My quest for an Apadravya started several years ago when I was but 13 or so and stumbled across the now ever so familiar BME. I had always had about as much of an interest in "common" piercing and tattoo work as any kid of that age could but BME truly opened up a world into mods I had never imagined. I spent the next few months absorbing all I could and fawning over the hundreds of images eager to learn more about the procedures and practises I was seeing.
At A Glance Author A.M. Contact A.M.@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Michelle Studio Retro Rebels Location Aberdeen, Scotland Fast forward a couple of years and some pretty vanilla but loved lobe piercings later I began to seriously consider the notion of a DIY genital piercing. Inspired by what I had read on here and hearing of the likes of Shannon's DIY genital piercings during his teenage years I realised if done carefully it could be a real possibility. Having read up as much as I could, stocking up on antibacterial wash and disinfectant I eventually came to pierce my foreskin three or four times over a period of a few weeks. I only kept the first one in for a couple of days as the placement didn't seem ideal and due to the limitations of a sewing needle I failed to insert any jewellery the other times. The idea was put on hold for a while.
Encouraged by my relative success as far as the actual piercing went I decided to go for something I felt would be slightly more fool proof thinking the reason I may not have managed to get jewellery in was because of the pretty malleable qualities of a foreskin. Through some more thought the idea of an apadravya grabbed me and without any real solid justification felt that this was the piercing I wanted. Without going on at length I began a similar procedure as before and got myself about as kitted up as was possible. I forgot to make ice and so settled for a quick dip in some cold water, which was pretty useless in the end, and so I just opted to go straight for the pierce. With adrenaline going it was nowhere near as bad as I expected and the only real problem was getting it out the other side. Considering my totally lacking skills the placement was pretty good but again I couldn't get any jewellery in; the needle's diameter was too small for the barbell I had and as such it wasn't going anywhere. For the foreseeable future I put my ideas on hold.
Looking back now it wasn't the best idea; I had merely disinfected my equipment as oppose to sterilising it; I could have had a more thorough knowledge of the blood vessels of the penis; and at the end of the day I was piercing with what was probably a partially blunt needle with no avenue for jewellery insertion. So if anybody else is going to try this at a young age do think carefully. It's a cliché I know but it's true. I did it, others will too. Just try to make sure you are as educated and as safe as possible.
I always did plan to get a hold of a proper hypodermic needle to try again but time got the better of me and perhaps a more mature mind just decided that I would be as well waiting till I was 18.
This brings me on to the main part of the experience, which is becoming a lot longer than I expected. A couple of weeks after my 18th Birthday with my desire to have the apadravya having gathered more momentum as I approached July I headed in to Retros and chatted to Michelle about the piercing. I explained my earlier flirtations with genital piercing and she seemed satisfied that I was going into the piercing with commitment. We discussed the pros and cons of doing it straight off or starting with a P.A. but as I start University in Glasgow this September I thought it'd be best just to get it all at once, avoiding two healing periods, and to have the main body of the healing out of the way by the time I arrived.
We arranged for me to pop in a few days later and get it done. The procedure, while a bit nerve-wracking, was pretty easy. Michelle was very professional and made sure I was comfortable the whole way through. The cleaning and clamps, I barely took note of and by the time the needle came along I was simply looking forward to having it done. The actual pierce obviously took a bit longer than any of my others, and the pain was somewhat different. First of all, while rather nippy, it was tolerable and over in a matter of seconds. I'd like to say it felt exactly as it "should"; a sharp piece of metal through the glans but even that doesn't really describe it. It was probably a lot sharper and more slicing than others I have felt (including my own attempt) but as I say very, very worth it, and not much to consider at all, compared to how you could imagine it feeling.
After a quick nip of barbell insertion and a wrapping in kitchen roll I was set to go. I was very surprised that the pain had ceased as soon as the piercing had stopped and I felt no stings or nips of aches for the rest of the day. Walking out I felt a bit stupid, as having got it pierced it seemed a lot less invasive and extreme as I had expected. Perhaps though that was because I had been gearing up for it mentally for several years.
The first couple of days went pretty easily, minimal pain while urinating, Michelle had advised good hydration to avoid it and I can't say I had any problems. I had no difficulty with wayward squirts or dribbles of urine, and I am fortunate enough and glad to say I can still pee standing up with no difficulties. Bleeding was minimal, and while I kept it wrapped in tight boxers for the first few days it wasn't necessary after the first night or so. Sleeping was pretty painful but only for the first few days when I would lie on it awkwardly. Solo sexual function was possible with care from the same day onwards although it maybe wasn't totally conducive to good healing. I am yet to try it out with any ladies but reckon with care it'd be very, very possible by this stage. Having waited to write this experience I would say I have now entered the long haul of healing where it just requires cleaning and crusty removal, which as reported can be pretty painful should they slip inside.
The only problem I have encountered are with the balls on the barbell coming loose and falling off or even at one point the whole bar falling out at the supermarket, much to my horror. So if there's one bit of advice I can give it is to regularly make sure the balls are screwed on tightly.
To summarise, it's taken me a long time to get there, but I couldn't be happier with my apadravya. I almost feel as though it's part of me and love knowing it is down there. It may be my mind playing tricks on me but I reckon it may even have slightly increased my libido. Having talked to some people about it afterwards it's quite surprising how many males I know have toyed with the idea, and how many women are curious about it. Anyway, this experience has gone on long enough but I hope it has helped to inform some of you about the apadravya.