In men, the frenulum (small attachment between the foreskin and the glans) can break during more or less intense sexual intercourse. It’s frequent, impressive because it can bleed, but fortunately benign. What to do ? When to operate?
What is a break in the brake?
The frenulum is the small attachment that connects the foreskin to the glans. During sexual intercourse, this mucous bridge can break: we then speak of broken brake. Very common, this phenomenon essentially affects young boys at the start of sexual activity. “It may seem surprising but still not serious. The man who has been circumcised no longer has any brakes since he no longer has a foreskin“, reassures Dr. Vincent Hupertan.
What is the cause of a broken brake?
Frenulum breakage is always of traumatic origin. It occurs whenmore or less violent sexual intercourse, almost always without a condom. It can also occur during masturbation. Frenulum breakage is favored by a very rigid erection and repeated rubbing during intercourse. Moreover, the shorter the frenulum, the greater the pressure exerted by the erection and the more this weakens it. “The brake has no real use but it is crossed by a very small artery which has a very strong arterial flow, amplified by the erection. By breaking up, it causes a slight hemorrhage“says the urologist.
Breakage of the brake is manifested by pain followed by bleeding. However, the pain is not systematic. “It happens that the breakage of the brake is painless and that we do not realize it because sexual arousal does not make you feel pain. It’s at the end of sexual intercourse that bleeding occurs“, nuances the specialist.
When and who to consult in the event of a broken brake?
“In almost all cases, the bleeding stops spontaneously by the time you go to the emergency room, register and wait your turn. Consultation in the Emergency Department is therefore in no way compulsory, except in the event of a bleeding problem, blood fragility or coagulation problems.“, observes Dr. Vincent Hupertan. On the other hand, a consultation with a urologist in the days following frenulum rupture is essential to ensure proper healing. It’s a common phenomenon but one that worries many couples who don’t expect to see blood during sex.
Faced with brake breakage, the first thing to do is compression of the glans using a handkerchief or tissue to stop the bleeding. “Generally, the bleeding stops after 5 to 10 minutes. Subsequently, we proceed to cleaning with soap and water, application trackingan alcohol-free disinfectant. A small compression bandage can be applied while healing takes place.“, adds the urologist.
Is it necessary to operate in the event of breakage of the brake?
“Any man who has had a broken frenulum or has a cut or pain in the foreskin should consult a urologist“, warns the specialist. The surgeon examines the patient and depending on the local condition, either he prescribes nursing care, local care and rest while waiting for healing, or he will perform brake plastic surgery which will reduce skin tension and resume a normal sex life. “This very simple and very quick intervention consists of sever the frenulum of the foreskin and sutured with absorbable suture. Most often, it is carried out under local anesthesia“continues Dr. Vincent Hupertan.
How long to wait before having sex?
It is recommended not to have any more reports until you have consulted a urologist. For 10 to 15 days, the area remains tender and the pain may persist. It is also recommended to avoid going to the swimming pool during this period.
Thanks to Dr Vincent Hupertan, urological surgeon in Paris.