MALE PIERCINGS:

Male piercing are less anatomy dependent than female ones but they still require an experienced piercer to ascertain whether a piercing will be appropriate. There is some debate among piercers regarding the placement of the ampallang. This piercing is placed horizontally through the head of the penis (glans) and may or may not intercept the urethra, depending on the positioning chosen. The piercing is said to greatly enhance sex for both partners. As it is a long piercing, it can take six months or more to fully heal, although ampallangs placed through the urethra tend to heal more rapidly. APRADRAVYA: This is a vertical piercing through the penis head, often placed so that the underside emerges from the same hole in a Prince Albert piercing. The piercing is discussed in the Kama Sutra, the ancient Hindu writings on love, as a source of supreme pleasure to the male and his partner. It is a major piercing and will take several months to heal. DYDOES: Dydoes, usually worn in pairs, are piercings around the coronal edge of the penis head. Barbell studs are worn in the piercing, and should have small heads as the pressure from standard large head barbells could pull the piercing into the surface. This piercing is only appropriate for a man who has been circumcised, and is said to return some of the sensation lost with the removal of the foreskin. Dydoe piercing is less likely to migrate or reject if the corona is very pronounced. FORESKIN: Foreskin can take single or multiple piercings. Because the tissue is so thin, healing is rapid. The foreskin piercing can be used both, to increase sensation, or to ensure chastity. This piercing can be very stimulating as the jewelry rubs against the glans. FRENUM: Frenum piercing is made through the loose web of skin between the foreskin and the head of the penis. Sizing and placement is extremely important, healing is rapid. The depth of the piercing should be made with regards to how much tissue is available to support the jewelry. The frenulum itself, which is sometimes left intact after circumcision, is too thin to support jewelry. The width of the piercing is usually between 3/8" and 1/2" wide. It is not necessary for the penis to be erect during placement; however, the placement may change when the penis is erect. A series of frenum piercings are called a frenum ladder. The skin of the lower half of the penis tends to be thinner and tighter, increasing the chance of migration or rejection. Tension is increased if the barbell balls exert pressure against the skin behind them. 1

A frenum piercing made at the base of the penis has acquired the name lorum, short for lower frenum. If the wearer is uncircumcised the piercing is placed inside the foreskin. A ring is usually chosen to be more comfortable than a barbell. The piercing should not be made through only the frenulum, because it is too thin to support jewelry by and in its self. Some uncircumcised men have naturally occurring holes through the frenulum. GUICHE: The guiche piercings are made horizontally at the base of the scrotum, through the perineum, just in front of the position of the inseam of a pair of pants. Attaching weights to this piercing is said to be extremely stimulating. An outward facing fold of loose skin is optimum for this piercing. For most men the area is flat which increases the risk of migration or rejection. Guiche piercings can be difficult to heal because of friction and pressure against the wearers thighs and pants. Guiche piercing are also easily irritated by perspiration and lack of air circulation. Occasionally a ring or protrusion of soft, inflamed tissue will form around the entrances of the piercing. Keep the piercing as dry as possible and wear non-restrictive clothing that allows air circulation. Usually the inflamed tissue recedes as the piercing heals. PRINCE ALBERT OR P.A.: The Prince Albert piercings placed on the underside of the penis behind the glans in the centre of the triangle which can be visualized in the V of the glans. If a frenulum is present, the piercing should be made slightly to one side; the piercing is usually made on the opposite side of the direction the wearer dresses (the direction the penis leans in pants) to reduce friction. This piercing is usually performed with the aid of a needle receiving tube inserted into the urethra; the piercing is made from the outside and pushed into the tube far enough that the tip of the needle is outside of the urethra when the tube is removed. Some piercers have devised alternate methods of piercing from the inside out. It is possible to have a successful P.A. piercing if the wearer is not circumcised. A curved barbell is suggested if the foreskin is not loose enough to accommodate a ring. Pressure exerted by the foreskin on a ring often causes the piercing to migrate or reject. If the foreskin is too tight to be completely retracted, the bottom edge of the foreskin can be cut or removed. This procedure can, in some cases, be considered medically necessary if the foreskin is so restrictive that it is painful during erection or sexual activity. This procedure should only be performed by a physician. The piercing itself will not leak when the wearer urinates unless the piercing has been stretched beyond the thickness of the ring. The urine 2

