Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About….Genital Piercing & It’s Suggested Jewelry

The following contains brief descriptions of each piercing and suggested jewelry. Healing times offered are estimates. Please keep in mind that healing time and success rates vary from individual to individual.

Please remember that body piercing is an inexact science. The content of this document reflects the continual advances and new findings made in the field of body piercing. The information contained in herein is culled from group knowledge and experience. Each person’s experiences regarding piercing viability, healing, and longevity are different. Thus, opinions on almost all aspects may vary or conflict.

FEMALE GENITAL PIERCINGS

Clitoris
Fourchette
Horizontal Clitoral Hood, or Prepuce
Vertical Clitoral Hood, or Prepuce
Inner Labia, or Labia Minora
Outer Labia, or Labia Majora
Clitoral Triangle Piercing
Christina
Isabella
Princess Albertina

MALE GENITAL PIERCINGS

Ampallang
Apadravya
Dydoe
Foreskin
Frenum
Guiche
Hafada (Scrotum)
Prince Albert

FEMALE GENITAL PIERCINGS

Depending on how long your hair is, your piercer may see fit to trim the hair. Shaving can be very, very irritating the first (dozen) times, which will only compound the general irritation of getting a new piercing. Trimming the hair allows the piercer to clean the area thoroughly, mark the piercing (between hair follicles), and apply forceps without ripping-out hair.

If a woman desires multiple piercings, not only must the placement be decided based on your anatomy, but on the placement of your existing piercings. Outer labia piercings can pincxh a hood or inner labia piercings; a pair of outer labia rings can pinch the inner labia if the inner labia protrude between the outer.

Clitoris

Initial healing: 6 to 10 weeks

The clitoris piercing is one of the rarest female genital piercings; few women are good candidates anatomically. To be successfully pierced, the clitoris should be at least 1/4″ wide, exposed or at least loosely hooded. An exposed clitoris can be pierced horizontally or vertically with either a barbell or a ring. The vertical piercing fitted with a barbell is usually preferred for a clitoris covered with a loose hood (prepuce). If the hood is too tight the piercing will most likely migrate out or be irritated by the pressure of the hood.

Some women seeking a clitoral piercing lack sensitivity because the glans of the clitoris is exposed and has been somewhat desensitized. I’ve read more than a few accounts of spontaneous orgasms post-piercing – this hyper-sensitivity usually recedes once the clitoris grows accustomed to the presence of the jewelry.

Initial jewelry: Barbells in 16 to 14 gauge, 3/8″ – 7/16″ – 1/2″ in length. Captive bead or bead rings in 16 to 14 gauge, 3/8″ – 7/16″ – 1/2″ inside diameter. Barbells are suitable for vertical or horizontal piercings; rings are suitable only for horizontal piercings. The ring works best in a clitoris that is exposed.

Fourchette

Initial healing: 6 to 10 weeks

The Fourchette is a relatively new piercing, named for its location. Highly anatomy dependent, this vertical piercing is made through no more than 3/8″ of surface tissue, from the bottom wall of the vagina over the perineum. Attempts to place the fourchette into the vaginal canal tissue results in rapid rejection and pain. The fourchette is not suggested for a woman who enjoys vaginal penetration on a regular basis, as the tissue and piercing get pulled into the canal.

Initial jewelry: Rings and curved barbells of at least 12 gauge, 1/2″ – 9/16″ – 5/8″ in diameter/length

Horizontal Clitoral Hood, or Prepuce

Initial healing: 6 to 10 weeks

The horizontal hood piercing is made through the pronounced vertical ridge of tissue above the clitoris. The horizontal piercing is most stimulating if the clitoris is exposed to the jewelry. Placement of the piercing and selection of the ring’s dimensions should be made so that the bead rests on the tip of the clitoris. If the clitoris is not exposed the wearer may not feel much increased sensation unless pressure is applied to the jewelry. Most women find a larger sized bead more stimulating. A straight or curved barbell is ineffective towards stimulation.

A horizontal hood may also be stimulating where the piercing is made, over the shaft of the clit, if pressure is applied. A larger gauge is more stimulating in this manner.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings or bead rings in 14, 12, 10 gauge, 7/16″ – 1/2″ – 5/8″ inside diameter, depending on the depth of the piercing and the individual’s build. The inside diameter should be at least 1/8″ wider than the width of the piercing.

A thicker gauge should be considered if the wearer enjoys rubbing or heavy friction during sex, or if she uses a vibrator frequently. A thicker gauge will increase the surface area stimulated, will feel more comfortable and will be less likely to pinch or tear.

