Penile Frenulectomy at Our Calgary Alberta Clinic

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Some men experience pain due to a tight band of skin between the shaft of the penis and the glans on the underside of the penis.When the frenulum is tight or short this is called a frenulum breve.

This “frenulum breve” can occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised men, and it can cause pain with erections or bleeding during sex due to micro-trauma.

A penile frenulectomy (or frenuloplasty) is a specialized technique that treats this condition by removing the tight restriction, allowing increased penile skin range of motion and sexual enjoyment.

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Frenulectomy or Frenuloplasty to Resolve Penis Discomfort

Penile frenulectomy (also known as frenuloplasty) is a procedure that can alleviate the pain associated with a tight band of tissue between the penis shaft and the glans on its underside.

A tight frenulum can exist independent of whether a man has been circumcised, and it can create a tight and curved section of the penis that is susceptible to micro-trauma, causing bleeding and painful erections.

The frenulectomy procedure involves the removal of the restricting tissue for increased range of motion in the penis and enhanced sexual pleasure due to the end of pain with erection.

The procedure (done in under 20 minutes) is performed using a long-acting local anesthetic and generally results in instant relief after a brief recovery period.

A frenuloplasty or frenulectomy procedure will eliminate excess tension in the penile frenulum and thereby relieve the discomfort caused by frenulum breve.

Our doctor will review the procedure and expected outcomes in a consultation prior to the procedure.

Need more info about a penile frenulectomy? Book a consultation now.

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Tight Frenulum – A Cause of Penile Pain & Bleeding During Sex

The frenulum of the penis is a band of tissue located underneath the penis.

When the frenulum is tight or short, this is called a frenulum breve. This can result in tension on the frenulum during erections, which can rip and tear during vigorous activities such as sex, causing pain and bleeding, which in turn can cause men to lose their erections.

Some men go through their entire lives suffering from pain and bleeding unaware that there is a cure.

The degree of tightness and thickness of the frenulum varies from man to man, but any man affected by an overly short frenular band should seek a consultation for a possible procedure to end uncomfortable tightness with erection.

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A Tight Frenulum May Cause Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration. It happens with minimal sexual stimulation and before the person wishes.

It may result in unsatisfactory sex for both partners. This can increase the anxiety that may add to the problem. It is one of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction. Between 30% and 70% of men have PE. While it is more common in younger men, it can happen at any age.

Having an orgasm too soon is not always cause for concern. However, clinical diagnosis is made when a man exhibits the following symptoms:

Ejaculation occurs too quickly, often in the first few minutes of intercourse, or in other sexual situations, even during masturbation.
Inability to delay ejaculation most of the time.
Feelings of anxiety, or avoidance of sexual intimacy as a result.

Both psychological and biological factors can play a role in premature ejaculation. Although many men feel embarrassed talking about it, premature ejaculation is a common and treatable condition.

Premature ejaculation can be classified as:

Lifelong (primary). Lifelong premature ejaculation occurs all or nearly all of the time beginning with your first sexual encounters.

Acquired (secondary). Acquired premature ejaculation develops after you’ve had previous sexual experiences without ejaculatory problems.

Some studies report that a short frenulum is found in up to 43% of individuals affected by premature ejaculation. It is thought that the frenulum plays an important role in penile erection and when frenulum tension exceeds a certain limit, orgasm and ejaculation may be accelerated. When the frenulum is lengthened, penile tension and sensitivity may be decreased.

Penile frenulectomy has been shown to be effective in some but not in all cases of premature ejaculation (see source study).

Frequently Asked Questions at Our Calgary Clinic

Can the problems associated with short frenulum get better on their own?

No, unfortunately a short frenulum generally does not get better on its own. Some physicians suggest stretching exercises but the frenulum is a rather tough tissue that is not easily stretched. A frenulectomy is usually necessary to remove the tight band of tissue in order to release it from the rest of the surrounding tissue.

What is the treatment for a short frenulum?

A frenulectomy is a specialized technique that treats this condition by removing the tight restriction, allowing increased penile skin range of motion. It is done under local anesthesia in our Calgary clinic and takes only about 20 minutes to perform. The goal of the procedure is functional so that the tight frenulum is released, allowing improved sexual pleasure without fear of pain or bleeding.

