I myself have been interested in genital modification since I was about 16 years old. I was drawn to the aesthetic nature of certain pieces, and to the sexual advantages of others. All in all, I felt genital modifications to be intense statements of the self, for the self. I still feel this way.
At A Glance Author Leanne Contact xkathyinnocentx@hotmail.com IAM the shock of it all When A month ago Artist Nate Studio Body Work Productions Location Cleveland, Ohio My friend and I had been speaking of genital modification one night for quite some time. We both wanted our hoods pierced vertically; I was personally drawn to this modification because of its aesthetics and its purpose. The idea of "help" with orgasm through intercourse was very appealing. As far as a pretty purely aesthetic piercing goes, I was always drawn to the Christina; its simple beauty was all that was needed. No frills, no bells, no whistles. After having the aforementioned conversation, I was totally ready to go and have the vertical hood done, 12g, with a curved barbell.
My friend Tanna and I had been out shopping for art supplies, and I told her "I have to go get this done now, or I will never, ever bring myself to do it again." She totally understood and came along with me.
Body Work Productions in Cleveland is my studio of choice when it comes to, what I consider "private modifications". The staff there is incredibly knowledgeable, and very personable. Ask them anything, they will tell you anything. On this day, Tyson was taking care of me at the counter. Tyson is an apprentice, and a wonderful young man. He assisted in restretching my daith, and was extremely pleasant. I filled out my paperwork, picked out my jewelry, a 12g. curved barbell, and was simply waiting for Nate to come and get me. Since Tyson was currently being trained with genital modification, he asked if he could watch the procedure. Of course, I let him. I felt obligated. Anything I can do to help out the community.
Nate, Tyson, and I went into the studio that I am accustomed to. Actually, the whole scenario was quite familiar, as both Tyson and Nate had pierced my nipples back in March. I stripped from the waist down, and sat on the table. Nate and Tyson came back in, and I suddenly felt as if I was at the gynecologist's office. My feet were on Nate's knees, and he and Tyson were examining my woman parts. It wasn't awkward, though. I felt relaxed and comfortable the whole time.
After debating and further examination, Nate told me that I didn't have enough tissue bulk in my hood to support the piercing. He said he would do the procedure, but that it would most likely reject very quickly. He did offer me an alternative, though. He told me that I had excellent anatomy for a Christina. How wonderful! My second choice. I asked him the risks and precautions; because I knew that Christina's have a high rejection rate. He told me that with my anatomy, the rate for rejection would be low, and with the gauge that they were to pierce it at, the risk of rejection was even lower. After looking through the jewelry they had available, we settled on a 10g. 7/8ths curved barbell. At hearing 10g., I became slightly nervous. I had never been pierced with a needle so big. It was, however, a fleeting thought. Nate prepped me for my procedure, guiding me, as well as Tyson, through the whole thing. He marked the placement, I looked and approved, and we got to it. Nate didn't use any clamps, he told me that he felt them unnecessary. I figured "he knows what he's doing". I breathed. A lot. But in reality, on the third breath the needle came. And how. For how fleshy the area is, the piercing went fairly smoothly and quickly. There were 2 distinct sharp pinches, and in between those, immense pressure. The pain was not bad, but shocking because it was in that area. I responded with a "Jesus Christ!" when the whole thing was over. Nate inserted my jewelry painlessly, and I was handed the mirror. I fell in love instantly. My new piercing looked amazing. I was so proud of myself for going through with it. The only thing that bothered me, however, was how much I bled. I bled like I was on my period. Nate got that under control, and all was fine. I was, however, very, very tender. I paid, tipped Nate, and Tanna and I left.
On the way back to school, I started to bleed. A lot. I bled through my underwear, and my jeans. When we got back to school, I got that under control. I haven't bled since that episode, so I guess it wasn't all that bad.
The first week was hard with it. I couldn't wear underwear, and cleaning was awkward. But all in all, healing went very easily. It's been well over a month now, and Christina is doing wonderfully. I still get crusties every once in a while, but those are easily taken care of. Sea Salt soaks, antibacterial soap, and a spray sea salt solution called H2Ocean were my healing arsenal. Now that it's been a month, I just wash with antibacterial soap. I do watch for migration and rejection though. Christina's are not known for their staying power. Mine, however, looks excellent (knock on wood).
This piercing is a simply wonderful thing to have. I love looking down and seeing this beautiful simplistic piece. I would recommend the piece to anyone with the proper anatomy for it.