What Is A Frenar Band (Ridge Band)?

Introduction
The frenar band is the interface between the outer and inner foreskin layers. It often puckers past the tip of the glans. The band has a high density of nerve endings, and is more sensitive than the rest of the foreskin, except for the frenulum. The band also contains smooth muscle fibers that allow the foreskin to be retracted. The purpose of the band is to keep the foreskin forward so it covers the glans when the penis is flaccid. When the penis is erect the band helps keep the foreskin retracted behind the ridge of the glans. It also keeps the foreskin snug around the glans and provides the right amount of friction so it feels good when foreskin glides over the glans. Unfortunately, the frenar band is removed during even a minimal circumcision. The band is full of nerve ending and cannot be restored.

What does a frenulum look like?
When the penis is flaccid, the ridge band helps to contract the tip of the foreskin and allow the foreskin to remain in position over the glans. Below are some examples of different ridge band.

What does a ridge band look like when the penis is erect?
When the penis is erect, the ridge band expands and allows the foreskin to move back off the glans. This ridge band is made up of corragated tissue normally hidden from view just inside the tip of the foreskin. This large bunches of coiled nerve endings are concentrated in the peaks of the ridges. Many men find the ridge band to be very erogenous and is more sensitive than the rest of the foreskin except for the frenulum.

What do I do if the foreskin cannot retract over the glans?
It is not uncommon for men not to have their foreskin retract over their glans. The inability to retract the the foreskin is call phimosis. The inability to return the foreskin over the glans is called paraphimosis, and this is a very serious condition. You must return your foreskin back over you glans. You can avoid both conditions by performing some simple stretching exercises.

• Take a hot bath/shower to relax the skin.
• Wet the first two fingers of one hand.
• GENTLY, with your fingers, stretch the frenar band, and hold for a count of twenty.
• Move your fingers to a different position on the frenar band and stretch again and hold
• Make sure you GENTLY stretch and not cause any pain. You don't want to tear your skin.
• After you're done stretching, apply a moisturizing cream.