drip that is associated with the PA is a result of the urine dripping from the jewelry. Turning the penis 90 to 180 degrees while holding the ring to the side often prevents dripping. It is not uncommon for a Prince Albert piercing to stretch two or more gauges within the first year with frequent sexual activity or heavy jewelry. Wearing jewelry that is too thin or too heavy can cause the urethral lining to deteriorate The reverse Prince Albert piercing is made through the top of the glans, usually about 3/8" to 1/2" from the top edge of the urethral opening. The dolphin is essentially two Prince Albert piercing with a single piece of jewelry, usually a curved or U-shaped barbell. Because the second piercing may be fairly deep into the shaft, it may take longer to heal than a standard Prince Albert piercing and may cause urethral irritation and swelling. SCROTUM/HAFADA: While piercings can be made anywhere on the scrotum, piercing made through an outward facing fold of loose skin is more successful. The piercing must not puncture the testicle sac itself, which can lead to very serious infection. Scrotum piercing can be difficult to heal. The scrotum expands and contracts which exerts stress on the entrances of the piercing. Scrotum piercings are easily irritated by perspiration, lack of air circulation, and friction against the wearers clothing, thighs and penis. Occasionally a ring or protrusion of soft, inflamed tissue will form around the entrances of the piercing. Keep the piercing as dry as possible and wear non-restrictive clothing that allows air circulation. Usually the inflamed tissues, recede as the piercing heals. RECOMMENED JEWELRY: All jewelry for the genital region should be purchased and autoclaved from a professional piercer. He or she will be able to best ascertain if a certain type or style of jewelry will be most effective for the piercing you want. INTIAL JEWELRY: Ampallang Barbells in 12 to 10 gauge. The length of the barbell must be determined by measuring the penis while it is erect. Apradravya Barbells in 12 to 10 gauge. The length of the barbell must be determined by measuring the penis while it is erect. Dydoe Barbells in 14 gauge and 3/8" to 7/16" in length; the barbell should be 1/16" longer than the width of the piercing. Curved barbells are more appropriate if the corona is not very pronounced. Many dydoe wearers find rings very uncomfortable. Foreskin 3

 Captive bead rings in 12 to 10 gauge and 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter; the diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" wider than the width of the piercing when the foreskin is retracted. A ring, which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to migrate and scar. Frenum Barbells in 12 to 10 gauge and 1/2" to 5/8" in length; the barbell should be 1/8" longer than the width of the piercing. Rings can be worn only if enough loose tissue is available. The diameter of the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the width of the piercing. No more than 1/4 of the ring should be through the piercing. A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to migrate and scar. Guiche Captive bead rings in 12 to 10 gauge and 9/16" to 5/8" in diameter; the diameter of the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the width of the piercing. No more than 1/4 of the ring should be through the piercing. A ring, which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to migrate and scar. Guiche piercing can swell considerably during the first 4 to 6 weeks, and the ring must be wide enough to accommodate swelling. Circular may have a tendency to unscrew with friction from walking. Prince Albert Captive bead rings in 10 gauge and 5/8" to 3/4" in diameter; the diameter of the ring should be 1/8" wider than the distance between the piercing and the urethral opening. A ring, which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and possibly tear the urethra when the penis is erect. Curved barbells in 10 gauge and 1/2" to 3/4" in length; the length should be approximately equal to or 1/16" longer than the distance between the piercing and the urethral opening. The ball at the urethral end should be large enough to prevent it from slipping into the urethra. Scrotum/Hafada Captive bead rings in 14 to 10 gauge and 9/16" to 11/16" in diameter; the diameter of the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the width of the piercing. No more than 1/4 of the ring should be through the piercing. A ring, which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to migrate and scar. Scrotum piercing can swell considerably during the first 4 to 6 weeks, and the ring must be wide enough to accommodate swelling. HEALING TIMES: The estimated healing times for nose, septum and bridge piercing is: Ampallang: 6 - 10 months; may require a year or more to completely heal

