[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Paul B. at 10 Jul 2001 22:21:35: Re: Frenulum breve questions
As an answer to: Re: Frenulum breve questions written by J. Stuart at 08 Jul 2001 20:52:27:
> I have tried to get advice from the medical profession but they don't seem to have the patience
> to sit and talk a while.That's what comes of people wanting the cheapest service they can get - doctors start to cater for that
requirement. Certainly the case in Australia where a succession of governments told everyone medicine
should be "free", so a cost-appropriate version of medicine developed. How this relates to the USA may be
another matter, but facts of life are you get what you pay for.> during sex without a condom, penetration causes retraction of the foreskin behind the corona where it
> gets stuckAs per common theme, needs stretching (technically, dilatation) by pulling it back to this point every
available chance during normal activity (such as peeing, washing, masturbation etc.)> and the frenulum pulls so hard on the meatus that it does a good job of closing off the opening
Presumably it tends to fold the meatus over downwards (ventrally).
> so that ejaculate can not easily get out and the back pressure causes pain and discomfort.
That's quite a remarkable proposition. Insofar as it is accurate, I would have to agree that
fraenuloplasty would be indicated. As long as this is not actually due to the tightness of the retracted
foreskin at this point, which is a matter more amenable to frequent stretching as above.> I would appreciate a clear photograph of a normal frenulum from its side of the shaft.
I'm afraid this shadowy one and this blurry one are the best I can offer.
> How do you define the two sides ... are they dorsal and ventral perhaps?
If you consider the penis has a "head" (glans), then the topside is the "back" (dorsal) and the
underside is the "chest" (ventral). Consider it a dachshund.> I am a bit disturbed that you have interpreted my description of the tiny ulcers as herpes.
Naturally.
> 1} I have never had herpes in the past to my knowledge.
Neither do a majority of the people spreading it in the community.
> I understood herpes to be painful and that one is unlikely to be unaware of it.
That's the common gross misunderstanding and why it is so much of a problem. The exact opposite is
more often true.> Also, there is no pain specifically associated with the "ulcers."
In which case you have nothing of which to complain!
> 2} The little "ulcers" or "raw red spots" develop within an hour of sexual activity and go away
> within 24 hours or so with no pain or scabbing.Then you can forget them completely. That is probably not herpes if it fades so quickly, though the point
is that herpes causes some quite peculiar chronic discomforts which are difficult to diagnose.> The tear itself has long since healed and does not seem to represent a "weak" point.
Then apart from any temporary soreness, the tear has caused you no harm. Earlier posts which I
attributed to yourself seem to describe persistent discomfort around the meatus associate with
inflammation which was consistent with some infection. If that is no longer the case, then the only
complaint appears to be the meatal "foldover" effect.> Neither does the frenulum seem to be any shorter than previously.
Bad luck I daresay.
> No, the problem is that any degree of retraction pulls on the meatus which promptly gets
> painful and inflamed.The question appears to be: How much and for how long? Your description on this point appears
to vary widely.> I would be happy to start a program of slow stretching except that it won't tolerated it any more.
Mmmmmmm...
> I would like to think that you are right and that there is a chronic infection because that
> could be treated with an antibiotic. However, I have already had 2 ten day courses of doxycycline and
> the problem persists.Appropriate.
> Any final advice before I go to a private doctor would be most welcome.
If he mentions circumcision, except to point out its total irrelevance, then he's a charlatan;
exit accordingly and without further ado, keep looking for a real doctor. Fraenuloplasty is a quick
office procedure, involves no part other than the fraenulum, and may or may not involve any stitches.
