This site discusses phimosis in its specific forms of phimotic ring, frenulum breve, adhesions or skinbridges. During erection these conditions inhibit the relationship between foreskin and glans. This functionally restricts the erection, and thus has an effect on the sexuality. With our culture's attitudes on health care, it would be appropriate to encourage early prevention.

Jan 2021 : Please read the new summary.

 

P. WHELAN
Male dyspareunia due to short frenulum: an indication for adult circumcision
Br Med J 1977 Dec 24-31;2(6103):1633-4F.

"The existence of a short frenulum is noted in few urological text books" Whelan cites numerous examples of male dyspareunia from Masters and Johnson from their chapter on the subject; and then notes: "They do not mention the problem of a short frenulum." (Masters, W.H. and Johnson, V.E. Human Sexual Inadequacy, p 289. London, J. and A Churchill Ltd. 1970.)

" ... a short frenulum that becomes painfully tight on erection ... "

"Indications for circumcision in 48 patients 1975-76 and number with pain on intercourse:



Hygiene

Para-
phimosis


Phimosis
Phimosis
with
balanitis

Balanitis
alone

Short
frenulum
No of cases
No with pain on intercourse
3 2 25
10
6
3
2 10
10

"The normal frenulum is a mucous membrane on the ventral surface of the glans penis, through which runs the frenular artery. A short frenulum may apparently be congenital, when it is of normal thickness, or secondary to recurrent infection or trauma, when it can be felt in the flaccid state as a thickened band. When the penis is erect the short frenulum restricts the prepuce and causes downward curvation of the glans. During intercourse this means that there is an element of chordee and the abnormal position of the glans penis causes pain. Tension in the short frenulum itself is also painful and the band may be torn and then heal by fibrosis, thus aggravating the situation."

"Short frenulum should be sought as a cause for dyspareunia in patients who do not have phimosis or questionable hygiene and who may erroneously be labelled as having psychosexual problems."