 Apradravya: 6 - 10 months; may require a year or more to completely heal Bridge: 2 - 4 months Dydoe: 2 - 4 months Foreskin: 2 - 4 months Frenum: 2 - 4 months Guiche: 4 - 6 months Prince Albert: 2 - 4 months Scrotum/Hafada: 4 - 6 months Many men considering getting genital piercing are put off by the idea that it must be painful. However the pain is minimal with most of these piercings. The piece of skin where the piercing is done is very thin and the pain that results in piercing is just a very short sharp pain, which lasts a second or two. The Prince Albert piercing is a very easy piercing to heal, because every time you urinate you clean the wound. The more water you drink the quicker the piercing will heal. Try to drink at least 8 glasses a day. The Prince Albert, Ampallang and Apadravya piercing usually bleed and occasionally bruise during the first 3 to 5 days. Frenum piercing heals very quickly (usually take 8 - 10 weeks) with minimal trouble, although if the frenum is very small, the piercing can migrate or grow out of the skin. Foreskin piercing usually takes longer to heal (10 - 12 weeks). This is because of the constant movement of the foreskin. More care must be taken with foreskin piercing, because the wound stays moist inside the foreskin and this delays the healing process. Guiche and Hafada piercing are notoriously hard to heal, since the groin is very moist and prone to bacterial and fungal infections even without the addition of piercing. Another reason for the poor healing is the constant movement to which the piercing is subjected. It must be remembered that both piercing originate in areas where men wear very loose clothes and the weather is warm all year round. Ampallang and apradravya piercing also take a long time to heal because they go through a lot of tissue, and because they become aggravated by movement during sex. The healing time is extended greatly if you are uncircumcised because the piercing cant breath if its inside the foreskin and the movement of the foreskin aggravates the wound. You should always check with your piercer if you have any questions or problems with your piercing. FEMALE PIERCINGS:

All of the female genital piercing are, highly anatomy-dependent. An experienced piercer will be able to ascertain which piercings are appropriate and most likely to be successful. If a woman desires multiple piercing, placement must be decided with reference to the placement of existing piercing. Outer labia piercing can pinch a hood or inner labia piercing. CLITORIS: This piercing is rapidly growing in popularity because of the increased sensation it affords its wearer. The clitoris piercing can be made vertically or horizontally, through the center of the clitoris at its base. Positioning is crucial. Clitoris piercing is not performed as often as clitoral hood piercing because few women are anatomically suited to the piercing. The clitoris must be large enough to support the jewelry (at least 1/4" wide) and the hood must not constrict the jewelry. If the jewelry is constricted or twists under the hood the piercing will migrate, reject or scar. An exposed clitoris may be pierced horizontally or vertically. If the clitoris is hooded, the vertical piercing is more appropriate to avoid twisting of the jewelry. Jewelry in a horizontal piercing is also likely to twist if the wearers pubic area is narrow or if she has large outer labia. Rings are appropriate for horizontal piercing only if the clitoris is exposed or very loosely hooded. Some women seeking a clitoral piercing lack sensitivity because the glans of the clitoris is exposed and has become desensitized. A few women have written that they have experienced spontaneous orgasms immediately after piercing; this hyper-sensitivity usually decreases once the piercing heals and the clitoris grows accustomed to the presence of the jewelry. Nerve damage is more likely to result from piercing a clitoris that is too small or from piercing through the shaft of the clitoris and through the dorsal nerve. FOURCHETTE: The fourchette piercing is named for its location. Highly anatomy dependent, this vertical piercing is made through no more than 3/8" of surface tissue, from the bottom wall of the vagina over the perineum. Placing the piercing into the vaginal canal tissue often results in rapid rejection. This piercing is often uncomfortable for women who enjoy vaginal penetration because the piercing is pulled into the vaginal canal. HORIZONTAL CLITORAL HOOD: The clitoral hood is the fold of skin covering the clitoris, with its lower edges joining into the front of the inner labia. The hood can be pierced either vertically or horizontally and either a circular ring or barbell can be worn. Straight barbells can be worn after healing, which is rapid. 6

