What happens if your frenulum snaps

Since frenulum tears are usually short-term injuries that heal by themselves, a person should not panic if their frenulum tears.

Because the penis is an incredibly sensitive area with lots of receptors and nerves, a frenulum tear can feel particularly painful. The level of pain may depend on the severity and length of the tear. Near the head of the penis, the pain is often sharp and throbbing.

After treating the wound, however, this should fade within a couple of hours. As the wound heals, a dull, achy pain could remain for up to a week. If the pain symptoms last longer than this, it may be best to consult a healthcare professional. This kind of injury often heals by itself if a person keeps it clean and maintains gentle treatment. A bacterial or viral infection could complicate the healing process, however.

Symptoms of infection include penile secretions of pus on the tear, redness of the skin, and an unpleasant smell. Depending on the severity and length of the tear, an immediate medical consultation may be required.

A doctor can clean and bandage the tear and provide further advice on treatment. A person should consider a trip to the emergency department if bleeding is excessive and does not slow down after a few hours.

In some cases, stitching the wound is necessary. If the cut does not heal after a few days or continues to bleed excessively, it is best to consult a doctor. They can prescribe an oral antibiotic if there are symptoms of infection. The frenulum is susceptible to tearing repeatedly. After one tear, white scar tissue can form, shortening the frenulum and making the area less flexible.

Although damage can occur nearly anywhere on the penis, the frenulum is particularly vulnerable. It is a tight fold of skin and quite thin, so there are many ways that a frenulum can tear. Sexual activity can lead to penis damage. The erect penis has blood flowing into the arteries, making it less flexible. Rough sex creates friction and heat on the skin of the penis, leaving it more susceptible to wear and tear.

Repetitive hand movements of vigorous masturbation over such a delicate area can lead to tearing or irritating the frenulum. The frenulum can also tear after coming into contact with jewelry, such as a ring. Prolonged or repetitive cycling can cause a frenulum tear. Lower frenulum tears can occur from falls that cause a person to bite their lip.

People should administer first aid for this injury as they would for an upper frenulum tear. If an adult or child has a lower frenulum tear, they should press the outer lip against the teeth for 10 minutes to stop the bleeding. Most frenulum tears heal by themselves after 3 or 4 days. Infections or other complications are rare. While the injury heals, a person can apply a cold compress against the area for 20 minutes to help with the pain. It is important to stay hydrated after a frenulum tear.

A person should stick to consuming soft foods to reduce chewing and avoid salty, acidic, or spicy foods. These may irritate the wound. A labial frenulum may keep tearing. If the frenulum is completely cut, then it cannot regrow. Hard patches of skin can form in the area as scar tissue. If the frenulum tear is not a complete cut, it will heal. However, it can increase the risk of a future tear. A labial frenulum tear most often occurs by falling , which is common in children.

The force of the fall can tear the upper labial frenulum. Lower labial frenulum tears occur when people fall and bite their lips.

These injuries are more common in people with an overbite. Labial frenulum tears rarely need medical treatment. They will usually heal at home without stitches, and there is a low risk of complications or infections.

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How it happens. It hurts really bad — is this normal? How long do these symptoms typically last? Will the tissue heal on its own? Dr Anand Patel, a specialist in sexual function , has the answers to all your questions if you find yourself or your partner is left with a bleeding penis after sex.

It looks like torn frenulums may be on the rise, and there is one thing which could be to blame — porn. If you want to avoid any accidents, Dr Patel suggests using lube and having less rough sex which usually stops the problem.