Redness and Pain in the Frenulum: Causes and Care

Tearing of the frenulum of the glans?

Hello, doctor! I have a condition where my foreskin covers the glans, whether it's erect or flaccid, but I can easily retract it with my hand.
Four days ago, after receiving oral sex, I noticed that the frenulum was very red and had broken skin, and the glans had some areas that were red and also had broken skin, which is quite painful to touch.
I have been applying antibiotic ointment for four days, and the redness has improved somewhat, but now the frenulum is very itchy.
The glans is also less red, but touching it still causes pain.
I am concerned about the following: 1.
What medication should I apply? How should I clean the glans and apply the medication, or should I avoid applying anything altogether? 2.
Is the intense itching of the frenulum a sign that the wound is healing or that there is inflammation? 3.
The entire glans feels abnormal after the skin broke (very sensitive, and it feels sore when touched); what could be the issue? 4.
How long should I wait before I can resume DIY or oral sex?

Jun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/07

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology

You do not need to self-diagnose and treat; it is recommended that you visit a urology clinic.

Reply Date: 2022/08/07

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing some discomfort and irritation in the frenulum and glans after oral sex, which can be concerning. Let's break down your questions and provide some guidance on how to care for this area while considering the underlying causes.

1. What medication should you apply? How to wash the glans and apply medication? Should you apply medication at all?
Since you have already been using an antibiotic ointment for four days and noticed some improvement, it may be beneficial to continue using it, especially if there is still redness and irritation. However, if the itching persists or worsens, it might be a sign of a fungal infection or an allergic reaction, which would require a different treatment approach. In terms of washing, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, avoiding any harsh soaps or scrubs that could further irritate the skin. After washing, pat the area dry and apply the antibiotic ointment as directed. If the symptoms do not improve or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for a more tailored treatment plan.

2. Is the itching in the frenulum a sign of healing or inflammation?
Itching can be a sign of healing, but it can also indicate inflammation or irritation. If the area is healing, you might notice a reduction in redness and pain over time. However, if the itching is accompanied by increased redness, swelling, or discharge, it could suggest an ongoing inflammatory process or infection. Monitoring the symptoms closely is essential, and if they do not improve or worsen, seeking medical advice would be prudent.

3. What does it mean if the glans feels unusually sensitive or painful after the skin has broken?
After any injury, the affected area can become more sensitive due to nerve endings being exposed or irritated. This heightened sensitivity can lead to discomfort or pain when touched. It’s crucial to avoid any activities that could further irritate the area until it has fully healed. If the sensitivity persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like discharge or fever, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any infections or complications.

4. How long should you wait before resuming sexual activities like DIY or oral sex?
The timeline for resuming sexual activities can vary depending on the severity of the irritation and how well the area is healing. Generally, it’s best to wait until all symptoms have resolved, including redness, pain, and itching. This could take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Engaging in sexual activities too soon can lead to further irritation or even infection, so it’s wise to err on the side of caution.

In conclusion, while it’s understandable to want to return to normal activities, prioritizing healing is crucial. If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have any concerns about the healing process, please consult a healthcare provider. They can provide a thorough examination and recommend appropriate treatments tailored to your specific situation. Remember, taking care of your health is the most important thing, and addressing these concerns early can prevent more significant issues down the line.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Redness and Pain in the Frenulum: When to Seek Treatment

I have a question. The frenulum on the left side of my glans appears normal, but the right side looks different and has redness and swelling. After masturbation, when the foreskin retracts, I experience a sharp pain on the right side. This sharp pain persists for a while after ma...

Dr. Liu Jiaju reply Urology
If your symptoms persist, it is recommended that you visit a urologist in person. Please have the physician arrange for a detailed physical examination to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Understanding Redness and Itching Around the Frenulum: Causes and Treatments

Doctor, I have redness, swelling, and itching around the groove of the glans, specifically in the area just beside and below the frenulum, but there is no bleeding. What could this symptom indicate? Is there any ointment I can apply or medication I can take?

Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology
It is recommended to visit the outpatient clinic for a physician's examination.

Understanding Frenulum Issues: Pain and Swelling in the Glans

There is redness and swelling at the junction of the glans and the frenulum, and it feels like there is a small flesh protrusion at the frenulum that is painful.

Dr. Du Mingyi reply Urology
Have you had any previous lacerations? Some individuals may have tighter ligaments, and if there is vigorous sexual activity, injuries can occur repeatedly, leading to pain. As for the small growths, it is advisable to visit an outpatient clinic for proper evaluation.

Understanding Frenulum Issues and Red Spots on the Glans

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing some itching and pain near the tip of my penis (around the urethral opening, possibly the frenulum) over the past few days. Additionally, during masturbation, if I apply too much pressure, I also feel some pain in the frenulum area. I would ...

Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology
Hello, A-Hsiao! Based on what you described, it is possible that you have balanitis. You can clean the area with water and apply some ointment to see if your symptoms improve. As for the pain in the frenulum, it may be due to excessive force during masturbation. The specific situ...