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Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/part2
Last-modified: April 19, 1995
Posting-frequency: Monthly
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
1--Introduction
2--Piercings & Jewelry <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
3--Getting A New Pierce
4--Professional Piercers
5--Care Of A New Pierce
6--Problems And Hazards
7--Healed Pierces
8--Misc. Info
9--Resource List
What's in this section:
2--Piercings & Jewelry
1. Suggested Metals For Body Piercings
1a. Surgical Steel for Body Jewelry" by Bart Z. Lederman
2. Jewelry Sizes
2a. Gauges And Equivalents
3. Jewelry Designs
4. Piercing Types And Their Suggested Jewelry
4a. Female Genital Piercings
4b. Male Genital Piercings
1. SUGGESTED METALS FOR BODY PIERCINGS-------------
To heal a body piercing successfully, the jewelry worn must be
of suitable material and design. The more inert the material,
the less the chance of metal allergy. The following are the
recommended metals used for body piercing jewelry, in
alphabetical order:
*Acrylic*
Used where a more flexible piece of jewelry is desired.
*Gold*
Solid gold of at least 14 karat. Gold-plated or gold-filled
jewelry is not acceptable, as plating can eventually rub away
or flake.
*Niobium*
An elemental metal, strong yet flexible, the wide array of
colors achieved through anodizing, not dyeing.
*Surgical Stainless Steel*
The highest quality and most suitable body jewelry developed
thus far is made of 316 L or LVM Surgical Stainless Steel. The
jewelry should be polished to a reflective shine and free from pitting
and rough edges and should be annealed to be somewhat flexible and to resist
metal fatigue.
*Titanium*
An extremely lightweight elemental metal similar to Niobium, also
available in a range of colors through anodizing. Polishes to a matte
finish. Often used in permanent surgical implants.
1a. Stainless Steel for Body Jewelry------------------
by Bart Z. Lederman
lederman@eisner.decus.org
There are literally thousands of different metal alloys; and
scores of corrosion resistant, or "Stainless" steels. Different
stainless steels are used for such diverse applications as the
turbine blades in jet engines, automobile exhaust systems,
medical instruments, and table ware; and the different types are
not interchangeable. A steel which will withstand the heat of a
jet blast might corrode if used in a kitchen knife or lawn
furniture. And while nearly any stainless steel would probably
be suitable for jewelry worn externally, such as a bracelet or
finger ring, when it comes to putting it inside your body in a
new piercing you should be much more selective about which metal
is used.
The environment inside the human body is actually quite harsh
and will corrode most metals, but there are some which are
resistant enough to be used for medical implants. As a result,
when discussing metals in r.a.b. people often refer to "surgical
stainless steel". It turns out that there is really no such
thing: at least, none of the industry references or selection
guides I can find use that term. There is, however, one steel
which is preferred due to it's outstanding resistance to
corrosion: it is commonly known as 316L. The steel selection
guides I have consulted list 316 and 316L as the metals of
choice for applications where corrosion resistance is important,
and where it is important that whatever comes in contact with
the metal, such as pharmaceuticals, are not contaminated. This
makes it a good choice for body jewelry.
Another alloy sometimes mentioned is 440C. This is very much
less resistant to corrosion than 316. It's used for cutlery
because it can be hardened, and could be a good choice for
scalpels and needles. But these things are in contact with the
body for only a very brief period of time, and often are
discarded after one use. 440C will not even resist salt water,
and probably shouldn't be used in piercings.
[Optional technical stuff: when most metals are exposed to
oxygen in air or water or body fluids, they will combine with it
to form an oxide. On common steels this is iron oxide or rust,
and it flakes off: so the metal underneath rusts, and the
process keeps going. Stainless Steels contain chromium, and
often other metals. When stainless steel is exposed to oxygen a
thin tough layer of chromium oxide forms on the surface and
adheres tightly, protecting the metal underneath from any
further reaction. If the oxide is scratched off, a new layer
forms almost instantly. The metal is protected from the
environment, and no metal leaches out into whatever is in
contact with it (like your body). 316 contains a high percentage
of chromium, plus nickel, manganese and molybdenum, and forms a
protective oxide better than most other alloys. 316L is the same
except for less carbon, making it easier to weld. 440C has less
chromium, no nickel, and less of other elements, and the oxide
layer isn't as resistant to corrosive environments.]
