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Pulling during erection
The glans bends downwards or there is clear tension underneath when the foreskin is retracted.
Short frenulum
When the frenulum pulls, hurts or tears
A short frenulum may restrict foreskin movement, pull the glans during erection and cause pain or tearing. At Askabide, Dr Ramón Ibáñez assesses and operates when frenuloplasty is indicated.
What it is
A band of tissue that is too short or tight
The frenulum connects the underside of the glans to the inner foreskin. When it is too short, it may prevent normal movement of the foreskin or pull the glans downwards during erection.
Not every foreskin symptom is caused by the frenulum. Phimosis, inflammation, scarring, infection or a combination may be present. Surgery should therefore not be decided from a photograph or an online description alone.
The key is identifying where the tension lies. If the problem is confined to the frenulum, frenuloplasty may be sufficient. A tight or scarred foreskin ring may require a different treatment.
Common symptoms
When a short frenulum may be present
Symptoms provide clues, but surgery requires medical assessment.
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Pain during sex
Localised discomfort at the frenulum during penetration or masturbation, particularly when tension increases.
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Tearing or bleeding
Repeated small tears that bleed, heal with scar tissue and may cause the problem to recur or worsen.
Frenuloplasty
The aim is to gain length and reduce tension
Frenuloplasty is an operation on the frenulum intended to release the pull and allow more comfortable foreskin movement. It is outpatient surgery performed by the urologist. The exact technique, anaesthesia and care are explained after examination.
It is not circumcision: the foreskin is retained. However, if significant phimosis, scarring or foreskin disease is also present, frenuloplasty alone may not resolve the entire problem.
Before deciding
- Short frenulum is distinguished from phimosis and other causes of pain.
- Previous tears, scarring, inflammation, medication and bleeding problems are reviewed.
- Alternatives, benefits, limitations and possible complications are explained.
- The definitive frenuloplasty price is €610 when that is the indicated procedure.
After surgery
The area must heal before being placed under tension again. You will receive individual instructions on hygiene, wound care, pain relief, physical activity, erections and when to resume masturbation or sexual intercourse. We do not publish one universal time because it depends on the technique and your recovery.
Do not strain a fresh wound. Resuming sexual activity before adequate healing may cause bleeding, wound separation or another painful scar.
What are the risks?
As with any surgery, possible problems include pain, bleeding, haematoma, infection, wound separation, a sensitive scar, insufficient improvement, altered sensation or the need for a different procedure if another condition coexists. Informed consent addresses the risks relevant to each person.
They are not always the same
Short frenulum, phimosis and paraphimosis
Short frenulum
Tension is concentrated in the band underneath. The foreskin may retract, but the frenulum hurts, pulls or tears.
Phimosis
The foreskin opening is too narrow or scarred and will not expose the glans normally, especially during erection.
Paraphimosis
The foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans and will not return, with pain and swelling. This is an emergency and must not wait for a routine appointment.
A focused service
We do not provide general urology consultations
Dr Ramón Ibáñez provides assessment, frenuloplasty and follow-up related to short frenulum. Other urological symptoms require a general urology service.
Frenuloplasty costs €610 when assessment confirms it is the appropriate procedure. If phimosis is present and circumcision is indicated, the price is €810. The indication is confirmed before surgery.
Contact a centreFrenuloplasty: €610
Assessment distinguishes whether the problem is confined to the frenulum or whether phimosis is also present before the procedure is confirmed.