and Managing Penile Frenulum Tears: A Guide

Tearing of the phimosis?

Recently, I have experienced a tear at the tip of my foreskin.
Initially, I purchased a steroid ointment from the pharmacy, and later I visited a hospital where the doctor prescribed another steroid ointment.
The doctor advised me to apply it once a day for three days, but after completing the three days, there has been no improvement.
Upon my follow-up visit, the doctor mentioned that it would take three weeks of rest to heal.
However, I am feeling quite uncomfortable due to the tears around the narrow tip of the foreskin, which number around 5 to 8.
Currently, the symptoms are primarily pain during urination due to the foreskin tear.
Is there any other ointment I can apply to expedite healing? Additionally, after applying the steroid, is it normal for the glans to peel? Also, when not erect, the foreskin completely covers the glans, making it invisible; could this be the cause of the tears? I asked the doctor if circumcision was necessary, but he said it wasn't.
Should I consider seeking a second opinion? I would like to inquire about this.

A-di-zi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/27

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology

Although steroids cannot accelerate healing, they can prevent further contraction after the wound has healed, which could worsen phimosis.
Circumcision is a consideration, and you are welcome to visit the outpatient clinic for consultation.

Reply Date: 2019/04/27

More Info

Understanding and managing penile frenulum tears can be a sensitive and concerning issue for many individuals. A frenulum tear, particularly at the tip of the foreskin, can occur due to various reasons, including friction during sexual activity, tight foreskin (phimosis), or even aggressive cleaning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the condition better and manage it effectively.

What is a Frenulum Tear?
The frenulum is a band of tissue on the underside of the penis that connects the glans (tip) to the shaft. A tear in this area can lead to pain, bleeding, and discomfort, especially during urination or sexual activity. Symptoms may include:
- Pain during urination
- Discomfort during erections
- Swelling or redness around the tear
- Possible bleeding

Initial Management
You mentioned that you initially applied a steroid ointment from the pharmacy, which is a common first step. Steroid ointments can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. However, if the condition does not improve after a few days, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Follow-Up Care
After your visit to the hospital, your doctor prescribed a steroid ointment to be applied once daily for three days. If you have completed this regimen and have not noticed any improvement, it is advisable to follow up with your doctor. Healing times can vary, and while some minor tears may heal quickly, others may take longer, especially if there is ongoing irritation or if the frenulum is tight.

Why Might Healing Be Delayed?
1. Tight Frenulum: If the frenulum is tight, it can lead to repeated tearing, making it difficult for the area to heal. This tightness can also cause discomfort and pain during erections.

2. Infection: If there is any sign of infection (increased redness, swelling, or discharge), this could impede healing. It’s essential to monitor for these signs.

3. Continued Irritation: Activities such as sexual intercourse or even vigorous cleaning can irritate the area and delay healing.

Alternative Treatments
While steroid ointments can be effective, they are not the only option. If you feel that your current treatment is not effective, you might consider discussing the following with your doctor:
- Antibiotic Ointments: If there is a concern about infection, topical antibiotics may be recommended.

- Moisturizing Ointments: Sometimes, keeping the area well-moisturized can help in the healing process.

- Surgical Options: In cases of recurrent tearing due to a tight frenulum, a minor surgical procedure called frenuloplasty may be considered. This procedure can help relieve tension and prevent future tears.

Concerns About Skin Peeling
You mentioned that the glans appears to be peeling after applying the steroid ointment. This can be a normal reaction, as the skin may shed dead cells during the healing process. However, if the peeling is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms (such as pain or increased redness), it is essential to bring this up with your healthcare provider.

When to Seek Further Help
If you continue to experience pain, discomfort, or if the tear does not show signs of healing after a few weeks, it is crucial to return to your healthcare provider. They may consider further diagnostic measures or refer you to a specialist, such as a urologist, for more targeted treatment.

Conclusion
Managing a frenulum tear requires patience and careful monitoring. While steroid ointments are a common treatment, they may not be sufficient for everyone. If you are not seeing improvement, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or explore other treatment options. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is key to finding the most effective solution for your condition.

Similar Q&A

Managing Penile Frenulum Tears: Treatment Options and Concerns

If the frenulum of the penis is torn, how should it be managed? Is suturing necessary, or is it not a concern? Will it affect sexual function? If suturing is required, how much would it cost? What if another one tears during intercourse? I look forward to your response, doctor. W...

Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology
It is recommended to visit an outpatient clinic for a physician's examination to assess the condition of the ligaments. Online consultations cannot replace an in-person evaluation and physical examination by a physician. If there is a medical issue, it is still advisable to ...

Understanding and Managing Penile Frenulum Tears: What You Need to Know

Hello Doctor: Recently, during sexual activity, I accidentally caused a tear in my foreskin, resulting in an opening that is about one centimeter long. When I pull it back, it feels like there is a hole beneath the frenulum, located slightly to the left of the frenulum and orient...

Dr. Lai Ronghao reply Urology
Injuries to the frenulum caused by sexual activity usually heal on their own, but if they do not heal, it is best to have them checked at a hospital.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction and Frenulum Tears: A Guide for Young Men

Hello, doctor. I have been troubled by two issues for about 2 to 3 years. The first is that sometimes I cannot achieve an erection, and at times, I lose my erection halfway. Other times, I can maintain an erection for 1 to 2 hours. I am unsure where to start with the examinations...

Dr. Lin Hexing reply Urology
Hello Mr. Lin: Erectile dysfunction refers to the difficulty in achieving sufficient rigidity for an erection or the inability to achieve an erection at all, which prevents penetration and the ability to maintain satisfactory sexual activity for both partners. Generally, if rigid...

Managing Frenulum Tears: Treatment Options and Advice

Dear Doctor: A few days ago, during intercourse with my partner, I used a condom, but it felt very tight and difficult to put on. After putting it on, it felt very constricted, and I experienced pain during thrusting. After intercourse, I noticed some裂傷 (tears) on the frenulum of...

Dr. Chen Xiuyi reply Urology
Hello: After a penile frenulum tear, if there is no significant bleeding, the use of antibiotic ointment can be considered until the wound heals. If the frenulum is very tight, there may be a risk of re-tearing, and a visit to a urology clinic is necessary. Dr. Chen Hsiu-Yi, Urol...