316L has other useful properties. It's fairly strong, is
reasonably easy to work with (bend, cut threads in, etc.), and
won't lose it's corrosion resistance if heated during normal
bending, soldering or welding. It can be made into springs, so
it can form jewelry which can be bent moderately for fitting and
will return to it's proper shape.
Care: there is little that should have to be done to keep
stainless steel jewelry looking good. Anything that gets on it
(like "crusties") should wash off with soap or detergent.
However, there is one thing you should NOT do: DO NOT USE STEEL
WOOL ON STAINLESS STEEL. If you use steel wool or kitchen
scouring pads, little bits of iron or steel (possibly too small
to see) could become embedded in the stainless steel. They will
rust, and the corrosion could spread under the protective oxide.
This can be fixed by etching with nitric acid (which is
dangerous), or by polishing off the surface with a safe
abrasive. Obviously, it's better to not use steel wool in the
first place.
How To Tell If You Have The Right Kind Of Stainless Steel:
Unfortunately, they all look very much alike. Only a chemical
test can really distinguish one from another. However: if the
metal is strongly attracted to a magnet, it is definitely the
wrong kind (such as 440). Unfortunately, just because it isn't
attracted to a magnet doesn't mean it's the right kind. The best
thing to do is to ask the person who makes or sells it exactly
what it's made of: if they can't positively identify it as 316L
or SAE 30316L or UNI S31603, buy your jewelry somewhere else. It
shouldn't be made from welding rod either: the alloy used to
weld 316L may not have the same composition as real 316L, plus
it may be coated with a flux containing things you really don't
want in your body.
The bottom line: you are probably getting a piercing to make
yourself look better, or to make yourself feel better, or both.
An infected piercing won't look or feel good, and you only have
one body. You should be selective about what you put in it.
[More optional technical stuff: Because there are so many
different metal alloys on the market, industry groups such as
the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) have set up a
numbering system to identify them. 316L is from the old SAE
system. The newer SAE number is 30316L, and the even newer
Unified Numbering System (UNI) number is S31603: but most people
recognize the old 316L designation so I have used it here.]
[Optional Trivia: I learned that "Stainless Steel" originally
was a trade term for a family of steels developed around 1916
for use in cutlery. "Corrosion Resistant" is a better general
term, but stainless seems embedded in the language now.]
Resources: "Design Guidelines for the Selection and Use of Stainless
Steel", April 1977, Committee of Stainless Steel Producers,
American Iron & Steel Institute; SS 601-477-25M-GP.
"Machinery's Handbook Revised", 21st Edition, Library of
Congress #72-622276
2. JEWELRY SIZES----------------------
For most piercings, rings facilitate easier cleaning and allow
for swelling.
For piercings made in flatter areas of the body (ie. where the
entrance and exit holes are not through parallel planes), the
straighter the section of jewelry that passes through the
piercing the less likely the piercing is to migrate or "grow
out." Thus, the basic guideline for sizing jewelry is to allow
the inside diameter of the ring to be at least 1/16" to 1/8"
wider than the length of the piercing.
Jewelry is measured by gauge (thickness) and inside diameter in
the case of rings or length from ball to ball in the case of
studs. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the jewelry.
When getting pierced, the needle and jewelry must be of the same
gauge; thus it is important to stay within the same gauge
system. If mixing gauges cannot be avoided, a needle of a
thicker gauge than that of the jewelry should be used.
Most jewelry manufactured in the US is gauged according to the
Brown & Sharpe system. Note that Silver Anchor uses its own
gauge system. Jewelry from the UK and Europe are manufactured by
metric gauge.
