I first got my nipples pierced when I was about 23. But I didn't like the placement of the right one, and I took it out. I waited about two weeks and had it pierced again. Maybe another piercer? I waited about a month, and finally got it straight and at the correct depth. I knew I was going to stretch them - thus the particularity of the placement. By the time the right one was in correctly, the left was starting to heal nicely. I had them put in with 14g CBBs - not a good choice with crochet bedspreads or loose clothing of most kinds - and despite the occasional yank and yelp, healing proceeded pretty normally. I did have to wait a while for them both to be healed, one being newer than the other...
At A Glance Author AJH Contact AJH@bme.anon When N/A The first stretch or two wasn't too painful. (I have stepped through every ever guage increment along the way - I think.) I always felt a pretty significant pinch and a light sting that lasted a couple of days, but it was always quite tolerable and with the added wait of new rings each time, more comfortable. The pain increased significantly when moving from 8g to 6g. The stretch hurt pretty bad from the last third of the taper and when it hurt the most jewelry was inserted and that pinched feeling stayed. I had stretched from the 14g to the 6g in about 24 months from the initial piercing - a little faster than some may want to try. I left the six guage in with 5/8 CBRs for the next year. I loved the look and they were thick enough to feel quite comfortable.
I then went to stretch to 4g and did so with incredible tightness, same size rings. This was not pleasant. The stretch was pretty uncomfortable, and the weight of the rings irritated them even further. I tried to compensate for the weight by using surgical tape to hold them against my chest, but it didn't really work. I also noticed that the weight of the stainless was starting to make my nipples droop a little. I waited about 5 months and decided to go to acrylic plugs at this point. The plugs made it so that clothing wasn't a problem and it felt like I didn't have anything at all; I've used acrylic plugs since. I waited more than a year before I went to 2g, and that stretch was ok. No real problems or pain. I kept the 2g in for another year or so. I continued the process of stretching at roughly the same time intervals through 0, 00, and 5/16, each with the same healing process: about two to seven days of pinch and 9 months to a year to be completely healed. With these lar ger guages, it is much better to wait until they are ready. It can be very painful as jump in sizes is proportionate to the size of the jewelry.
I have noticed that my nipples are larger through my shirt than my wife's or any other girls, and increasing: 3/8, 7/16.. I have also noticed that the standard length of the plugs - the distance between the o-rings - is not enough and slows the healing time considerably. I can't really go to rings or barbells because they are extremely conspicuous.. Not good for a guy in a conservative office.
I just recently stretched to 1/2. Ouch! One was painless, without resistance; the other very resistant and quite awakening. This last stretch pinched for a week and a half. The amount of discharge is more significant, and sleeping was very hard for the first couple of nights. It is taking some getting used to, and the plugs are getting to be large enough to be a little awkward, but I like them immensely. I have ordered 3/4 barbells that I will put o-rings on to allow more room for air to get to them (without the balls of course.) This stretch has probably been the most painful. I don't know when I will stop; I will be here for a while.
-Note: I stretched very rapidly when I first started, and it was not a good idea. I had long healing times and consistent irritation when moving at such a pace, and consequently my left nipple started to push out at 4g. I immediately went to plugs and waited a long time to stretch again. I have successfully stretched to the size I am now and though the tissue is strong and stable, it is a bit thin and may not remain strong enough for the next few stretches - this will be a devastating defeat after working at it for this long - and I will have to stop. Take your time!