The frenulum is the stretchy band of skin on the underside of the penis that connects the shaft to the head of the penis and the foreskin (if you are uncircumcised). This area is very sensitive and can deliver a lot of pleasure.
Sometimes the frenulum is tight and can tear during sex or masturbation. In most cases, the tear will get better without treatment. Be sure to keep the area clean and dry.
If the tear does not heal, you see signs of infection (redness, pain or pus) or the tear keeps happening, see your health care provider.
To prevent tearing, you may want to take it slow and use lubricant with masturbation and sex. Using condoms is a good idea to protect the area until it is healed, as whenever you have any tears or sores on your genital skin, you are more likely to get STIs and HIV.