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A Guide to Female Genital PiercingsWhen a girl is ten years old she might be considering getting her ears pierced. Well, at least that's what I was thinking about when I was ten. Now piercing has become something much more sensual and sexual (though not necessarily for the under 12 set). It has moved to more hidden parts. "Down there" as kids call it. Sexuality and aesthetic appeal are prime motivations for getting your genitals pierced. Whether you are thinking of getting pierced or are just curious about the phenomena, this guide is for you. Let's start with a diagram so everyone knows what we are talking about. Piercing names, descriptions, concerns and other important detaisl follow.
illustration courtesy of Scarleteen Name: Fourchette Description: This piercing requires a certain genital anatomy and so it is a less popular piercing. The jewellery is placed over the perineum (at the bottom of the vaginal opening). Most women do not have the extra flap of skin required for this piercing. Concerns: The skin at the perineum is very thin and can be damaged or torn if the jewellery is caught on anything. The piercing may also cause pain during intercourse and it can be pulled into the vaginal canal. Recommended Jewellery: 10 or 12 gauge captive bead ring or curved ball Healing Time: 8-12 weeks Name: Outer Labia Description: The piercing is placed on one or both sides of the outer labia. Typically rings are worn. Concerns: The outer labia have a large surface area, but due to its thickness can be painful to have pierced. However, the large area of skin can hold larger jewellery than some other areas, as well as multiple piercings. Recommended Jewellery: outer labia gauge captive bead ring Healing Time: 8-12 weeks Name: Inner Labia Description: Thinner than the outer labia, the inner labia are a common area for genital piercings in women. It is a popular piercing due to its aesthetic value, as well as the physical stimulation it can provide. Multiple piercings along the inner labia are very popular as well. Concerns: The inner labia can be stretched so there is less risk of having the jewellery being rejected and migrating out of the skin. It also tolerate for decorative additions such as weights, which the skin can easily withstand. Recommended Jewellery: 14 to 10 gauge captive bead ring Healing Time: 4-6 weeks Name: Triangle Description: This piercing requires specific anatomy. The triangle piercing is inserted right below the clitoral hood behind the clitoris itself. This allows for the front of the clitoris to be stimulated as well the back. Concerns: One must have enough skin to actually pull the clitoris and the surrounding area away from the body so that there is enough room for the jewellery to be inserted underneath the clitoral hood. The Triangle piercing requires a very experienced piercer who specializes in this particular piercing. He/she can determine first to determine if you anatomically suited for this piercing. Recommended Jewellery: 12 to 10 gauge circular barbell or captive bead ring Healing Time: 8-12 weeks Name: Christina Description: This piercing is not very popular. It has a lengthy healing time and a high rejection rate. It is a vertical piercing through the top of the outer labia near the mons. Concerns: Like some other piercings it requires specific anatomy. Everyday movement can cause the piercing to be uncomfortable. Recommended Jewellery: 12 to 10 gauge curved barbell Healing Time: 12-16 weeks Name: Clitoris Piercing Description: This is not a common or advised piercing due to the anatomy of most women and the great sensitivity of the clitoris. The clitoris can be pierced either vertically or horizontally with a barbell or captive bead ring. Vertical piercing only should be done on a hooded clitoris, to prevent turning of the jewellery, although piercing a hooded clitoris is really not advisable at all. Concerns: The clitoris is extremely sensitive and this is piercing is not advised for most women. To support the jewellery the clitoris must be exposed and large enough to support the jewellery so that it will neither covered nor constricted by the clitoral hood tissue. Piercing a clitoris that is too small could result in serious nerve damage as a result of improper placement. If you are considering this piercing, have a very skilled and experienced piercer evaluate you first to see if your anatomy is suitable for clitoral piercing. Recommended Jewellery: 16 gauge jewellery Healing Time: 4-6 weeks Name: Horizontal Clitoral Hood Piercing Description: This is a popular piercing known for its attractive appearance. The hood is pierced above the clitoris is a horizontal fashion. Concerns: Unfortunately, it must be placed precisely and your anatomy must be perfectly suitable for this piercing, otherwise it does not provide much stimulation to the clitoris. The piercing must be placed in such a way that when you are standing, the bead rests on the top of the clitoris Recommended Jewellery: 12 or 14gauge captive bead ring or circular barbell. Healing Time: 6-8 weeks Name: Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing Description: The vertical hood piercing is the easiest, least painful, most stimulating, and quickest healing female genital piercing there is. As such it is extremely popular. The jewellery is placed in the hood tissue just above the clitoris. The jewellery rests easily on the clitoris and its placement allows for free movement. Concerns: Most women are anatomically suited for this piercing. However, some women complain that once the body has become accustomed to it, it does not feel as stimulating as it once did. Removing the jewellery for s short time and then reinserting it, changing jewellery, or increasing gauge size can help to regain the stimulating feeling. Recommended Jewellery: 10, 12, or 14 gauge curved barbells or captive bead rings. Healing Time: 4-6 weeks Sources Miller, Jean-Chris. (1997). The Body Art Book: A Complete Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications. New York: Berkley Books. About.Com (2001). Genital Piercings Guide For Men and Women. [online]. Available: http://tattoo.about.com/library/blgenpiercing.htm |
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