Women with larger outer labia which compress and completely cover the hood completely may find a symmetrical tear-drop shaped ring more suitable. The tapered shape of the ring prevents it from getting caught between the labia, painfully twisted and pulled, which can cause the piercing to migrate or tear during healing. Most common dimensions are 3/8″ to 1/2″ wide by 1/2″ to 5/8″ long. Using a thicker gauge will prevent tearing and can reduce the discomfort of twisting.

The ring should be widest at the top / top 1/3, so that the arc worn in the piercing is not tight. This allows enough room for the piercing and for swelling. A round ring large enough to allow for swelling will be 1/4″ wider than the teardrop ring; this wide section is what becomes twisted between the outer labia.

Vertical Clitoral Hood, or Prepuce

Initial healing: 6 to 10 weeks

The vertical hood piercing is suited best to women who have a well-developed hood. An easy way to check for suitability is with a lubricated cotton swab; if the entire cotton end will fit under the hood comfortably, then the jewelry will fit comfortably as well.

If the clitoris is not overly-sensitive to direct touch and you wish to increase sensation, a vertical piercing is the best choice. The vertical piercing stimulates the clitoris directly – the jewelry is in direct and somewhat constant contact with the clitoris. This piercing is best performed using a needle receiving tube inserted between the hood and the clitoris, the piercing made from the outside.

A few women have reported apparent irritation of the clitoris from the vertical piercing, especially if the hood is too right to allow the jewelry to fit comfortably. A few women have also reported desensitization due to cotinual exposure to the jewelry. Usually a change of jewelry design or leaving the piercing empty for a few weeks will refocus stimulation on a slightly different spot.

Initial Jewelry: Captive bead rings or bead rings in 14, 12, 10 gauge, 3/8″ – 7/16″ – 1/2″ – 9/16″ inside diameter, depending on the depth of the piercing; the inside diameter should be at least 1/16″ wider than the measurement from the tip of the hood to the location of the piercing. Barbells and curved barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 3/8″ – 7/16″ – 1/2″ long; the length should allow the bottom ball to protrude from the hood.

Inner Labia, or Labia Minora

Initial healing: 6 to 10 weeks

The amount of inner labia present varies with the individual – some women may have available tissue an inch or so wide, while others may have the barest, thinnest inner labia, too delicate to hold jewelry. Labia piercings can be stretched considerably after healing.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 14 to 10 gauge, 1/2″ – 9/16″ – 5/8″ in diameter. Circular barbells may have a tendency to unscrew with friction from walking.

A thicker gauge should also be considered if the wearer enjoys rubbing or heavy friction during sex, or if she uses a vibrator frequently. A thicker gauge will increase the surface area stimulated, will feel more comfortable and will be less likely o pinch or tear.

Outer Labia, or Labia Majora

Initial healing: 3 to 5 months

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 12 to 10 gauge, 1/2″ – 9/16″ – 5/8″ in diameter. The inside diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8″ to 1/4″ wider than the length of the piercing to allow for swelling during the healing period. Circular barbells may have a tendency to unscrew with friction from walking.

Occasionally a ring or extrusion of soft tissue will form around the entrance holes during healing. This condition is usually due to a combination of perspiration and dried discharge irritating the piercing entrances. Keeping the piercings dry during daytime activities by wearing cotton underwear to absorb perspiration and rinsing away perspiration will aid in healing. Salt water soaks will aid in healing and are very soothing.

Clitoral Triangle Piercing

Initial healing: 4 to 6 months

This piercing is made horizontally through the loose tissue underneath (not below) the shaft of the clitoris, above the juncture of the inner labia and prepuce (thus the piercing entrances are through the prepuce, or clitoral hood). The area to be pierced can be felt as a triangular shape behind the shaft when the area is pinched with the fingers. The piercing is stimulating to the wearer when the ring is pulled, flipped up, or with pressure on the hood and clitoris.

The Triangle piercing is very anatomy-dependent. The clitoris and surrounding tissue must protrude from the pubic bone to allow for a comfortable piercing. As with the horizontal hood piercing, women with a narrow pubic area or whose outer labia completely cover the area may find this piercing uncomfortable, as the ring will have a tendency to twist sideways.

Initial jewelry: Bead rings or captive bead rings in 12 to 10 gauge, 5/8″ – 11/16″ – 3/4″ inside diameter, with allowance for swelling.

Christina

Initial Healing: 3 to 5 months

A vertical piercing made through the V-shaped juncture of the mons and outer labia. This relatively new piercing has recently been performed on several women by the staff at Stainless Studios in Canada. In these examples, a curved barbell was used. Because the piercing is usually at least 5/8″ wide, a ring of large enough diameter to allow for swelling will protrude uncomfortably.

