It has been about two months since my initial experience with my Apadravya piercing. You can read my piercing review in the top "highly recommended" section titled "Apadravya - Its not so bad" or by clicking the following link:
At A Glance Author Brock Contact Brock@bme.anon When Three months ago Artist Ashley Herron Studio www.mainstreet-studios.com Location Ashland, OH http://www.bmezine.com/pierce/09-male/apa/A70411/apaapadr.html
At any rate, I was initially pierced at a 14 gauge. With any amount of research you will find that this is not the best option for sizing with this ring as it is prone to tearing. As a side note, this size was also the least comfortable during intercourse.
Two weeks after my piercing I decided it was time to make some changes to both the length and gauge of my jewelry. I wanted to be at a 10 gauge as soon as possible as this seems to be the best gauge for this particular piercing (this information is strictly opinion based on my study of others experience with the piercing). Surfing around the Painful Pleasures website which was given to me by my piercer, I found the jewelry that I was interested in. I put in my order for a 14 gauge 1" barbell and a 14 gauge 1 1/8" barbell. I also ordered the same lengths in 12 gauge and 10 gauge along with 2" tapers.
I received my jewelry from Painful Pleasures in about a week and was eager to stretch to the 12 gauge (the 14 gauge rings were ordered simply to test fitment, and to be used as a more comfortable option to the initially jewelry should I decide to wait on the stretch). I put the 1 1/8" 14 gauge barbell in first and left it for a couple days while I gathered the courage to make the stretch. I have two 2 gauge lobes so I am familiar with the stretching process, but this was going to be my first genital piercing stretch so the nervousness was inevitable.
Three days after receiving the jewelry I decided it was time to make the stretch (now 1 month from initial piercing). I was told by my piercer that this stretch would come easiest after intercourse. This was not the case for me, however, I do not know if this is due to it really not working for me or if it is due to the fact that my partner continued poking her head in the bathroom every time I would make a noise to ask if I was done. I waited until she left and turned on the shower. Before I got in I remembered that I still had a few Percocet tablets from when my wisdom teeth were pulled in January, so I took one hoping that it would block some of the feeling. I found that this did nothing for me other than mentally feeling that it hurt less from taking it. It took about an hour for the effects of the drug to come on. After taking a shower I got the taper ready and removed the 14 gauge ring. I got back under the running water and pushed the taper in until it cleared the bottom of the piercing and fit snug. The technique I found that worked was a constant pressure with my thumb while holding the bottom of my shaft with my first two fingers. This stretch was the worst, but most of the pain was all mental. After about 15 minutes the taper was in and flush with my head. I got out of the shower and surfed the internet for about 15 minutes before getting back in the shower to chase the ring through. When I got back in the shower getting the ring in was not an issue at all. A steady push, a pop when the taper cleared the bottom hole, and I was at a 12 gauge. Ten minutes later the Percocet kicked in, and I went to bed. After one day I could spray the ring with H2Ocean and turn it with no problem.
Now with most piercings it is recommended to wait a few months or more between stretches to avoid scar tissue and other complications. Speaking to a few professional body piercers, I heard the exact opposite for this piercing. Due to its position on the body, I was suggested to wait a month and move up to the 10 gauge. Although striking me as odd, it made sense, so 3 days shy of one month I decided it was time to stretch to the 10 gauge barbell. Various times throughout the month I had attempted to start the taper in and clear the bottom of the piercing with no luck, so I knew this was not going to be a picnic. I decided that I was going to do this after rough intercourse in hopes that the tugging would create a little extra space. After using the shower method with great success the last time, I decided this was the best method for this time as well. After showering I prepped the taper and jewelry and jumped back in. It took about 5 minutes to get the 10 gauge taper to clear the bottom of the piercing. This was a long 5 minutes to say the least. My hair and face were soaked and had never gotten under the water. The feeling was not pain, but it was also not comfort. After clearing the bottom hole I decided that I would try the Percocet route again. This time I would need the edge as a 2" taper is not as forgiving as some of the longer taper pins used for deep piercings. I pushed the taper in all the way to the base without help of the Percocet once again, but this time a lot more discomfort. It felt as if, well, I had a thick piece of steel shoved through my cock. Ironic isn't it?, out of the shower to kill a little time before I chased a ring through. 30 minutes later back in to chase the ring through. What a pleasant surprise, within 20 seconds I had the ring in with no discomfort of popping. The shorter 10 gauge taper proved more effective than a longer one as it hit target size much faster. Once again the Percocet waited to kick in and I passed out shortly after finishing. After a day I could spray it with H2Ocean and turn the ring with no problem.
I was done. 14 gauge to 10 gauge in two months with very minimal discomfort. For those looking to stretch, I suggest the shower method. Be sure to use as warm of water as you can handle as it will keep you at a decent size and stop unneeded pressure. I would recommend getting tapers that you can screw your rings into to avoid the second step in stretching, but if you can only get a hold of regular tapers the will work fine just a little less efficient. I do not in ANY way condone the use of prescription drugs for anything other than there prescribed purpose, but they will help your sleeping after the stretch if you are a stomach sleeper. Sex went from somewhat painful after a month with the 14 gauge to no pain one day after the stretch to 10 gauge. I assume this is due to less tearing of tissue with the heavier gauge. Seems much more comfortable with daily wear, and I can finally utilize the fly of my slacks again rather than having to undo my belt to do the deed.
For those looking to stretch, or those at lower gauges than 10, I would highly recommend doing so as soon as possible. It's not much pain, especially when compared to the piercing itself, and it is well worth the effort.