What do I do if my penis is torn?

The tight piece of skin attaching the foreskin to the penis may be torn. The medical name for this skin is frenulum, it is also known as the 'banjo string' due to its appearance.

The frenulum may heal without treatment if it's rested for several days. You can try using lubricating jelly during sex to avoid a reoccurrence of the problem. If you experience repeated bleeding or discomfort you should visit your doctor or local genitourinary medicine clinic (STD clinic). A small operation (frenuloplasty) may be necessary to stop the problem recurring.