2a. Gauges and Equivalents
Brown and Sharpe (used by most American manufacturers)
------------------------------------------------------
gauge inches millimeters
-----------------------------------
20 0.032 0.813
18 0.040 1.024
16 0.051 1.290
14 0.064 1.629
12 0.081 2.052
10 0.102 2.588
8 0.128 3.264
6 0.162 4.111
4 0.204 5.189
2 0.257 6.543
0 0.324 8.230
00 0.364 9.246
Silver Anchor
------------------------------------------------------
gauge inches millimeters
----------------------------------------
20 1/32 = 0.03125
16 3/64 = 0.046875 1.19
14 1/16 = 0.0625 1.59
12 3/32 = 0.09375 2.38
8 1/8 = 0.125 3.18
6 5/32 = 0.15625 3.97
4 3/16 = 0.1875 4.76
2 1/4 = 0.25 6.35
0 5/16 = 0.3125 7.94
3. JEWELRY DESIGNS--------------
*Captive Bead Ring*
The basic ring design is the captive bead ring, or ball closure
ring. The bead is not attached to the ring--the tension of the
ring holds the bead "captive." With thinner gauges and larger
diameter rings, finger strength may be all that is necessary to
remove the bead. Otherwise, ring expanding pliers are used to
release the bead.
Rings can be fitted with a wide assortment of beads: Cubes,
skulls, hearts, coils, and tubes in steel, gold and niobium and
beads in semi-precious stones are just a few of the options. In
the case of gemstones, malachite and lapis should not be used
with genital piercings, as urine can break down the stone and
release copper. Also, gold and sterling can be discolored by
cleaning products, most notably Betadine, and chemical
sterilization liquids.
*Bead Ring*
Another basic ring design is the bead ring. The bead is soldered
to one end of the ring with a hole drilled into the other side
of the bead to receive the other end of the ring. The
disadvantage to the bead ring is that it must be twisted
sideways to open and close, which can eventually cause metal
fatigue, especially in the case of gold. Bead rings are best
used for more permanent wear.
*Seamless Rings*
"Seamless" rings are rings in which the ends are flat and
matched up as closely as possible. Inserting these rings into a
new piercing can be very difficult, and closing the rings
sometimes next to impossible.
*Circular Barbells*
Circular barbells are useful for those anticipating changing
jewelry often. In the larger gauges circular barbells can be
heavy.
Barbells and other studs are available with various designs of
threading:
Internally threaded studs: The bar is threaded internally, and
there is no risk of the threads damaging or getting caught
on the inside of the piercing. When inserted initially, a
guide wire or taper inserted into the needle and the bar
will maintain the connection between needle and jewelry for
easier insertion.
Externally threaded studs: The threads are exposed and can
irritate the piercing. With some externally threaded studs,
the threaded section can be inserted into the end of the
needle. Otherwise, the threads can be dipped in hot wax to
minimize friction.
More unique jewelry designs intended for healed piercings are
available from various manufacturers - septum tusks, labret and
nostril spikes, jeweled rings, nipple retainers, nipple
stretchers, nipple shields, teardrop rings, nipple spreaders,
octagonal rings, Prince Albert "Bangers" and urethra tubes...for
more information on these and many more designs please see the
FAQ Address List for a listing of jewelry manufacturers.
4. PIERCING TYPES AND THEIR SUGGESTED JEWELRY----------
The following contains brief descriptions of each piercing and
suggested jewelry, as well as references to publications
available detailing the history and origin of specific
piercings.
*Ear Lobe*
Usually, the ear lobe is the least sensitive piercing, in terms
of metals that can be worn after healing. Lobe piercings can be
stretched quite easily. The stretching process should, however,
be a gradual one. Eyelets can be worn to maintain a stretched
piercing.
Ear lobe piercings heal better and faster if a ring is the
initial jewelry. Sleeper studs installed with a piercing gun are
collection sites for bacteria and are difficult to clean. They
are also of one size, and one size does not fit all, especially
if the earlobes swell beyond the capacity of the stud. Studs also
have a tendency to clog/twist with hair, embedding the hair in the
piercing.
Piercing studs tear a hole into the ear tissue whereas piercing
needles cut a clean hole. Also, the cleanliness of the piercing
gun method is questionable, as they cannot be sterilized and are
therefore possible sites for disease transmission between clients
and piercer.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, barbells,
circular barbells (in the case of larger gauges, circular
barbells may not be best initially, as the weight of the jewelry
may prolong healing and be uncomfortable); 3/8" to 1/2" in
diameter, from 20 to 10ga.