The horizontal hood piercing is made through the pronounced vertical ridge of hood tissue approximately 3/8" to 1/2" above the edge of the hood. The horizontal piercing does not pass through the hood itself. Some women do not have enough loose tissue to support this piercing. The clitoris and hood tend to retract when standing which may make the horizontal piercing uncomfortable or inappropriate; the position of the piercing and the ring dimensions should be selected accordingly. Placement of the piercing and selection of the ring dimensions should be made so that the bead rests on the tip of the clitoris. The horizontal piercing is most stimulating if the clitoris is exposed. If the clitoris is not exposed, the wearer may not feel the ring unless pressure is applied to the jewelry. Larger beads (7/32" to 1/4") are more stimulating because of the greater weight and surface area. The ring, as it passes through the piercing, can stimulate the shaft of the clitoris when pressure is applied. Larger gauge rings are more stimulating in this manner. Women with a narrow pubic area and/or large outer labia or whose thighs compress the pubic area may find this piercing uncomfortable because the ring will have a tendency to twist. Wearing a thicker gauge will also reduce the risk of migration or tearing caused by twisting of the jewelry. VERTICAL CLITORAL HOOD: The vertical hood piercing made through the clitoral hood. The hood must be large enough to comfortably accommodate the jewelry. An easy way to check for comfort is with a lubricated cotton swab; if the entire cotton end will fit comfortably under the hood the jewelry will fit comfortably as well. This piercing stimulates the clitoris directly. If the wearer finds direct touch uncomfortable, she will probably find the vertical hood piercing uncomfortable. A vertical hood piercing is often chosen if the wearer enjoys direct contact and desires to increase sensation. The vertical piercing is usually performed using a needle receiving tube inserted between the hood and the clitoris, the piercing made from the outside and into the tube. A few women have reported becoming desensitized to the jewelry over an extended period and that the jewelry is not as stimulating as it was when the piercing was new. In most cases the wearer becomes accustomed to the feeling of the jewelry rather than the clitoris losing sensation. Changing the jewelry from ring to barbell or vice versa can increase or decrease contact between the jewelry and the clitoris. Some women find barbells more stimulating; the bottom ball rests on the clitoris and the top ball rests over the shaft of the clitoris. Increasing the gauge often increases sensation as well. A thicker gauge should be considered if the wearer enjoys pressure or friction during sex. A thicker gauge will be more comfortable and less likely to pinch or tear. 7

INNER LABIA: Inner labia are the hairless, wrinkled, often darkly pigmented lobes of skin, which fringe the vagina. They are a popular site for female genital piercing because they are very thin, relatively easy to pierce, and heal more quickly than any other body piercing. The size of the inner labia varies greatly. The labia must be at least 1/8" thick to safely support the jewelry. If the inner labia protrude from the outer labia, the piercing should be placed so that the rings are not pulled against the edges of the outer labia. Inner labia piercing can be stretched easily. A thicker gauge should be considered if the wearer enjoys pressure or friction during sex. A thicker gauge will also be more comfortable and less likely to pinch or tear. OUTER LABIA: Outer labias form the exterior of the vulva. They can be pierced anywhere along their length, although a piercing placed nearer to the back of the outer labia can cause severe discomfort while sitting. Because outer labia are thicker than inner labia, they also take a lot longer to heal. Outer labia piercing is less likely to migrate or reject if the labia is very pronounced. Outer labia piercing is easily irritated by perspiration, lack of air circulation, and friction against the wearer's clothing, thighs or the opposite labia. Occasionally a ring or protrusion of soft, inflamed tissue will form around the entrances of the piercing. Keep the piercing as dry as possible and wear non-restrictive clothing that allows air circulation. Usually the inflamed tissue recedes as the piercing heals. TRIANGLE: This piercing is made horizontally through the loose tissue under (not below) the shaft of the clitoris, above the juncture of the inner labia and clitoral hood. The area to be pierced can be felt as a triangular shape behind the shaft when the area is pinched with the fingers. The piercing is stimulating to the wearer when the ring is pulled, flipped up, or when pressure is applied. The Triangle piercing is very anatomy dependent. The clitoris and surrounding tissue must protrude from the pubic bone to allow for a comfortable piercing. The clitoris and hood tend to retract when standing, which may make the piercing uncomfortable or inappropriate; the position of the piercing and the ring dimensions should be selected accordingly. Women with a narrow pubic area and/or large outer labia or whose thighs compress the pubic area may find this piercing uncomfortable because the ring will have a tendency to twist. In this case, a symmetrical teardrop shaped ring is often more appropriate than a round ring. The tapered shape of the ring prevents it from getting caught between the outer labia and painfully twisted and pulled which 8

