Genital Piercing: What Research Reports

Genital piercing sounds extreme to many people, yet it has a documented following. Interest rose as body modification entered the mainstream, and a good deal of curiosity centres on two questions: how painful is it, and does it change sex? Surveys published in medical journals offer some answers, although most draw on self-selected volunteers.

This article describes the subject in general terms and offers no instruction.

Who chooses genital piercing

Studies of people with genital piercings often find that respondents also have other piercings, describe their health as good and made the decision deliberately, sometimes after thinking about it for years. Researchers note that many describe a taste for novelty rather than for health hazards.

Motives and types

Reported motives include a wish to try something new, to increase sexual pleasure for themselves and partners, and to be unique.

Several types are described in the literature. The Prince Albert passes through the underside of the glans and the urethra and is typically the most commonly reported style in male surveys. Frenum piercings, including rows of several, pass through skin on the underside of the shaft. Other named styles, such as apadravya, hafada, ampallang, guiche, dydoe and foreskin piercings, are reported less often. Healing times differ by location.

Pain, healing and complications

Some people report minor bleeding or pain during the procedure. Professional piercers generally refuse clients who are intoxicated. Discomfort during healing is expected, since the procedure is a minor surgical one, and aftercare routines are described by piercers and health bodies as important in limiting infection.

Complications reported in the literature include infection, skin irritation, tearing, scarring, difficulty using condoms, changes in urine flow and hypersensitivity at the site. Many people report no complications at all.

Regulation in Canada

Public health rules for body piercing premises vary by province and municipality, and they typically cover hygiene and equipment sterilization. Medical professionals can be consulted when complications arise.

Satisfaction and limits of the data

Many respondents in surveys call the piercing an important, satisfying part of life and say that it improved pleasure for themselves and partners. As with any survey of self-selected participants, the results describe volunteers who were largely satisfied and do not predict individual experiences.