An Introduction to Sensual Body Piercing

Body piercing is an ancient and widespread art. In Rome (1st century A.D.) nipple piercings were a sign of bravery for men in the military and used to attach their cloaks. Male musicians and actors often pierced their foreskins so that they could have golden rings, coins and other charms inserted there. Rings attached to the foreskin were said to enhance female pleasure during sexual intercourse. Genital piercings are depicted and described in the Kamasutra, the Sanskrit sexual treatise of the 4th and 7th centuries. Mayans (300-900 A.D.) had extravagant body modifications that included piercing of the ears, nose, lips, navel and genitals. Various other types of piercings are also common in Borneo, South America and Africa, among other places.

Modern piercing as we know it in the West began in the 1970's with the punk and BDSM subcultures (though some individuals who did not identify with these scenes also practiced body piercing). As techniques, materials and pricing improved, piercing increased in popularity and became more mainstream. With actors, singers and musicians having eyebrow, cartilage and navel piercings, it has also become fashionable in youth culture. Similarly with the fetish scene, which has in a way been appropriated by conventional society and media, genital, nipple and tongue piercing has become popular among other "sexual deviants" and rebels.

While some people get pierced for cultural, spiritual or ideological reasons, piercing is also done for sexual pleasure. The visual impact of a piercing can be reason enough for someone to have their genitals, nipples and/or tongue pierced. Beauty, while a subjective judgement, is without a doubt connected to sexuality and arousal. Still, the sensual effect of such piercings is usually foremost in someone's choice in their selection of this particular body art. For most, there is an increase in sensitivity. Yet, it can also cause numbness if there are too many in one area, if it is improperly done, or just by chance.

Some Considerations

Selecting a piercer is an important decision. Piercing guns, while common for ear piercings at the shopping mall are not to be used for other piercings. Do stay away from anyone who pulls one out. Of course, proper hygiene measures are essential. All tools should be properly sterilised, new needles should be used each time, and fresh latex gloves worn for each procedure. Basically, it should have the precautions of a dentist's office. The décor is hopefully better.

You can always look in the Yellow Pages to find a piercer, but that is not recommended. Ask around and get personal recommendations. If you would like a rare or technically challenging piercing, it is essential that you find someone who specializes in that.

As for jewellery you have the option of rings or barbells, both in a variety of shapes, sizes and weights. They are typically made of surgical stainless steel, so as to avoid infection, but there are other options. Once the piercing has healed you can change the jewellery and use one that is made of other metals and materials.

The most common pieces of jewellery is the bead ring, which is a ring with a bead that screws in at the ends, and the captive bead ring, which is a ring fasted with a bead that is held in place by tension. Another common piece is the barbell. It is a long post with beads that screw into both ends. Like rings they can come in a variety of shapes. Jewellery size is measured by the Brown and Sharpe Gauge System. The smaller the gauge, the thicker the jewellery will be. Typically, initial piercings are done with a twenty, eighteen or sixteen gauge.

Once pierced, your piercer will give you after-care information. Ultimately, you have to keep the piercing clean. Never touch it without washing your hands properly first. Depending on who you ask, it is recommend that it be cleaned with either warm salt-water or liquid anti-bacterial soap three times a day. Check with your piercer for which method is right for you. Sex should be avoided for at least a week for genital piercings. Afterwards, to avoid any infection, condoms and dams must be used until you are completely healed.

Sources

Miller, Jean-Chris. (1997). The Body Art Book: A Complete Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications. New York: Berkley Books.

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