can cause the piercing to migrate or tear during healing. Most frequently used dimensions are 1/2" wide x 5/8" long. Wearing a thicker gauge will also reduce the risk of migration or tearing caused by twisting of the jewellery. CHRISTINA: The Christina is a vertical piercing made through the V-shaped juncture of the mons and outer labia. Because of the thickness of the tissue healing time can be lengthy. This piercing is highly anatomydependent and should be performed only if a distinct ridge of tissue is available to support the piercing. Often the area flattens or changes shape with leg movements; placement and jewelry selection should be determined accordingly. Because of the friction and movement of the area, this piercing tends to migrate or reject. RECOMMENDED JEWELRY: Clitoris Barbells in 16 to 14 gauge and 5/16" to 7/16" in length; the barbell should be 1/16" longer than the width of the piercing. Captive bead rings in 16 to 14 gauge and 5/16" to 7/16" in diameter. Fourchette Captive bead rings in 12 to 10 gauge and 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter. Straight and curved barbells in 12 to 10ga and 3/8" to 1/2" in length. Horizontal Clitoral Hood Captive bead rings in 14 to 10 gauge and 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter; the diameter should be at least 1/8" wider than the width of the piercing. A thicker gauge should be considered if the wearer enjoys pressure or friction during sex. A thicker gauge will be more comfortable and less likely to pinch or tear. Women with a narrow pubic area and/or large outer labia or whose thighs compress the pubic area may find this piercing uncomfortable because the ring will have a tendency to twist. In this case, a symmetrical teardrop shaped ring is often more appropriate than a round ring. The tapered shape of the ring prevents it from getting caught between the outer labia and painfully twisted and pulled which can cause the piercing to migrate or tear during healing. Most frequently used dimensions are 3/8" wide x 1/2" long and 1/2" x 5/8". Wearing a thicker gauge will also reduce the risk of migration or tearing caused by twisting of the jewelry. Vertical Clitoral Hood Captive bead rings in 14 to 10 gauge and 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter; the diameter should be approximately 1/16" wider than the distance between the tip of the hood and the piercing.

