Genital piercings are not for everyone. In fact, they aren’t for most people. There are quite a few different types for both men and women and everyone else too!
The most commonly known male piercing is a Prince Albert or PA. This was even referenced in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” In this reference, the character Peter talks about “a friend who got his nipples pierced with a titanium chain that runs down to his Van Johnson.” Later, it is shown that he is that friend. Generally, if you’re connecting a chain to a male genital piercing, it will be to a ring through a PA. Another common male genital piercing is the frenum, also commonly referred to as a Jacob’s Ladder which is multiple frenums.
For those with parts not so dangly, there are many female genital piercings but the one most think of is the Vertical Clitoral Hood piercing or VCH. If you don’t know where your hood is, you likely don’t have the parts or need to learn more of your anatomy. Another oft-requested piercing is the Christina piercing done at the top of the labial cleft. It is a relatively simple piercing and not especially painful. It’s basically a navel piercing, just a good bit lower.
Is a genital piercing for you? Which one?
Choosing to get a genital piercing can be quite an intimidating decision. I’ve heard comments along the line of, “Why would you do that? It’s like stabbing your best friend!”. Certainly, the pain involved can be a deterrent for many people but the potential for increased sensitivity can balance out the risk. Not all genital piercings increase sensitivity. Some are just for decoration. Others most definitely make sexual activity more intense-too intense for some. “I already don’t last long enough. Put that in there and I’ll be over before I start,” was what one potential client said. While this could be an issue at first, you do acclimate to it and the addition of titanium jewelry can add to your partner’s stimulation.
Aftercare is Always Important
The biggest thing to be concerned with for your new genital piercing is not the sensitivity of a fresh wound but actually keeping it clean. Following your piercer’s recommended aftercare instructions is imperative, whether you use an germicidal antimicrobial soap like Provon or a saline wound wash like Steri-Wash, both of which are available in store.
Genital piercings are not for everyone.
In fact, they aren’t for most people.
A huge thing to remember is regarding sexual activity. While you can start participating in intimate activity with a partner as soon as it is comfortable, you MUST use a barrier such as a condom for penetrative sex and a dental dam for oral sex. The bacteria of another person’s body is completely alien to yours and will start an infection in a fresh piercing almost immediately. There is, of course, the increased issue with the potential for disease with a fresh piercing. Mucus membranes of the sexual organs are already fair game for STI transmission, adding an open wound into that equation increases your chances so greatly. It’s not worth taking the risk, no matter how good it might feel.
Some people will often claim that genital piercings never heal completely. This is a large generalization. Some thinner piercings such as hood, inner labia, frenums and scrotum piercings will absolutely fully heal, leaving channels of epithelial tissue. Other deeper piercings, such as the ampallang and apadravya can still close up years after getting pierced if the jewelry is removed and left out. It is Important to always keep jewelry in your piercings if you want to keep them.
Genital Piercings Are Inclusive
Not to leave our lovely trans clients out of the picture, there are variations of genital piercings to reflect your transition, whether you got bottom surgery or just from the modifications HRT can place on your body. Since we can’t get into all the details in this essay, speak with your piercer about your choices.
Trans men, you could get a clitoral piercing that resembles an ampallang or large gauge labia piercings to simulate the weight and constant adjustment commonly seen with cis men. Trans women, you can get labia piercings if the doctor left enough tissue for it or if you haven’t had surgery, a PA can be a stand-in for a VCH. Genital piercings can be a part of your gender-affirming care plan and you should consider your piercer part of your treatment team.
At the end of the day, the biggest things to remember is to keep your new addition to your tackle box clean and don’t hesitate to ask your piercer any questions.
Find out about our current piercing prices and general healing time here.
