What Are the Common Misconceptions About Genital Piercings?
According to Angel, one of the most common misconceptions people have is that these piercings are the most painful. Pain is obviously relative, but the painful narrative is typically proven to be untrue by many of her clients, a number of whom have claimed that their piercings in the nose or even the ear area have hurt worse.
Another myth that surrounds clitoral piercings is the belief that anyone with a vagina can get them, but it really varies from person to person. "The anatomy varies so much, and each client must be evaluated on an individual basis," she said. Additionally, there's the belief that getting a genital piercing makes your clitoris hypersensitive (or not sensitive at all) to touch. Needless to say, that's not true either.
"Regardless of piercing placement, there is no concern nor hope of becoming a continuous human orgasm machine," Angel said. "Just walking down the street is not likely to give you a climax; that's an unrealistic expectation. Also, when piercings are properly placed and handled according to accepted practice, there is no physiological basis for permanent damage to sensation from any of the common piercing placements."
Are There Any Risks Associated With Getting a Genital Piercing?
The risk of infection comes with getting any piercing, although if the piercing is done properly, you shouldn't have much of an issue here. The main thing to know is making sure you're getting pierced by a trained professional.
"They need to know how to properly sterilise equipment in a functioning autoclave, maintain protocols to prevent cross-contamination in the studio, and work using aseptic procedures," Angel said. "Additionally, the practitioner needs to know exactly where to place the piercing. It is shockingly common that I see accidental — and horribly painful — piercings of the clitoral glans on piercees who have gone to get VCH or triangle piercings."
A botched piercing can damage nerves in the area or desensitize it, so it's imperative that you make sure your piercer has the proper credentials.
What Does a Genital Piercing Appointment Normally Look Like?
First things first: a genital piercing isn't necessarily something you can just get spur of the moment. Many people who offer them often require a consultation beforehand "to be certain that the individual is anatomically suited to the piercing they desire," Angel said. "And to discuss what they hope to achieve with their piercing, and make certain the chosen placement can fulfil their expectations."
Once that's done, the process is much like a doctor's appointment: upon your arrival, you'll be asked to show ID and sign a release form. Then you'll be taken to a private room where you'll remove your clothing to prep the area with a surgical scrub. Your piercer might also use a special tool like a clamp or a receiving tube for the piercing, but that depends on the placement. The piercing itself should be relatively quick.
"I've had people observe me pierce and say, 'I was watching, but I missed it,'" Angel said. "The process should be smooth and swift."