I first wrote about my female PA experience in BME five days after my initial piercing. I thought it might be interesting if I were to describe my urethral piercing 2 ½ years later.
At A Glance Author Trista Contact Trista@bme.anon When Two years ago Artist Gwen Studio Hole Body Location Vancouver, B.C. First, here is a brief history. My name is Trista, and I have many mods including multiple tats and several piercings including two outer labia, a vertical hood, and of course my Princess Albertina. Since getting my PA I have added a kanji tattoo to my nape, and I've pierced my other nipple. It's my PA, however, that gives me the most satisfaction. There are some thoughts.
Healing: I was first pierced with a 10 gauge. I can understand how someone might think that is too large to start out (especially after seeing the needle), but I am a firm believer that larger piercings heal better. I also wanted to reduce the possibility of tearing the piercing, because that would be a horrible tear if it happened. My PA healed textbook perfect with gentle care, frequent soaking, and holding off from sex for a month.
Stretching: I prefer larger piercings, so I knew it wouldn't be long until I stretched by new PA. (My outer labia are 4g. and my VCH is 8g.). What I didn't know at the time is that this piercing wants to stretch on its own. Three months later, I knew I was ready to go larger when I noticed the bead in the CBR passing through the hole between my urethra and vagina. I went back to Katherine for a larger CBR without having to be stretched. She placed an 8g. with ease. I did have her use a much larger bead this time. The truth is that frequently when I went to pee the smaller bead would be caught in my urethra. No big deal, but it caught me by surprise. I would have thought I would feel the bead inside my urethra. The larger bead definitely helps.
Visiting the doctor: I'm a nurse, and I still get nervous the first time I visit my doctor after altering my body. I avoided my GYN for two years after I first shaved off my pubic hair while I was in college, because I was so worried about what he would think. Of course, to the doctor it was no big deal. Then I felt the same way after my VCH and then after getting my outer labia pierced. All he said was that he is seeing more and more genital piercings. No big deal. But after my PA, I was really freeked out about what he would think. I refused to delay my annual physical, so I bit the bullet. Eight months after my piercing I scheduled an appointment. I debated whether I should have warned him, but I decided to just play it cool. He didn't really ignore this piercing like the others. He asked if it's new, and if it is causing me any problems. Then he commented that this is the first time he has seen this type of piercing. I told him it is called a Princess Albertina. He chuckled and moved on. My advice is to NEVER avoid the doctor because of your mods.
UTI's: Everything I read about female PA's before I was pierced indicated that UTI's are a risk associated with this piercing. The male urethra is about 8" long, while the female urethra is about 1"-2" long. There is a real risk that bacteria can make their way into the urethra via a PA. Before my PA, I had never had a urinary tract infection (UTI), so I was perfectly willing to take the risk. My piercer told me she placed to hole about ½" into my urethra. The deeper the piercing, the stronger the piercing is but the greater the risk. I went over two years without a UTI, but my luck ended two months ago. I was so bummed. I knew I had a UTI, but I knew why and it WASN'T because of my PA. There are many reasons for UTI's, but I think my boyfriend caused mine - not being careful during some "adventurous" sex. (Let's just say there are rules for the "backdoor" that should always be followed). For someone prone to UTI's, I certainly wouldn't recommend a PA, but I am not convinced that the risk of a UTI is increased with a female PA all that much.
Last, but not least, SEX: Like I said in describing my experience 2 ½ years ago, I am no stranger to urethral play. As a nursing student, my friend and I practiced placing foley catheters in each other. Since then I have played with sounds. I definitely enjoy urethral play, and I definitely love the feeling of sex with a PA, but the two sensations are not the same. For me, urethral play creates sensations much deeper and the feeling is much more intense, but less localized. A PA is only felt if the ring is tugged and pulled (like during sex). The feeling is wild and sharp at times, but not really painful. Not all women would enjoy this sensation, but I think it is awesome! It's like having your nipples pinched as you are about to orgasm. Some girls like it, some don't. A PA is for those that do.
I do not have a good feeling for the popularity of female PA piercings today, but I can say that my experience has been nothing but wonderful. I've been able to persuade both my friend and sister-in-law into getting PA's. I would be surprised if this piercing doesn't become as popular as some others.