This piercing is one we would encourage you to consider twice…or even three times…before you do it. You can’t undo this one as easily as some other piercings.
The reason for wanting you to be cautious about this piercing has to do with the anatomy of the clitoris and the other genital structures around it. These are sensitive and anatomically important areas for women. This piercing has the potential for permanent damage to your genitals and we would like for you to avoid this.
The clitoris itself is covered by tissue called the clitoral hood. The size of the clitoris varies from woman to woman and many women’s clitorises can be too small to safely hold a piercing without the potential for permanent damage to the clitoris, which can cause either loss of sensation during sex or potentially chronic irritation or chronic pain. Other women find their clitorises are hidden too far under the clitoral hood to pierce.
Rather than piercing the clitoris, many women choose to pierce the clitoral hood or their labia (vaginal lips) near the clitoris. Piercing either of those areas is slightly less likely to cause permanent damage than piercing the clitoris itself. The presence of a foreign object in the genital area can also be a site for infection (just as infection can develop in a pierced ear or navel).
If, despite all of these concerns, you still to want to pierce your clitoris, please find a piercing artist with LOTS of experience with this type of piercing. Piercing artists use barbells or beaded rings for this piercing. Please be sure your piercing artist uses gloves and sterile instruments and technique to avoid the risks of Hepatitis or HIV transmission.
You're not alone. Take a look at a few of the questions related to this topic that other teens have asked us.
Are there complications with getting the cartilage at the top of my ear pierced?
What are some of the risks of piercing your eyebrow?
How do I take care of my new bellybutton piercing?
When you get your nipples pierced, is it true that they become hard and lose their feeling?
For more information, check out this article:
Potential Piercing Problems: Know What to Avoid and What's Safe
Posted 5-27-07
