A frenulum, sometimes called a frenum, is a small, bridle-like fold of tissue found throughout the body. This structure secures or restricts the motion of a mobile organ, effectively acting as an anchor. All individuals are born with multiple frenula, making them a standard part of human anatomy. Their presence is generally unnoticed unless a variation in length or thickness causes a functional issue.
Where Frenula Are Located in the Body
The most commonly discussed frenula are located in the mouth and the genitals. In the mouth, there are two primary types: the lingual frenulum and the labial frenula. The lingual frenulum is the thin band of tissue underneath the tongue, connecting it to the floor of the mouth. Its role is to stabilize the tongue while allowing movement necessary for speech and swallowing.
The labial frenula connect the lips to the gums, typically positioned centrally behind the upper and lower lips. These folds help anchor the lips to the jaw and may influence the positioning of the teeth. Outside of the mouth, the penile frenulum is a sensitive band of tissue on the underside of the penis. It connects the foreskin to the glans (head) and assists in the movement of the foreskin.
What Causes Frenulum Issues
Problems arise when a frenulum is congenitally too short, too thick, or improperly attached, leading to restricted movement. In the mouth, this is known as tethered oral tissue, commonly manifesting as ankyloglossia (“tongue-tie”) or lip-tie.
Ankyloglossia occurs when a short lingual frenulum restricts the tongue’s mobility, affecting an estimated 5% of newborns. This restriction can interfere with an infant’s ability to achieve a proper latch during breastfeeding, potentially leading to poor milk transfer.
If uncorrected, a tongue-tie may contribute to difficulties articulating sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r” due to limited range of motion. A lip-tie involves a tight labial frenulum that impedes the lip’s ability to flange outward, complicating the seal needed for feeding. It can also potentially pull the gum tissue away from the teeth later in life.
For individuals with a penis, a condition called frenulum breve refers to a frenulum that is too short. This can cause the glans to pull down uncomfortably during an erection and may lead to tearing or pain during sexual activity.
Surgical Correction of Frenula
When a frenulum causes significant functional problems, surgical intervention may be recommended. The two main procedures used for correction are the frenectomy and the frenuloplasty.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a simpler procedure involving the complete removal or a straight snip of the restrictive tissue. This approach is often quick, taking only a few minutes, and is commonly performed on infants using sterile scissors or a soft-tissue laser.
Frenuloplasty
A frenuloplasty is a more complex surgical procedure that involves the reconstruction or alteration of the frenulum to lengthen it rather than removing it. This method often requires sutures to reposition the tissue. It may be chosen for more severe cases to ensure maximum flexibility.
Both procedures are considered relatively minor, offering a permanent solution to the symptoms caused by the restrictive tissue. The decision on which procedure to use depends on the severity of the restriction and the specific anatomical structure of the frenulum.