• Sexual Health

Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a Vagina Piercing

Around 2% of women currently have a genital piercing. These piercings have gained attention for their aesthetic appeal and potential to enhance sexual pleasure. 

While some women choose piercings for personal reasons, others may be curious about the experience, potential benefits, and associated risks.

Like any body piercing, it’s essential to understand what’s involved before making a decision.

In this article, we’ll provide an informative overview of vaginal piercings, including the types, healing process, and risks.

What is a Vaginal Piercing?

A vagina piercing refers to a type of body modification where jewelry is inserted into the genital area, typically through or around the vulva or other genital tissues.

Most people get vaginal piercings done for aesthetic, sexual, or personal reasons. 

It usually involves piercing the skin or tissue to accommodate different types of jewelry, such as rings and bars.

The procedure is typically done by a professional at a piercing studio using sterile equipment, and healing times can vary depending on the location and type of piercing.

Do vaginal piercings enhance sexual pleasure?

The clitoris has up to 10,000 nerve endings, so if the piercing rubs against it during sexual activity, it can enhance a woman’s experience.

Some piercings are positioned near or on erogenous zones like the clitoris or inner labia. When these areas are stimulated by jewelry, it may provide a more intense sensation during sex.

The jewelry itself can provide extra stimulation during sex, either through friction, movement, or pressure on sensitive areas. This can heighten sexual pleasure for both the woman with the piercing and their partner.

For some people, the psychological effect of having a piercing in an intimate area can make them more aware of their body, leading to increased sexual excitement or confidence.

The different types of vagina piercings

There are many different types of vaginal piercings that women can choose from, including: 

• Clitoral glans piercing: This is the only type of piercing that involves piercing the clitoris. This is the least common piercing because women need to have a big enough clitoris and a small enough hood for the piercing to be physically possible. 

• Vertical clitoral hood piercing: Clitoral hood piercings are the most popular type of clitoral piercings. The barbell goes through the clitoral hood, and the bottom bead presses against the clitoris itself. 

• Horizontal clitoral hood piercing: This piercing goes through a pinch of vaginal hood tissue that rests on top of the hood, not the clitoris itself. For this piercing to be effective in sexual stimulation, the woman’s clitoral glans should be partially exposed.

• Triangle piercing: This is another rare type that involves piercing the base of the clitoral hood, just beneath the clitoral shaft at its highest point. 

• Princess Diana piercing (double vertical clitoral hood): Similar to the vertical clitoral piercing, this is done in the middle of the clitoral hood. The piercing is placed to the side, and if the anatomy is symmetrical, some women may choose to have one on each side of the clitoris.

• Christina piercing: Also called the Venus piercing, the Christina is a vertical piercing that resembles a belly button ring. It is located on the mons pubis, the plush pad of skin right above the apex of the labia.

• Labia minora piercing: Both the labia majora (the outer folds of the vagina) and the labia minora (the inner folds) can be pierced. You can opt for outer labia piercings on one side or both for a symmetrical look.

• Fourchette piercing: This piercing is done at the rear entrance of the vagina, near the perineum — the area between the vagina and anus. A fourchette piercing can only be done on women with a pinchable amount of skin in this area. 

• Princess Albertina (female urethral) piercing: This piercing is challenging to perform due to the recessed location of the inner vagina. The ring enters the urethra and exits through the bottom, and rests at the opening of the vaginal canal.

Does Getting a Genital Piercing Hurt?

The amount of pain you’ll feel while getting a vagina piercing will depend on your pain tolerance and the piercing you choose.

For example, clitoral and Princess Albertina piercings are considered more painful than labia piercings due to the sensitivity of these areas.

Since the tissue in the female genital area is very sensitive, you may experience pain or discomfort both during and after getting a vagina piercing.

The pain is usually only felt briefly, and proper aftercare — which we will discuss later in this article — can help minimize discomfort during the healing process.

Women often describe the pain as sharp, similar to any other type of body piercing. After the initial piercing, there may be some soreness, swelling, or tenderness in the area for a few days.

Can You Have Sex After Getting a Vaginal Piercing? 

It’s best to wait at least two weeks after getting a genital piercing to engage in sexual activity. 

Any intercourse during this period should be kept gentle, and you should stop if your piercing starts to hurt. 

It’s advised to use a sexual barrier like a condom if you’re going to have sex after getting a piercing. Even if you and your partner have unprotected sex, you want to avoid contact with your partner’s bodily fluids while your piercing heals.

Additionally, you should avoid oral sex while your piercing is healing, as saliva has bacteria in it that could enter the piercing site. 

If you plan to have oral sex, you’ll need to use a dental dam, which can be made more comfortable by applying a small amount of lubricant to either side.

How Long Do Vagina Piercings Take to Heal?

The healing process differs depending on the type of piercing you get.

For example, a Princess Diana, Princess Albertinia, vertical hood, horizontal clitoral hood, and inner labia piercing may only take six weeks to heal. 

A triangle and outer labia piercing can take three to six months to heal, and a Christina piercing can take up to nine months to heal.

Genital piercings can bleed from the time of piercing up to a few days following the procedure. The triangle piercing is more likely to bleed than others, while some piercings won’t bleed at all.

Tips for Helping the Healing Process

Here are some ways you can ensure your genital piercing heals fully without complications:

• Keep your fingers away from the piercing unless they have been thoroughly cleaned with soap and water or a disinfectant.

• Avoid wearing certain clothes, such as jeans, that will cause friction against the piercing.

• Apply a piercing solution or saline spray to the piercing three to five times per day.

• Avoid applying soap directly to the piercing.

• Wait until the piercing is completely healed before entering a pool, jacuzzi, or the ocean.

• Use a water-based lubricant while the piercing is healing, and keep the area free from saliva.

• Clean the area after urinating or having a bowel movement.

What are the Potential Risks of Vaginal Piercings?

Vaginal piercings come with several risks, similar to other body piercings, but with added sensitivity due to their location. Here are some risks to be aware of: 

• Infection: The genital area is warm and moist, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive, increasing your risk of infection. If proper hygiene isn’t followed during and after the piercing, it can lead to complications like swelling, redness, and pus formation.

• Allergic reactions: Some women may experience allergic reactions to the metal used in the piercing jewelry, especially if it contains nickel. Hypoallergenic materials like titanium or steel are usually recommended to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

• Bleeding: A vaginal piercing has the potential to hit a blood vessel, which can cause excessive bleeding both during and after the procedure.

• Nerve damage: Piercing near sensitive areas can potentially damage nerves, temporarily or permanently affecting sensitivity. 

• Rejection: In some cases, the body treats the piercing as a foreign object and pushes the jewelry out, causing rejection. 

• Tearing or trauma: Vaginal piercings are at risk of tearing, particularly during activities like sexual intercourse, shaving, or exercise. Trauma in the area can lead to pain, swelling, or even scarring.

Where Can I Learn More About Sexual Health?

If you have questions about sexual health or you’re worried about any symptoms you may be experiencing, you can consult with a licensed healthcare professional from the comfort of your home.

LifeMD provides access to online expert advice and care tailored to your individual needs.

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