 Straight and curved barbells in 14 to 10 gauge and 5/16" to 1/2" long; the length should be approximately equal to the distance between the tip of the hood and the piercing so that the bottom ball protrudes from the hood. This length allows for cleaning and grasping the jewelry to check the security of the balls. Some women prefer a shorter barbell so that the ball is completely under the hood; the barbell can be shortened after the piercing has healed. Larger beads (7/32" to 1/4") are more stimulating because of the greater weight and surface area. A thicker gauge should be considered if the wearer enjoys pressure or friction during sex. A thicker gauge will be more comfortable and less likely to pinch or tear. Inner Labia Captive bead rings in 14 to 10 gauge and 7/16" to 5/8" in diameter; the diameter should be at least 1/16" wider than the distance between the edge of the labia and the piercing. Circular barbells are not recommended as they may have a tendency to unscrew with friction from walking. A thicker gauge should be considered if the wearer enjoys pressure or friction during sex. A thicker gauge will be more comfortable and less likely to pinch or tear. Outer Labia Captive bead rings in 12 to 10 gauge and 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter; the diameter of the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the width of the piercing. No more than 1/4 of the ring should be through the piercing. A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to migrate and scar. Outer labia piercing often swell considerably during the first 4 to 6 weeks, and the ring must be wide enough to accommodate swelling. Circular barbells are not recommended as they may have a tendency to unscrew with friction from walking. Straight or curved barbells are not appropriate for new piercing because of the amount of swelling that often occurs. Triangle Bead rings or captive bead rings in 12 to 10 gauge and 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter; the diameter of the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the width of the piercing. A ring, which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to migrate and scar. Triangle piercing often swells considerably during the first 4 to 6 weeks, and the ring must be wide enough to accommodate swelling. Christina Barbells in 12 to 10 gauge and 9/16" to 5/8" in length; the barbell should be 1/4" longer than the width of the piercing. Christina piercing often swells considerably during the first 4 to 6 weeks, and the barbell must be wide enough to accommodate swelling. Because the

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piercing is usually at least 1/2" to 5/8" wide, a ring of large enough in diameter will protrude uncomfortably against clothing. HEALING TIME: The estimated healing times for female genital piercing is: Clitoris: 4 - 6 weeks Fourchette: 4 - 6 weeks Horizontal Clit Hood: 4 - 6 weeks Vertical Clit Hood: 4 - 6 weeks Inner Labia: 4 - 6 weeks Outer Labia: 4 - 6 months Triangle: 4 - 6 months Christina: 4 - 6 months Although the Clitoris itself can be pierced, it is quite rare to see an actual clitoris piercing because the clitoris must be very well developed to and that only occurs very occasionally. However, if you are considering getting a Clitoris piercing you should get a clitoris hood piercing first. This is because the clitoris hood piercing causes the clitoris to grow in size (sometimes up to three times its normal size) and this makes piercing the clitoris easier. Many piercers dont like to pierce the clitoris itself because of the danger of hitting the nerve, which provides the stimulation in the clitoris and causing permanent loss of sexual function. The clitoris hood piercing is the most common because it is easier to perform, and it also provides a greater degree of sexual stimulation more so than any other piercing (male or female). The clitoris hood can be pierced either vertically or horizontally. For a number of the piercing, women with a narrow pubic area and/or large outer labia or whose thighs compress the pubic area may find the piercing uncomfortable because the ring will have a tendency to twist. In this case, a symmetrical teardrop shaped ring is often more appropriate than a round ring. The tapered shape of the ring prevents it from getting caught between the outer labia and painfully twisted and pulled which can cause the piercing to migrate or tear during healing. Wearing a thicker gauge than usual will also reduce the risk of migration or tearing caused by twisting of the jewelry. Provided that the piercing is cleaned and looked after properly, the piercing should heal smoothly in the time allotted (see above.) Infections are very rare and the piercing heals very quickly because the amount of skin pierced is very small, and the vagina is protected from infection by a mucous membrane, which is slightly acidic; this acidity makes it hard for bacteria to live. You should refrain from sex for at least 2 - 3 days, and you should be very gentle for the first week. If you feel a sharp pain while having sex (during the healing period) you should stop or you could tear the

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piercing. The piercing will not tear out, but just tear slightly, this can be painful and can lead to infections. Make sure to wear clean cotton underwear for 8 weeks as this allows the wound to breath and minimizes the chance of infection. GENITAL PIERCING AND PREGNANCY: In the interest of safety for the mother and child, jewelry should be removed in case of a complicated birth. The jewelry could get in the way of emergency procedures should the need arise. Your doctor or midwife may feel uncomfortable working with the jewelry in place. Some piercing are in danger of tearing when the vaginal opening widens. A fourchette piercing will probably not survive the birthing process. Horizontal hood and triangle piercing may stretch uncomfortably and be more likely to tear with the jewelry in place.

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