I have been thinking about getting a PA for years, and I typically get a tat or piercing after a major turning point in my life. My boyfriend really didn't want me to get a PA, so i had been holding off. Well after 5 years with my boyfriend, we broke up, so this was the perfect time.
At A Glance Author Fujo Contact fujo@cogeco.ca When It just happened Artist Yolanda Studio Cottage 13 Location Hamilton, ON, Canada I had been a little reluctant about the whole thing as I am uncircumsized and worried my foreskin would either get in way or have to stay retracted which would be very uncomfortable. I wondered how a ring or circular barbell would feel or even if it would fit under my foreskin. I read a lot of stories and experiences here and the guys with foreskins said it was really no biggie, but that a circular barbell might feel more comfortable.
I call the Cottage 13 and set up my appointment, I had previously used them before and have had great experiences as my friends have had as well. I did a great deal of research here before finally taking the plunge. I wanna thank everyone for their stories, it was a HUGE help.
I get to the studio and discover my piercing was going to be done by Yolanda. I was kinda and hoping for the other piercer, Dustin, as I was a little uncomfy having a female touch my privates. hehe Yolanda was awesome!!! We talked for awhile about captive bead rings vs circular barbells, and decided on a captive bead. I was a little worried as I am uncircumsized and thought my foreskin might get in the way. After my research here, we decided to pierce with an 8 gauge needle and then taper and put in 6 gauge, 5/8" captive bead. From my research here I thought the added pressure would help minimize bleeding and most people tend to prefer the larger ring.
I drop my drawers and lie on the table. I was so scared, I thought it was going to hurt worse than anything I had ever experienced. She put in the receiving tube slowly, and I experienced very little pain, maybe a little discomfort but nothing serious. Next came the piercing itself. She told me to take a deep breath and let it out slowly, as I exhaled she inserted the needle. Now this was much more painful, kinda weird experience really, but it only hurt for a few seconds. Yolanda told me to keep breathing, apparently I had been holding my breath. Hehe, I was so anxious I forgot to breathe. She then pulls everything out and lets me breathe for a minute or two and we chat. Then she says she is going to put in the taper and I may experience a little pain again, she puts it in, again it hurts but not too much. Then she let it sit there for a minute or two to allow me to breathe and get used to it a bit, then she puts in the ring. Cleaned me up a bit, I hadn't bled a drop.
And then of course we talk about aftercare. She advised the usual sea salt soak and provided the salt, and she recommended just cleaning with a natural, unscented very mild soap, as she finds the antibacterial agent actually irritates it, and slows the healing process. Just keep it clean, use clean hands when handling, and salt soaks a few times a day, as well as the usual nutrient and lots of water recommendation.
Yolanda, was totally awesome, and very professional. She really had no problem alleviating my tension and was even able to make me laugh. I really cannot say enough good things about her. She made the process as quick and painless as possible. Not only that, but she seemed very knowledgeable and really knew what she was doing. I highly recommend her and the knowledgeable staff at Cottage 13.
I have to admit, the process was not nearly as painful as my tongue, and I am in very little pain right now, had it done today. I had no bleeding at all, I'd highly recommend piercing and then putting in a smaller gauge jewelry. The added pressure worked perfectly. I get home and then realize I have to pee. This was also not something I was looking forward to. I sit down as I don't wanna spray everywhere and pee. No pain at all, I was so surprised. This was so easy. If you're thinking about doing it and worried bout the pain, I have to admit, I thought it would be much worse than it was.
Now since my foreskin is still retracted and my head is super sensitive I was very uncomfortable. So I decided to test whether the ring would fit under my foreskin ok. I pull down my foreskin with no discomfort and the ring sits nicely under it. Since it is 5/8" it is pretty big and so sticks out a bit. But other than that it feels fine. Much better actually now that my head is no longer exposed. hehe
Now I can't wait til it heals. ;)