Body Art Info: Piercings
Clitoral Hood (Horizontal)
- Initial Jewelry: Captive bead ring, circular barbell in 14 - 12 gauge and 3/8" - 1/2" inside diameter. 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 16 - 14 gauge and 3/8" - 1/2" long. The length should allow the bottom ball to adequately protrude from the hood. Wearing a barbell will eliminate twisting of the jewelry against tight clothing. Thicker gauges might be more comfortable, less likely to pinch or tear after healing.
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Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks
Clitoral Hood (Vertical)
- Initial Jewelry: Captive bead ring, circular barbell in 16 - 14 gauge and 3/8" - 1/2" inside diameter, depending on the width of the piercing and the desired location of the bead. The inside diameter should be at least 1/8" wider than the width of the piercing. Thicker gauges usually feel more comfortable and will be less likely to pinch or tear after healing.
- Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks
Prince Albert
The “PA” may bleed slightly during the first 24 to 48 hours. The REVERSE PRINCE ALBERT is made through the top of the glans, usually about 3/8" to 1/2" from the top edge of the urethral opening, safely clearing internal erectile tissue. The piercing itself should not leak when the wearer urinates unless the piercing has been stretched beyond the thickness of the ring. The PA usually does mean that the wearer will have to sit to urinate. It is not uncommon for a Prince Albert piercing to stretch 2 gauges within the first year. It is possible for the PA to lose width and/or depth with heavier jewelry in place. Some men may find a curved barbell more comfortable. It is possible to perform a PA on an uncircumcised organ; The foreskin should be loose enough to allow for proper cleaning and comfortable fit.
- Initial Jewelry: Captive bead ring, circular barbell in 14-12 gauge, 5/8" - 3/4" inside diameter. 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 discomfort to the urethra when the penis is erect. Curved barbells in 14 - 12 gauge, 1/2" - 3/4". Length should be at least 1/8" longer than the length of the piercing.
- Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks
Frenum / Lorum
A frenum piercing made at the base of the penis has acquired the name “Lorum”. The position of the piercing may change when the penis is erect. A series of frenum piercings is called a “Ladder”. The skin of the lower half of the penis tends to be thinner and flatter, increasing the chance of migration or rejection. Tension is increased if the barbell balls are too large and create pressure against the skin behind them. If the wearer is uncircumcised, the piercing can be inside the foreskin, but a ring is usually used for greater comfort. The foreskin should be loose enough to allow for proper cleaning and comfort.
- Initial Jewelry: Barbell in 14 - 12 gauge, 1/2" - 5/8" in length, determined by measuring the length of the piercing. Ring should be used only if enough loose tissue is available; 14 - 12 gauge, inside diameter 1/4" wider than the width of the piercing. After the piercing is healed, a ring measured to fit snugly around the erect organ just behind the corona (ridge) can be worn.
- Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks
Foreskin
Historically, this piercing was developed as a chastity device for Greek and Roman slaves. today is done for aesthetics or to increase erotic sensation. This piercing is fairly self-explanatory. Sometimes one large-diameter ring or barbell can be worn through two piercings made on either side.
- Initial Jewelry: Captive bead ring, circular barbell in 14 - 12 gauge, 7/16" inside diameter or larger.
- Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks
Inner Labia (Minora)
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 stretch considerably after healing. A thicker gauge can feel more comfortable and will be less likely to pinch or tear. Occasionally a ring or extrusion of soft scar tissue will form around the entrance holes. This scar tissue is thought to result from excess moisture and irritation caused by friction or pulling against the wearer's clothing, thighs or the opposite labia. Keep the piercing dry during daytime activities by wearing cotton underwear to absorb perspiration and rinse away excess perspiration. Salt water soaks are very soothing and can aid healing. Usually any scar tissue recedes as the piercing heals.
- Initial Jewelry: Captive bead ring, circular barbell in 16 to 12 gauge, 3/8" - 5/8" in diameter. Circular barbells may unscrew with friction from walking.
- Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks
Outer Labia (Majora)
A thicker gauge can feel more comfortable and will be less likely to pinch or tear. Occasionally a ring or extrusion of soft scar tissue will form around the entrance holes. This scar tissue is thought to result from excess moisture and irritation caused by friction or pulling against the wearer's clothing, thighs or the opposite labia. Keep the piercing dry during daytime activities by wearing cotton underwear to absorb perspiration and rinse away excess perspiration. Salt water soaks are very soothing and can aid healing. This kind of scar tissue usually recedes as the piercing heals.
- Initial Jewelry: Captive bead ring, circular / curved barbell in 14 - 12 gauge, 1/2" - 5/8". The inside diameter of the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the length of the piercing to allow for potential swelling during the healing period. Circular barbells can unscrew with friction from walking. Curved barbells are sometimes used at first, to accommodate swelling. Scarring or migration / rejection can also result from wearing a ring that is too small in diameter or too thin in gauge.
- Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks
Hafada / Scrotum
Trimming pubic hair might be necessary. A scrotum piercing can sometimes be difficult to heal due to friction against clothing or lack of ventilation. The scrotum expands and contracts, stressing the entrances of the piercing, which can contribute 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 is taken not to puncture the testicle sac itself which can lead to infection. 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 piercing 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 can be very soothing.
- Initial Jewelry: Captive bead ring, circular barbell in 14 - 12 gauge, 1/2" - 5/8" in diameter.
- Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks
Guiche
Pronounced “geesh”, this piercing reportedly originated as a Tahitian male puberty rite, but can be performed on either male or female. Placement is usually centered, near front of perineum. Individual anatomy may make this piercing an uncomfortable one, in some cases.
- Initial Jewelry: Captive bead ring, circular barbell in 14 - 12 gauge, 7/16" - 1/2" inside diameter; Shorter curved barbells in 14 - 12 gauge.
- Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks
Ampallang
This piercing originated with the tribal cultures of Indonesia, new Guinea and the Philippines. The Ampallang is made horizontally through the glans (head). There is some debate among piercers regarding the best placement of an Ampallang, but we believe it is best to pierce above the urethra. Care is taken to adequately clear internal erectile tissue. May bleed during the first few days.
- Initial Jewelry: Barbell in 14 to 12 gauge; the internal measurement of the barbell must adequately clear the two sides when erect.
- Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks
Apadravya
The vertical version of the Ampallang, as mentioned in the Kama Sutra. The Apadravya is made vertically through the glans, and can be considered a continuation of the Prince Albert. Placement must adequately clear erectile tissue. The Apadravya may bleed during the first few days.
- Initial Jewelry: Barbell in 14 to 12 gauge; the internal measurement of the barbell must adequately clear the two sides when erect.
- Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks
Clitoris
Piercings of the clitoris are not as common as piercings of the clitoral hood; as fewer women have the necessary anatomy; To be pierced safely, the clitoris must be large enough, at least 1/4" wide, to support the jewelry and the hood must not constrict around the jewelry. If the jewelry is constricted or twists under the hood the piercing may migrate, reject, tear, or scar. Jewelry in a horizontal piercing may twist if the wearer's pubic area is narrow or if she has large outer labia. An exposed clitoris may be pierced horizontally or vertically. If the clitoris is hooded a vertical piercing using a barbell is advisable to avoid twisting of the jewelry. A ring is suitable if the clitoris is exposed or very loosely hooded. Nerve damage is more likely to result from piercing a clitoris that is too small to support the piercing or from piercing through the shaft of the clitoris and through the dorsal nerve.
- Initial Jewelry: Captive bead ring or circular barbell in 16 to 14 gauge and 3/8" - 1/2" inside diameter. Barbell in 16 to 14 gauge and 3/8" - 7/16" in length.
- Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks