Frenulum Injuries: Healing and When to Seek Medical Advice

A small corner of the ligament is injured?

Hello, Director Chen: I apologize for the interruption and would like to consult you.
Last week, while using a masturbation sleeve, I may not have applied enough lubricant.
The next day, when I was showering and cleaning my foreskin, I felt a slight pain when pulling it back.
At that moment, I noticed a small notch on the frenulum, missing a corner, located just below the glans sulcus, approximately triangular and about 1mm in size (when not engorged).
Viewed from the side, the frenulum looks like this: ----v----, with a V-shaped indentation in the middle.
There was no bleeding, and aside from the slight pain when pulling back the foreskin on the day of the incident, I have not felt any discomfort since.
I have also taken a break for almost a week now and am hesitant to pull back fully for cleaning.
Upon inspection, it still appears to have that missing corner.
I do not want to waste valuable medical resources over a minor issue, so I would like to ask the doctor if the missing corner will heal on its own, or if I need to seek medical treatment, or if I can just leave it as is without any impact.
Thank you!

Y, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/26

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology

Please seek medical attention.

Reply Date: 2022/10/26

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your frenulum injury. It’s understandable to feel apprehensive about any injury, especially in sensitive areas. Let’s break down your situation and provide some guidance on healing and when to seek medical advice.

From your description, it sounds like you have a small triangular tear in the frenulum, which is the band of tissue that connects the underside of the penis to the glans (the head). Such injuries can occur due to friction, especially if lubrication is insufficient during sexual activities. The good news is that minor frenulum injuries often heal on their own without the need for medical intervention.

Healing Process
1. Self-Care: Since you mentioned that there was no bleeding and only mild pain during the initial discovery, it’s likely that the injury is minor. To promote healing, it’s essential to keep the area clean. You can gently wash the area with mild soap and water during your showers. Avoid any harsh soaps or scrubbing, as this could irritate the area further.

2. Avoiding Irritation: It’s wise to avoid any activities that could aggravate the injury, such as masturbation or sexual intercourse, until you feel comfortable and the area has healed. You mentioned that you’ve already taken a break, which is a good approach.

3. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on the injury for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Advice
While many minor frenulum injuries heal without complications, there are certain situations where you should consider consulting a healthcare professional:
- Persistent Pain: If the pain persists or worsens over time, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.

- Signs of Infection: As mentioned, if you notice any signs of infection, seek medical advice promptly.

- Non-Healing Injury: If the injury does not show signs of healing after a couple of weeks, or if it seems to be getting worse, it may require medical evaluation.

- Functional Concerns: If you experience any issues with urination or sexual function as a result of the injury, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Conclusion
In summary, it sounds like your injury is minor and may heal on its own with proper care. However, it’s essential to monitor the situation closely. If you have any concerns or if the condition changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further clarification. Take care!

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

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