Initial Jewelry: 12ga 3/4″ – 1″ curved barbell

Isabella

This relatively new piercing is documented in Issue #17 of Piercing World Magazine (UK). The safety, not to mention viability, of this piercing has been questioned by a number of experienced piercers in the US. As depicted this piercing is likely to sever the dorsal nerve and artery of the clitoris, leading to a complete loss of sensation and excessive bleeding.

In her “Editorial” in PFIQ #44, Michaela Grey of the Association of Professional Piercers writes: “Perhaps best described as a mutated, vertical version of the Triangle, it is being performed in the UK under injectable, probably illegal, anesthetic. A long barbell (plastic is suggested) pierces through the suspensory ligament, several layers of hood, muscle, nerves, veins, and other connective tissue, the actual shaft of the clitoris, and exits dangerously close to the urethra.”

Princess Albertina

Another relatively new and experimental piercing documented in Issue #19 of Piercing World Magazine. The safety, not to mention viability, of this piercing has been questioned by a number of experienced piercers in the US.

In her “Editorial” in PFIQ #44, Michaela Grey writes: “[this piercing] forces a ring into the tiny, extremely sensitive female urethra and out through the hymen. As women are NOT men, and do not have a man’s large, relatively exposed urethra, the area is not sturdy enough to withstand minor infections or the weight and friction of a ring. The female urinary tract is less than 2 inches long. An infection of the piercing could travel rapidly to the bladder and become quite serious. The piercing would not only be very uncomfortable but extremely dangerous. I fail to see the possible erotic benefits, as women’s pleasure centers are not similar to men’s. Very few women derive any pleasure from having their urethra manipulated, while many men do.”

MALE GENITAL PIERCINGS

In general, most men have found that penis piercings performed at 12ga or thinner tend to “pinch” during activity, and that once the move to a thicker gauge is made, the pinching sensation disappears.

There is no evidence that piercings of the penis cause urinary tract infections in either partner.

Ampallang

Initial healing: 6 to 10 months; ; may require a year or more to completely heal

The Ampallang is made horizontally through the glans (head). There is some debate among piercers regarding the placement of the Ampallang. A piercing intersecting the urethra is in effect two piercings, allowing urine to irrigate through the piercings. Piercers who prefer the transurethral piercing contend that a transurethral piercing tends to heal faster and be stronger than a piercing made above the urethra. The Ampallang may bleed considerably during the first 3 to 5 days.

Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14 to 10 gauge; the length of the barbell must be determined by measuring the penis while it is erect, using calipers.

Apadravya

Initial healing: 4 to 8 months; maybe less if the piercing is a continuation of the Prince Albert; may require a year or more to completely heal

The Apadravya is made vertically through the glans, and is often a continuation of the Prince Albert. The Apadravya may bleed considerably during the first 3 to 5 days.

Dydoe

Initial healing: 3 to 6 months

Dydoe piercings are usually done as a pair, at the 10:00 and 2:00 positions through the corona (ridge) of the glans (head). Dydoe piercings are less likely to migrate or grow out if the corona is pronounced.

Initial jewelry: barbell studs in 14 gauge, 3/8″ – 7/16″ in length; curved barbells may be better suited for some men’s anatomy. Rings are considered by many Dydoe wearers to be uncomfortable and to contribute to piercing migration/rejection.

Foreskin

Initial healing: 2 to 4 months

This piercing can be very stimulating as the jewelry rubs against the glans during sexual activity. One large-diameter ring can be worn through two piercings made on either side for infibulation. A series of foreskin piercings can be made and barbells worn, keeping the foreskin retracted.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 1/2″ inside diameter or larger.

Frenum

Initial healing: 2 to 4 months

This piercing is made through the loose skin along the underside of the shaft, about 3/8″ below the “V” formed by the corona (ridge). The amount of available tissue varies and depends on how much tissue was removed during circumcision. The frenulum itself is not strong enough to support jewelry (the thin web of skin which may have been left intact during circumcision). It is not necessary for the penis to be erect during placement; however, the placement may change when the penis is erect.

A series of frenum piercings – called a “Frenum Ladder” – can be made as well. However, piercings made where the skin becomes very taught when the penis is erect may migrate or reject. A frenum piercing made at the base of the penis has acquired the name Lorum, short for “lower frenum.”

It is possible to make a frenum piercing on the inside of the foreskin if the piercee is not circumcised. In this case a ring is usually more comfortable. The foreskin should be loose enough to allow for proper cleaning and comfortable fit.

