So my 18th birthday was coming up and I was trying to think of a way for it to be special. Let's just say I'm a straight A student who basically never got in any trouble with my parents. I knew that I had to do something out of the ordinary for my birthday, and I wasn't about to go bungee jumping.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When Six months ago Artist Chantelle Studio Evolution Studio Location Providence I don't know when it entered my head to get my nipples pierced, but for awhile I had wanted a belly button ring. My parents never let me get one. There excuse was "you can do whatever you want with your body when you turn 18." Hmmmmm, what great advice. I was going to be 18 and I could do WHATEVER I wanted with my body.
So I took that idea, and considered the following things. I wanted something that was a gift to myself, after all, it was my birthday. I didn't want it to effect my outer appearance, and I didn't want it to interfere with me being able to get a job. All facial piercings were out of the question. So I started researching nipple rings. They were private, and not as risky as any below the belt options. Plus, it thrilled me to have a secret like that, because no one would ever suspect it.
I researched the risks, the care, I went to countless places and ended up at Evolution Studios in Providence. I made an appointment for a few days after I turned 18 and I was psyched. I was a little nervous but I brought a close friend with me so that I wouldn't back down. To be honest, I was uncomfortable with the way one of the guys talked to me, they were professional but not necessarily customer friendly to me. I really liked the woman who pierced me though. She was patient and explained each step of the process to me before hand.
I went into the room with my friend and stared up at the ceiling thinking, "What am I doing?" I had decided to get only one done, so that if I didn't like it, only one of my breasts would be ruined. I am a sissy for pain, but I swear to you that it was not much more than a painful pinch. People cringe when they hear nipple piercing but I have since then gotten my belly button pierced, and the belly button piercing hurt 10 times more. You honestly feel a little pinch as the needle goes through and then another quick one as they slip the ring (or bar) in. (I got a ring) When it was through I was so excited and had adrenaline rushing through my body. It didn't hurt at first after but was sore for a few days. I'd say tender and sore, but not really painful.
In fact, I liked it so much and it was so simple to care for, I went back 3 weeks later to even it out by getting my second one done. Now both my nipples are pierced and healed (its been at least 8 months since they were done) and I love them. Some cons to having them done include not being able to wear thin bras or shirts. bathing suits also have to be thick on the top. You can definitely notice them so be sure all your bras are padded. Also I'm nervous about them being caught on something. This has never happened yet, but I'm always conscious of them.
I was worried about infection or health hazards but if you care for them the way you are supposed to, there should be no problems. I cleaned mine daily with the orange dial liquid antibacterial soap twice a day for the first 6 months or so, and now I just use my regular bar soap to clean them. I have since had my belly button pierced and I hate it. Cleaning it is a pain, it hurt 10 times more and to this day is still sore if I lean on it the wrong way.
There are many benefits too. When its cold and your nipples harden, the sensation can be pretty cool, even stimulating. Having your nipples sucked on feels so much better and most guys think its really cool. My boyfriend loved the piercings, and always gave my breasts a lot of attention, which I loved of course.
I got them done for me, to do something crazy, to be risky and to take a chance. It was the best birthday present I've ever gotten, and I gave it to myself. I would definitely reccomend this piercing because no one ever has to know (except of course boyfriends). My parents still don't know I have them.
My advice is to not rush into it. Do your research. Be comfortable with the studio and with the artist (this is important). Know how to take care of your piercing and be sure you will be able to cover it for work purposes, know your company policies if you are getting facial piercings. Make sure its what you truly want because you are changing your body. If you do these things, and decide to go for it, you will love your new piercing(s).