vary from one man to another depending on his comfort.

This procedure is now offered at Clinique PRAXIS.
Contact us to learn more!

Geneviève Dubé, RN
Clinic Director
PRAXIS Family Health Clinic

Sources consulted
New York urology specialists (2017)