About six months ago I decided that I wanted to get a genital piercing. I have quite a few friends with a variety of piercings, and the most common genital piercings that they seemed to have were Prince Albert's and Frenum's. When I walked into the shop, I was unsure of what piercing I would be getting, so I looked at all my options in a book that they had. I liked the look of frenum piercings and after discussing it with my piercer, Clay, I decided on it. I chose the frenum because it is relatively low pain, easy to heal, and also I was told that it could be very satisfying for sexual partners.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When Six months ago Artist Clay Studio Skincraft Location Cincinnati, Ohio A question of gauge arose and I was unsure of what size I wanted this piercing to be. I was told that larger is better in this case and that there can be problems with the piercing "pinching" if it is done at too small of gauge. 14 gauge piercings of this type are normally the gauge with the most problems. I was told that 12 gauge piercings are normally fine and so with that I decided on a 12 gauge frenum piercing.
I am a generally cautious person and on this day I was armed with a barrage of questions about this procedure. Before signing any forms I asked Clay (the piercer) a variety of questions. I asked him quite a few questions and I do not remember them all, but it may be helpful if I list what I do remember. I asked about what kind of pain would be involved and was told that of course it hurts for the split second that the needle is inserted, but aside from that the pain would be minimal. I asked how many frenum piercings he had done before mine, his answer was quite a few and this kind of put me at ease. I asked him if I would have any trouble walking and he said that there might be a little soreness for the first few days, but I wouldn't have any problem walking normally. Following all the questions I was finally ready to sign the forms and get on with things.
After I filled out the consent forms I was taken back into the piercing room. I was very familiar with the place; I have had many piercings there so I kind of knew what I was getting into. The room was very clean and sterile. The piercer and I made small talk as he got out supplies and washed his hands. During the process of getting things ready he changed his gloves at least 3 times. Finally he told me to drop my pants and lay down on the table.
It was a bit unnerving to get checked out and holes marked for this procedure. The area was cleaned with wipes, I do not know what they were exactly but they were to clean and disinfect the area. Entry and exit holes were marked, checked, remarked, and checked again to make sure that the piercing would be very straight. Finally both Clay and I were satisfied and we were ready for the actual piercing to be done.
The clamps were attached and I started deep deliberate breathing, Clay told me to relax and that he would pierce on my third exhale. For a second I thought if I stopped breathing I would be safe, and I made a joke of it before talking myself into taking the deep breaths. Each breath scared me a little more than the last and on the third exhale I felt a sharp pain. It was nothing unbearable and it only hurt for a second. The jewelry was inserted and tightened and the hard part was over.
Clay let me sit in the room while he cleaned everything up and wiped everything down. He made sure that I wasn't going to pass out and that I was okay before he explained the aftercare. He gave me a pamphlet and gave me a few tips for cleaning and making the piercing heal as quickly and easily as possible. He said that warm showers were great to clean it and running it under warm water with a little clear antibacterial soap and moving the barbell would be really good for it. He also suggested sea salt soaks for it in addition to at least twice a day cleanings.
With all that done, all that was left was for me to pay and leave. So I walked out front and paid, and tipped generously. I was given a bag of sea salts and I thanked everyone and was on my way.
The next couple weeks were just about problem free. I cleaned and soaked and had very little discomfort except for a pinching sensation. I realized that this must have had to do with the gauge of the piercing and I stupidly did not call the shop to get advice. At about the three week mark I decided to take the piercing out instead of going back for guidance. Looking back I realize that I could have probably stretched it up right away to 10 gauge and it would have been the end of my problems.
Unfortunately I did not think about this and I do regret taking it out. The holes closed up nicely and there is a minimal amount of scar tissue. I plan on getting this piercing redone at either 10 gauge or 8 gauge. Although I did not keep this piercing I hope that it my experience has been helpful to someone. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. Also, I cannot recommend Clay at Skincraft in Cincinnati highly enough. He is an outstanding piercer and I will get all of my future piercings from him.