OK, this experience is about an apadravya, so I'll answer the obvious questions now: YES it hurts, but is not unbearable. YES it is very easy to heal, but don't knock it about or it will hurt like hell. NO, you should not have sex while trying to heal it, unless you wanna take it out and put it back in afterwards. (My personal choice) And pissing too hard or after booze will sting a bit while it is healing. Now that the obvious questions have been answered, please allow me to tell you my story.
At A Glance Author zyban Contact zyban@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Alan Baker Studio Skin Graffiti Location Swindon, UK
I have wanted an apadravya for about 4 years. I never thought I would be able to go through with a genital piercing, as even squeezing the 'Little soldier' can be quite painful, plus I had a twisted testicle as a 15 year old, which any doctor will tell you is one of the most painful things that can happen to a guy. I decided on the apa because I didn't like the idea of a bit of metal coming out of the end of my penis, due to the obvious pissing problems.(So nix the PA) I didn't want an ampallang as I don't really find them aesthetically pleasing, and then I kinda ran out of options. The apa it was to be then. I did a shedload of research on bodymod.org and BME, and settled on the apa. And that was it. For a few years.
Then, I was out with my best friend one day, and we were talking about piercings. I brought up my desire for an apa, and he did the one thing that was certain to make me go through with it: He bet me I wouldn't do it. That was it, I drew the money out of the bank, we went to another pub (I know alcohol thins the blood, but I needed some Dutch courage) and then off to Skin Graffiti. Now, I feel I should describe Skin graffiti a little. Swindon has 3 tattoo studios, and SG is by far the most popular, and for good reason; It's clean, hygienic, friendly and very professional. They also have just moved premises to a larger shop because of intense demand. They also house Alan Baker, In my opinion the best piercer in this town. So, I've been to the pub (Only had 2 mind...) and we walk in to SG. Both the tattoo artists are working, and Alan is behind the counter. He spotted me, and asked if I wanted tatt work, I told him what I was actually in for. After I noticed the impressed look on both his and the tattoo artists' faces, I followed him into the back. (Which is when I started shitting bricks!!)
I hopped on the table as requested, and de-pantsed. Alan made a few measurements and marked the area to be stabbed, and also sprayed some freeze-spray stuff on the 'Little soldiers' helmet. While we waited for that to take effect, we chatted about genital piercings, the new shop, the fact that Alan couldn't reach his new table properly etc. Another spray while we chatted, then it was time.
Fuck.
This is the first piercing I could not watch (Other than my tongue, obviously), as it scared the living shite out of me. I laid back, and started deep breaths, expecting the pain on the 3rd exhale. Never came. I carried on breathing and then.....
SHEEEEE-YYYYYYYIIIITTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!
I wont describe it as the normal piercing pinch; it was more of an intense pressure that hurt like living hell. BUT it was only for a second. Then I looked down, and there is a needle through the end of my dick with a cork on the sharp end. Holy fuck, I did it!!
This all happened about 3 weeks ago, but Shannon hasn't programmed in the option for 3 weeks, so I'll put a month. For aftercare, I basically used the LITFA method, with daily cleanings with a Q-tip and savlon wound wash, which has worked fantastically for me. I've taken it out for sex (The bar hurts my fiancée as I haven't downsized it yet) and put it back in with no problems. Tight underwear is certainly a no-no, but loose boxers are cool. I went into SG today to get it downsized by 6-7mm, but Alan has to order the bars so I'll get that done at the weekend.
Recommendations:
I'm not going to recommend this piercing. If you want it, you don't need to be told that you want it. I wanted it, and I am so glad that I did it. So if you DO want it, don't wait as long as I did. It really isn't that bad, and it looks & feels amazing. Go get your cock stabbed; it'll be worth it. Trust me ;-)
I will however, highly recommend Skin Graffiti, both for tatts and piercings. They have a very professional method of work and attitude, they are spotlessly clean and are by far the friendliest people in the body modification scene I have ever met. Appointments ARE necessary for tatts, but not for piercings, and they also have a pretty good selection of jewellery.
As for the apa, if you want it, DO it. I can't explain it to you in terms of pain, spirituality etc. as those things don't affect me. What I can say is as simple as this:
IT HURTS but it's not unbearable.
IT SNAGS but wearing loose/no underwear can solve that.
IT HEALS EASY if you give it a chance, and look after it.
SEX IS GOOOOOOOD once you can use it. ;-)
And if you are ever in Swindon, UK, go to Skin Graffiti. You wont regret it, I promise!!!
Greetz,
Paul.
P.S. Pics to come soon.