My story starts over a year ago. I heard that along with all the regular piercings people get, a few but growing number of folks were getting things added "downstairs". I'm fairly sexually curious, so I started checking it out. Decided I didn't want any new holes in my penis. Didn't want to deal with leakage/dribbling issues. But the pubic piercings were intriguing. Yes, I did my homework and found that most of them migrate and are unsuccessful in the long run. But I couldn't help myself and had to give it a try. Hate to say it, but I ended up visiting the shop that had the nicest yellow pages ad. It was Splash of Color in East Lansing, MI. Stopped by and talked with their head piercer Kevin Tarbell. He was great. Very knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. It was kind of like talking to my own doctor. The shop was really nice. Very clean, well laid out, no smoking, etc. So I set up an appointment and showed up again later that week. At our appointment, Kevin explained everything in detail—how the procedure goes, aftercare, their autoclave procedures, and so on. And he made a big point of showing me the black autoclave strip on the barbell bag and how they throw the needles in a "sharps" box after each use. Kevin asked if it would be okay for his apprentice Renee to observe. He was so professional that it somehow didn't seem weird and I told him it was fine. Kevin carefully measured me up with calipers and marked me. I'm pretty sure he asked me if the placement was okay but I don't remember. Either way, I would've just told him, "You're the professional. I'll go with your opinion." He was going to put in a vertical curved barbell—12 ga. I think. The lower end was just above the base of my penis. The upper end was positioned to hit my wife in just the right spot. (Was hoping to add a vibrating end later.) Kevin clamped the area. Was pretty snug. Not exactly painful but I wouldn't want it there all day, either. Kevin told me to relax and take a deep breath. Then, "Ouch!" I "\Ãw€ë clamped my hands together hard and gritted my teeth. But it only lasted maybe five seconds or so (just guessing) and it didn't hurt nearly as much as I thought it would. Yes, I'm still a wuss. He inserted the jewelry, cleaned up the area, and let me see it. Awesome! I know it's a cliché among piercees, but I couldn't stop grinning. Once in, the barbell didn't hurt a bit. When I sat down, I could feel a little pressure but after a day or two I didn't even notice.
At A Glance Author davinci8 Contact davinci8@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Kevin Tarbell Studio Splash of Color Location East Lansing, MI I followed all the aftercare procedures to a "T". Used the Provon antimicrobial soap (purchased there-about $5) and everything. Well, I didn't wear looser pants and boxers. But that was just a suggestion and not a rule. After having the original barbell two or three days, the swelling went down enough that the hardware was looking a little long and they fitted me with a shorter bar of the same design. (This was expected.) Aside from the occasionally crusty bit to wash off in the shower, everything was great. Eventually, though, the top hole started moving. Not moving so that the barbell had to be shortened so much, but more like moving toward my right side. It was a gradual process over several weeks, but the amount of tilt probably reached about 10 degrees from vertical and I couldn't take it anymore. My beautiful piercing was forever out of whack. So I reluctantly removed the barbell and gave up.
Forward about 15 months. I was in the mood for a genital piercing again. Entertained some of the more "serious" piercings like frenums, PA's, dolphins, etc. But before going that far, I decided to call Kevin back and explain what happened before. He said I would probably have better luck if we used a surface bar. And, going with flat disc ends instead of balls would reduce the amount of friction I got from my clothes and improve my chances. The hardware had to be special ordered, but it was only a couple weeks (as promised) and $40 including the special ends. Got the jewelry installed again this past weekend. The original holes were healed up so well that Kevin could hardly see them. Good sign. Somehow the second time around, the needle insertion didn't seem to hurt as much as last time. I think it's because I knew what to expect. The teeny tiny disc ends weren't much bigger in diameter than the barbell, so it took a Kevin little longer than usual to screw them on. But no biggie. Again, Kevin cleaned up the area and I left a very happy guy.
I'm SO hoping that the second try works out better than the first. I just love this piercing and can't help but look at it in the bathroom, shower, etc. Once it's fully healed, I plan to get ends that are a little more fun. Maybe even the vibrating one!
If anyone within a couple hours drive from East Lansing is interested in ANY kind of piercing, I'd highly recommend Kevin (and Renee, who is now doing her own work at Splash as well). They'll make sure it's a really good experience for you.