Please help

The other day while I was having sex the little piece of skin which joins the foreskin to the head of the penis ripped slightly and started to bleed. Many days later it is still very painful, can anyone tell me if there is anything I can do to make it better.? Or does it cure itself.?

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hello.

That little piece of skin that connects the foreskin to the head of the penis is called the frenulum, and it's not unusual for it to tear slightly during vigorous thrusting--especially when there's very little lubrication (hint: always be sure your partner is well-lubricated).

It will probably heal on its own, but every situation is different. Wash it with a mild unperfumed soap for a few days, and if it doesn't heal or is still painful, see your physician so that she/he can prescribe something for a possible infection. Dr. J