GENITAL PIERCING is by far the most controversial body adornment. The common reason for placement of jewelries on the genital area is to enhance sexual stimulation, arousal, and to call attention for beauty and appreciation.
GENITAL PIERCING requires a lot of attention and care to prevent complications including infection. Sexual limitation should also be considered. If you plan to have piercing in your genital area, consider it very thoroughly. Have yourself evaluated to see if your anatomy is suitable for a particular piercing.
The most common complications associated with genital piercing include:
- 1. Bleeding
- 2.Nerve damage
- 3. Bacterial infection
- 4. Allergic reaction to the jewelry
- 5. Thick scarring on the piercing site
Clitoris Piercing
- The clitoris is a very sensitive area and we do not advise you to get pierced. Piercing the clitoris may result in serious nerve damage.
Clitoral Hood Piercing
- Clitoral Hood Piercing is done as expressions of independence, for religious or cultural reasons, or to adorn one’s body. Some do it for sexual purposes.
- Clitoral Hood Piercing is done in using a strict sterile technique to avoid infection, and under intravenous sedation with local anesthesia to alleviate the pain.
- Though painful initially, piercing usually heals well. It should be cleaned and applied with antiseptic to minimize the risk of infection.
We chose several techniques for piercing in our center:
- 1) Fourchette Piercing
- 2) Horizontal Clitoral Hood Piercing
- 3) Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing (VCH)
1) Fourchette
- Fourchette is a less popular piercing among women. Most women do not have extra tissue in the perineal area (extra tissue in the area between the anus and the vagina), where the jewelry is inserted. Fourchette requires the proper anatomy. Fourchette is not advisable for women, who do not have a flap or pinchable skin on the perineal area.
- Piercing into the vaginal tissue and vaginal canal is often rejected by the body. Careful examination by a professional should be done. The skin on this area is very thin and can be easily torn. It may cause pain during sexual intercourse because it may pull the jewelry inside the vaginal canal.
- Jewelry recommended: 10-12 gauge captive bead ring or curved barbell.
2) The Horizontal Clitoral Hood Piercing
- The horizontal clitoral hood piercing is the most popular female genital piercing because of its attractive look. The piercing is placed correctly. Your anatomy should be suitable for this piercing to provide stimulation to the clitoris. Have your anatomy examined before deciding for any procedure.
- Jewelry recommended: 12 or 14 gauge captive bead ring or circular barbell.
3) Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing
- Vertical Clitoral Hood piercing is the most common type of female genital piercing. Most women have sufficient tissue for VCH. A ‘q-tip test’ is done as an assessment for a woman’s suitability for this procedure.
- The piercing is done vertically through the clitoral hood (skin covering the clitoris) and conforms to the natural shape of the woman’s anatomical features.
- During sexual intercourse, there is direct stimulation of the clitoris. The piercing takes four to six weeks to heal.
What to expect after the piercing procedure?
- A few days after the piercing, some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising is expected. Itching and whitish/yellowish (not pus) secretion may be experienced. Some crust on the jewelry and tissue tightening may occur during the healing process.
- Do not force to move or rotate the jewelry in the piercing. The outside tissues may heal faster than the inside. If there are signs of infection (such as fever, redness, swelling, discharge, bad smell, or a rash around the piercing site); do not hesitate to contact us at our Center.
Post procedure care:
- Do not rotate the jewelry through the piercing. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the pierced area. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing to protect the piercing while sleeping.
- Wash the area with sterile solution with no additives, preferably mild anti-microbial liquid soap. Soap the area not more than twice daily and do not leave the soap in the area for more than thirty seconds. Rinse thoroughly to completely remove soap from the area. Gently pat dry the area with clean, soft, disposable paper tissue.
- The pierced area should be kept clean every single day to prevent smelly secretions and infection. Avoid submerging in lakes, pools, and hot tubs.
- Sexual activity can be resumed as soon as you feel ready. Oral contact, tough play, and contact with body fluid of others, should be avoided during healing. All sexual contacts should be gentle during the healing period. Rinsing the area with saline clean water is advised after sexual intercourse.