Initial jewelry: Barbells in 12 to 10 gauge, 1/2″ – 9/16″ – 5/8″ in length, determined by measuring the length of the piercing. Rings can be worn only if enough loose tissue is available; 12 to 10 gauge, inside diameter 1/8″ wider than the width of the piercing.

After the piercing is healed, a ring measured to fit snuggly around the erect penis just behind the corona (ridge) can be worn. A frenum loop can be attached to the barbell for added sensation to both partners. Frenum loops can be either a flat or rounded horse-shoe shaped piece, 1/4″ to 5/16″ wide. Some designs have balls soldered onto the outside of the loop to stimulate the wearer’s partner.

Guiche

Initial healing: 3 to 5 months

This piercing is made at the base of the scrotum, through the perineum, just in front of the position of the inseam of a pair of pants. Attaching weights to this piercing is said to be extremely stimulating.

Guiche piercings can be difficult to heal. For most men, they are surface piercings and the area changes shape with body movements, both factors which put stress on the piercing, cotributing to the piercing migrating/rejecting. A naturally outward facing fold of loose skin is advantageous for this piercing.

Guiche piercings are located in an area that tends to stay moist with perspiration which is an irritant. Depending on where you live, Fall or Winter would be the best time to get pierced.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings; in 12 to 10 gauge, 9/16″ – 5/8″ – 11/16″ inside diameter; inside diameter 1/8″ wider than the width of the piercing. Some men may find a curved barbell more comfortable than a ring. Gold tends to be too flexible to maintain ring shape in thinner than 10 gauge. Circular barbells may have a tendency to unscrew with friction from walking.

Hafada (Scrotum)

Initial healing: 3 to 5 months

This piercing can be one of the most difficult to heal because of the constant contact with clothing and lack of ventilation. The scrotum expands and contracts, stressing the entrances of the piercing which can cotribute to the piercing migrating/rejecting. Piercings can be made anywhere on the scrotum, though piercings made through outward facing folds of skin may decrease the likelihood of rejection or migration. Care must be taken not to puncture the testicle sac itself which can lead to very serious infection.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to 10 gauge, 9/16″ – 5/8″ – 11/16″ in diameter.

Prince Albert

Initial healing: 6 to 8 weeks

The piercing placed on the underside of the penis, in the center of the triangle which can be drawn in the “V” of the glans.

This piercing is usually performed with the aid of a needle-receiving tube inserted into the urethra; the piercing is made from the outside and going into the tube so that the tip of the needle is outside of the urethra when the tube is removed. It has been noted that larger gauge piercings will pinch the flesh against the inside of the tube, in which case some piercers with experience performing large gauge piercings have devised alternate methods of piercing from the inside out.

The Prince Albert may bleed considerably during the first 24 to 48 hours.

It is possible to make a Prince Albert piercing if the piercee is not circumcised. Some uncircumcised me may find a curved barbell more comfortable. The foreskin should be loose enough to allow for proper cleaning and comfortable fit. If the foreskin is too tight to be completely retracted, the piercee may opt to have the bottom edge of the foreskin cut. This procedure can, in some cases, be considered a medical complaint if the foreskin is so restrictive as to be painful during erection or sexual activity. This procedure should be performed by a physician and the foreskin allowed to heal before the piercing is made.

Even if the wearer is circumcised there is often a thin remnant of the frenulum present, requiring that the piercing be made slightly to one side. For comfort in healing, the piercing should be made the opposite side of the direction the wearer “dresses.”

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 10 gauge, 5/8″ – 9/16″ – 3/4″ inside diameter or larger; inside diameter of the ring should be 1/8″ wider than the width of the piercing. The width of the piercing is determined by measuring the length between the piercing to the bottom edge of the urethral opening. If the ring diameter is too small it could cause pinching or tearing of the urethra when the penis is erect. Curved barbells in 12 to 10 gauge, 1/2″ – 9/16″ – 5/8″ – 11/16″ – 3/4″; length should be equal or 1/16″ longer than the length of the piercing; the ball at the urethral end should be large enough to prevent it from slipping into the urethra.

In general, most men have found that PA piercings performed at 12ga or thinner tend to “pinch” during activity.

The piercing itself will not leak when the wearer urinates unless the piercing has been stretched beyond the thickness of the ring. The urine drip that is associated with the PA is a result of the urine dripping from the jewelry. A few male readers suggest turning the penis 90 to 180 degrees while holding the ring to the side. Wearing a curved barbell may reduce the drip but may cause a spray if the ball blocks the urethra.

The REVERSE PRINCE ALBERT piercing is made through the glans, usually about 1/2″ from the top edge of the urethral opening.

Our thanks to the members of alt.bodyart for this material! – ed. Wasteland