Body piercing in general, and genital piercing in particular, requires careful thought. Why do you want this done? To make a statement? To match your friends? To heighten sexual experience? As far as sexual effects are concerned, response varies by type and location of piercing, as well as individual factors. For some women with clitoral piercing, sensitivity is actually reduced rather than heightened. As with tattoos, what might seem like a good idea today could change to a bad idea with time.
Except for ear piercing, most professionals will not perform body piercing for individuals under age 18 without parental consent, and will not perform genital piercing for anyone at all under age 18. Also, genital piercing is definitely not a do-it-yourself project! All piercing, while generally safe if done by a professional, carries some risk of irritation, infection, jewelry migration and scar tissue formation. Complete healing may take up to six months after nipple or genital piercing.
Bead rings and barbells are commonly used in nipple and genital piercing. For the penis, jewelry can be inserted through the urethra (opening), the glans (head), the foreskin, and/or the shaft. Listed below are some common sites and terms for male genital piercing:
- Prince Albert (PA) (base of head, through urethra)
- Reverse PA/Queen Victoria (center top of head through urethra)
- Apadravya (vertically through head)
- Ampallang (horizontally through head)
- Frenum/ Lorum (horizontal base of head or along shaft)
- Foreskin
- Hafada (scrotum)
- Guiche (between scrotum and anus)
- Dydoe (through ridge of circumcised head)
If you do get your penis pierced, be advised that specially designed condoms, such as Pleasure PlusR, are sold with extra room for genital jewelry.
You're not alone. Take a look at a few of the questions related to this topic that other teens have asked us.
Is it safe to get your bellybutton pierced?
What are the side effects of getting your eyebrow pierced?
Is it safe to pierce my ears?
For more information, check out this article:
Potential Piercing Problems: Know What to Avoid and What's Safe
Posted 8-7-03
