What causes bleeding from the frenulum of the foreskin, and what should be done?

Nov 08, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Introduction
Bleeding from the frenulum of the prepuce may be caused by excessive sexual activity, frenulum tear, frenulum inflammation, frenulum cyst, or penile ulceration. Immediate hemostasis and wound cleaning are necessary. Depending on the severity of the injury, management options may include sterile gauze dressing, application of cold or warm compresses, oral antibiotics, or topical ointments. If necessary, seek prompt medical attention for wound suturing or surgical treatment.

Bleeding from the frenulum of the prepuce may be caused by excessive sexual activity, frenulum tear, frenulitis, frenulum cyst, or penile ulceration. Immediate hemostasis and wound cleaning are necessary. Depending on the severity of the injury, management options may include sterile gauze dressing, cold or warm compresses, oral antibiotics, or topical application of ointments. If necessary, prompt medical attention should be sought for suturing or surgical treatment. If any abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Sexual Activity

Frequent sexual intercourse or excessive force during sex may place too much pressure on the frenulum, causing bleeding. It is recommended to temporarily abstain from sexual activity until the wound heals, and then resume with attention to the intensity and frequency of sexual activity to avoid excessive stimulation.

2. Frenulum Tear

Patients with a short frenulum, long foreskin, or phimosis may experience frenulum tearing during sexual intercourse or masturbation due to improper force or insufficient lubrication, leading to pain and swelling. For mild tears, hemostasis can be achieved with sterile gauze dressing and disinfection with iodophor. For severe tears or persistent bleeding, immediate medical attention is required, and the physician may perform suturing under local anesthesia.

3. Frenulitis

A long foreskin may harbor bacteria, causing inflammatory reactions leading to redness, swelling, pain, and even bleeding of the frenulum. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cefuroxime axetil tablets may be taken as directed by a physician to control infection. Topical antibiotic ointments, such as erythromycin ointment, can also be applied to promote resolution of the inflammation. Maintaining local cleanliness and dryness is important to prevent bacterial growth.

4. Frenulum Cyst

Endocrine abnormalities may lead to the formation of a cyst on the frenulum, which may bleed upon rupture. Small, asymptomatic cysts can be observed without immediate treatment. However, if the cyst is large or accompanied by symptoms such as pain or bleeding, medical consultation is advised for surgical excision.

5. Penile Ulcer

Penile ulcers may result from infections, with localized tissue breakdown occurring on the surface, including the area of the frenulum, leading to tissue damage and bleeding. Mild ulcers can be treated under medical guidance with topical application of antibiotic ointments or antiseptics such as erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, or povidone-iodine solution to promote healing. For severe ulcers or those accompanied by systemic symptoms, medical attention is required for systemic treatment. Personal hygiene should be maintained, and unprotected sexual activity should be avoided.

It is recommended to take preventive measures in daily life and pay special attention to hygiene in public places to reduce the risk of disease transmission.