An overlooked orogenous zone (Picture: Getty Images/fStop)

Sex experts are telling us that this year is all about outercourse, with ‘shallowing’ (stimulating the entrance to the vagina) and the return of fingering and the humble hand job, set to be the biggest sex trends of 2024.

It’s all about focusing on external stimuli that isn’t penetrative – whether that’s with hands, toys, or even dirty talk.

But, whether you’re engaging in a bit of self-love, or pleasuring your partner, we bet you didn’t know that that you could enhance your outercourse by focusing on the ‘male clitoris’.

The frenulum, better known as the banjo string, is the band of tissue that connects the foreskin to the head of the underside of the penis. There are actually also frenulums in other parts of the body – such as in the mouth under the tongue.

And while you’ve probably heard horror stories of it snapping (more on that later), it’s an often overlooked orogenous zone. ‘Generally, the penis is just seen as a whole entity, when in fact there’s so much more to it,’ clinical sexologist and sex therapist Ness Cooper tells Metro.co.uk. ‘There’s a lot more to the structure of the penis, and different parts of the shaft have different functions.’

In fact, the frenulum is the most sensitive part of the penis. It even has the same type of pleasure receptors as those found in the clitoris – meaning a frenulum based orgasm is often as described as being as intense as a clitoral one.

The frenulum is often being touched or stimulated during sex anyway, because of it’s location, but there are ways to have more targeted play. Ness has some suggestions:

There are some cock rings which are placed over the frenulum to give more direct vibration stimulation.

During vaginal and penile intercourse, using a wearable sex toy such as the We-Vibe (which slips into the vagina and is used as the penis penetrates their partner) may stimulate the frenulum.

Tinging lubes and ones that offer different sensation can be enjoyed by those who like to add more sensation to their frenulum play.

Penis pumps can sometimes feel as if they are adding a suction motion over the frenulum and can feel similar to oral sex.

Some sex positions may stimulate the frenulum more than others, such as doggy style.

The nerves that run through the frenulum are connected to nerves which are found in other areas of the genitals, so getting creative with your masturbation routine and focusing on stimulating more than one area of the penis, scrotum, and or premium at the same time could lead to a more pleasurable experience.

However, it’s worth approaching the frenulum with caution. Kate Moyle, sex expert at LELO says: ‘Frenulums can be susceptible to tearing, particularly if they are too tight or stretched, or if sexual activity is more vigorous – so lighter touch may be advised.

‘The frenulum is highly sensitive and so the type of touch will be dependent on the person, but a good lubricant (water based if you are using condoms or sex toys) can also reduce friction and increase sensitivity.’

On that note, if you do snap your banjo string, while it usually settles and heals on it’s own, there are a few things to look out for.

Speaking previously to Metro.co.uk, Dr Anand Patel said: ‘If the bleeding and tear don’t heal rapidly, or if the tear is significant, continues to be painful beyond the immediate period, or becomes hot, red or swollen, then it would be sensible to see the doctor.

‘If it keeps tearing, there is an operation called a frenuloplasty which can help.’

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