I thought I'd write about my nipple piercing experience as I don't think I'm typical, and my perspective is a little different to many that I have read. In fact, looking through this site, most experiences are posted by people under 25. I'm not!
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Marcus Studio Holier thanThou Location Manchester, UK. Essentially, I'm 41, got 3 kids, a husband and a professional job, and I had no other piercings except my ear lobes, which were pierced with a gun when I was 13. I don't even really know anyone else with piercings, except lobes!
So why did I do it? Well for me, it came down to the usual issues about my identity, and control over my body. Issues which affect everyone, regardless of age. My life had gradually become very conventional over the years. Having had 3 children during my 30s, there came a point when my life and my body didn't feel my own anymore. Childbirth and breastfeeding took over.
With my youngest aged 2, I wanted to reclaim myself as a woman, rather than solely a mother. By chance, I came across some pictures of women with pierced nipples on the web, and straight away I knew I wanted to be pierced. In fact, I needed to be pierced. It was that overwhelming.
So I did what most people do these days, and trawled the web for information. Pretty soon I'd read several accounts of the pain of the actual piercing which nearly put me off. But then I realised I had other more serious concerns, such as my nickel allergy, the fairly long healing time, the need for committed aftercare and the risk of infections. This last point is my biggest worry. I've had milk duct infections when I have been breastfeeding, and believe me, the pain is excruciating. You don't want to go there!
And then there were other issues. My husband wasn't very keen, but not actually against it. And I didn't want my kids to know, as I'm a private person and I didn't want my piercings to be part of the school playground gossip. And there's always the parent issue, even at my age. They are both fairly elderly, and would be horrified if they knew!
After a couple of months of thought and research, I knew I had to do it. It was hard to find information about recommended studios, so I took a day off work to go and check some out. I was so nervous driving into town that I felt nauseous. I knew at the back of my mind that if I found a suitable studio I might just go for it! The first place I went to look at was in a respectable department store. It seemed OK, but a bit pricey at £80. In fact I was going to have the piercings done there and then, but I was told to go and have something to eat first, to keep my blood sugar levels up. So I went to get some food, with every intention of returning,
However, I then had second thoughts, and decided to take a look at some other piercing studios. There are four or five in Manchester City Centre, so I was in a fortunate position. I particularly wanted to check out a studio called Holier Than Thou, which I had seen recommended on a website. It was pleasant, very clean, and the staff immediately put me at my ease. They showed me everything, answered all my questions, especially about their hygiene precautions which seemed very good. They even had air cleaning equipment running in the autoclave room, and it was very obvious that meticulous hygiene practices were their top priority. It was also much cheaper at £45, although I would not have let price be the deciding factor. (Perhaps one of the advantages of being older.)
So that was it. Decided there and then to do it! I was already sure I didn't want any kind of numbing spray, as I had heard this delayed the healing process, and I wasn't prepared to take that chance. It was all unbelievably quick, and I wasn't really nervous anymore. I watched as all the bags containing the sterile utensils were opened. I took off my tee shirt and bra, measurements were taken, and markings made and agreed. Then I sat back on the chair, closed my eyes, and clenched my fists. From then on it seemed to take only a matter on seconds. The clamp wasn't uncomfortable at all, and although the piercing was a sharp pain, it was so short, only a couple of seconds, that it was quite bearable. A titanium barbell was quickly inserted, and then the same again for the other nipple, which I admit, did hurt a little more than the first, but was over so quickly. Compared with what I was expecting it was a breeze.
So there you are. I can't believe I've done it. My body, and my nipples, belong to me again, only better than ever before!