I have been looking into genital piercings for quite sometime, and until I came to this site- as well as Elayne Angel's- I would've sworn to you that most people with them have a "clit piercing". When I became truly interested, about two or three months ago, I started research. I checked out each piercing thoroughly- what it entailed, where it was located, what it looked like and how it should be cared for after. I quickly came to the conclusion that a Vertical Hood would be perfect for me.
At A Glance Author Angeldust Contact Angeldust@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Bethra Szumski Studio Virtue and Vice Location Atlanta, GA. So began the search for a qualified piercer. I scoured the web for reputable piercers in the Atlanta area, and through Elayne Angel's web site as well as the Association for Professional Piercers, I located Bethra and her studio Virtue and Vice. I e-mailed her and asked questions before setting up an appointment for Friday, March 28, at 9:40. I had about a week before the appointment and hopped onto BME to search over experiences, see what people had to say about pain, healing and aftercare. I wasn't incredibly put off by it.
Friday finally came and I was a nervous wreck. I fluttered around work all day dropping things and generally just being excited and nervous about having someone hold a sharp piece of metal in the general vicinity of my vagina. I got off work at nine fifteen, changed into some track pants that a friend had recommended I wear, and met my boyfriend and our mutual friend Ed in the parking lot. We all piled into his car and started our terrifying trip to Virtue and Vice.
We made the 40 minute drive in less than twenty and I managed to make it there alive. Somehow that drive frightened me more than the daunting idea of my piercing. We got out of the car and approached the shop. All the lights were out and the sign was turned to "CLOSED". Bethra was pulling away. She got out of her car and asked if we needed any help. I reminded her of my appointment, and she apologized while letting us inside.
The shop was immaculate and divided into private rooms, similar to a doctor's office only cleaner. I told her what I wanted and she took me back to examine me. I was barely a candidate, apparently my anatomy is much more suited to a Christina, but the VCH piercing could be done none the less- I was thrilled. I re-dressed and went back into the lobby to select my jewelry (adorable titanium balls with lime green porcelain inlay) and paid for the service I was about to receive. I agreed that my boyfriend and Ed could join me while I was being pierced and the four of us went into the room.
I undressed and lay on the table to be cleaned while my jewelry finished sterilizing. She gave the boys a lesson of the female anatomy and marked me. My boyfriend nodded his approval at the placement and she got out her equipment. The needle receiving tube went under my hood, which sucked, and I began to take slow deep breaths. Finally she told me to take it, hold it, and I would be pierced on the exhale. I exhaled, and felt the second the needle entered me. It was over quickly, but the pain was like a sharp pinch - intense and breathtaking- but over before I could really register. The jewelry was in. I lay there for another second, in awe of what I'd just done, and my boyfriend photographed my new piercing.
It was perfect. I am in love. The placement is beautiful, the jewelry is fun and I can't wait to get a bigger ball for the bottom hole. I hugged Bethra and thanked her for a job done so well. The car ride home was simple; no pain just a happily vibrating piece of jewelry in my pants.
I must say this has been the easiest piercing. I have my navel, nose, cartilage, tragus and a since-removed lip ring. This piercing is my favorite, and has been the easiest to care for. There has been no pain and just a slight bit of discomfort. Today is the third day after my piercing and it doesn't bother me at all. I discovered I can get off just by fidgeting with the bottom ball. It's a beautiful piercing, useful and the two seconds of pain is well worth the pleasure I know is in my near future.
Bethra is a wonderful piercer; she made me comfortable and did a perfect job with my piercing. I enjoyed my experience with her, and will definitely be going back to her for that Christina she mentioned I'd be suited for. She remained professional through the entire experience and her shop was immaculate. Anyone thinking about this piercing, DO IT!! It's great. And if you're in Atlanta, I would highly suggest going to Virtue and Vice to see Bethra Szumski. Happy piercing!