How do I book an appointment?

Please book an appointment online.

Is a frenulectomy painful?

We perform frenulectomy under long-acting local anesthesia and those men who have undergone this procedure usually describe it as virtually painless.

What are the risks of the frenectomy procedure?

Swelling and bruising at the site of the procedure 1/100
Infection requiring antibiotics 1/500
Bleeding (usually mild) 1/100
Scarring at the site of the operation 1/100
Meatal stenosis due to injury to the frenular artery requiring a meatotomy (rare)1/500
Suboptimal cosmetic or functional effect requiring a second procedure.1:100
Chronic pain at the site of the surgery 1:500
Vasovagal reaction causing light-headedness after the procedure. 1/200

How long does it take to recover?

Recovery from penile frenulectomy is fairly fast and painless. Most men do not require additional pain medications after the procedure and are able to return to office work the next day.

If your work requires heavy or physical activity, you will need a few days off.

After frenulectomy, when can I have sex again?

We generally recommend no sex for at least 5-6 weeks to allow the surgical site to heal optimally and sutures, if required at the time of the procedure, to dissolve.

How will this affect my sex life?

After a frenulectomy, because the tight band is released, sex becomes more pleasurable due to less pain and worry from tearing and bleeding.

If I am uncircumcised, how will frenulectomy affect my foreskin?

Frenulectomy does not affect your foreskin and you will remain uncircumcised. Because frenulectomy only involves releasing the tight band of tissue underneath the penis where it attaches to your foreskin, your foreskin will be preserved.

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Our Frenulectomy Method in Calgary

Our Calgary frenulectomy surgeons are familiar with several different techniques being used around the world, so that we can provide optimal results for patients.

Using long acting local anesthetic, we obviate the need for operating rooms at local hospitals and the need for a general anesthetic.

Depending on the size and shape of your frenulum, we may employ a scalpel or cautery to release it.

Once the frenulum is released, we will then assess whether dissolvable stitches will be necessary to approximate the incision.

Regardless of your anatomy, our goal is to provide the optimal aesthetic and functional result.

Recovery using our technique takes only a few weeks.

If you believe you may suffer from frenulum breve please go ahead and contact us for a consultation for a frenulectomy or frenuloplasty procedure.

Before and After Penile Frenulectomy or Frenuloplasty

Patient Instructions Before Frenulectomy

Please research frenulectomy and consult with our doctors, and your own, so you are confident and informed about your decision.
For one week prior to your procedure, do not take any Aspirin or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Naproxen, or Diclofenac.
Please avoid any alcohol the day before the procedure.
On the day of your surgery, eat before your procedure, a normal breakfast or lunch to avoid becoming lightheaded. Take 2 tablets of extra-strength Tylenol just before leaving your home.
You are asked to come at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment. You are welcome to drive yourself to the office and back home unless you have a history of easy fainting.
Our staff will usher you into one of our surgical rooms and then our doctors will administer the local anesthetic. It is then time for your procedure.

Patient Instructions After Penile Frenulectomy

Most men do not require any additional pain medication after the procedure but you may take up to 2 extra-strength acetaminophen tablets every 6 hours as needed for pain control. After 48 hours, you should take Ibuprofen 400 mg every 6 hours as needed for pain control if needed.
You may return to office work in the next days but if your work requires a lot of activity you should take at least 2-3 days off.
We recommend no sexual activity for about 5-6 weeks or until the sutures come out completely.
Patients who are traveling more than 3-4 hours away may want to stay at a local hotel overnight.
There may be a small amount of bleeding at the surgical site. This is normal and will stop in a few days. If it does not you can contact us during office hours and we will assist you right away. You may also walk in to our office.
For after hours support, we are members of the Calgary West Central Primary Care Network (PCN). To access this service call Health Link @ 811. If needed they will connect you with the doctor on call or refer you to the PCN After Hours clinic for a same day or next day appointment. It is located at 5960 Centre Street SE.
If the above options do not meet your needs, you may also proceed to any urgent care centre or emergency room.

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