*Cartilage*
Should be pierced using a needle one gauge larger than the jewelry to be
worn (e.g. 20 gauge bead ring, 19 gauge needle) or a dermal punch to allow
for new tissue to form around the inside of the pierce and for easier
cleaning.
This piercing is often done with a gun; however, the stud
installed can be too short for the piercing, and both sides of
the stud are collection sites for bacteria. An ear cartilage
piercing should be treated as a body piercing.
Some people may encounter no irritation from sterling and other
metals, if worn for a short period of time. Cartilage piercings
should not be stretched more than a gauge larger. Cartilage
piercings have a tendency to develop Keloid scar tissue in some
people. Thus, it is best not to make multiple piercings too
close together in one session.
Tragus: The prominence of cartilage in front of the opening of
the ear canal. Ear cartilage suggestions follow here. Care
must be taken when cleaning this and other interior
cartilage piercings such as the Rook, Doth, and Conch -
cleaning solutions must not be allowed to drip into the ear
canal, as this could lead to permanent loss of hearing.
Of the interior ear cartilage piercings, the Daith is usually the most
successful, as it is not subject to pressure from sleeping and irritation
from daily activities. Rook piercings are more prone to rejection.
Provided by Shannon Larrat ( glider@io.org):
_,------------._
,-' 6 `-.
,' ,------------._ \ 1 is the rook (topmost inner
-' | 4 `. ` fold of the ear shell)
6 , '--._ | |
,' ` `1 \ \ 2 is a tragus (that triangle)
| ` `-. | |
`-. . | | 3 is a daith (through the fold of
`-._ 4` | | cartilage tissue just above
,-----. 3_ `-- | | the ear opening)
`-. `---. | |
2 | 4 ,' ; 4 is a conch piercing
,' ,--' ,'
,-' 4 4,-' ,'
| ___ ,--' ,'
`------' 7 5 ;
5 / 5 is a lobe piercing
-. 5 5 _,' 6 is a helix piercing
`. ,'
` _.--'
` ----'
7 is an Anti-Tragus
*Nostril*
Nostril Screws are the optimum jewelry choice for those wishing
the look of a stud. They feature a small curved "tail" at a
right angle to the stud that holds the jewelry in place without
the need for a clasp on the inside of the nose. Because nostril
screws are more difficult to clean and may not accommodate
swelling associated with a fresh piercing, it is recommended
that the piercing be well-healed before a screw is worn.
Otherwise opt for a screw with a longer shaft, between 5/16" and 3/8".
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 20 to 14
gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter. As with ear cartilage
piercings, nostril piercings should be done with a piercing
needle a gauge larger than that of the jewelry to be worn.
*Septum*
The piercing should pass through the thin layer of tissue
between the alar cartilage (outer) and the quadrangular cartilage
(separating the nostrils). This area is usually at its roomiest towards
the tip of the nose. This piercing can be stretched after
healing to accommodate eyelets.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells, septum retainers in 20 to 10 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2"
inside diameter. U-shaped septum retainers are available for
those who need to hide the piercing. Rings are, however, easier to clean
during healing.
*Eyebrow*
The chance of the piercing growing out or migrating may be
reduced by reshaping the ring into an oval. This piercing is
usually made vertically, so that the ring encircles the eyebrow.
Elayne "Angel" Binnie offers a hallmark alternative eyebrow
piercing, made horizontally just beneath the hairline of the
eyebrow.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 18 to 14
gauge, 3/8" to 7/16" inside diameter; barbells 3/8" to 7/16"
post length. Rings should be at least 1/16" larger in diameter
than the length of the piercing.
*Nieburh or Erle*
This piercing is made through the tissue between the eyes (bridge of the
nose). This piercing can be both difficult to both perform and heal. This
piercing cannot be made too deep but must be deep enough that the piercing
does not migrate out/reject.
Initial jewelry: Barbell studs or curved barbells in 14 - 12
gauge, 3/8" to 5/8" in length, depending on the length of the
piercing.
*Lip & Labret*
Traditionally, the Labret piercing is usually made about 3/8" to
1/2" below the middle of the lower lip, through or just above
the cleft of the chin, although lip piercings can be made
anywhere along the outside of the lip. A labret stud should be
used to heal the piercing to avoid tearing, and a ring can be
worn after healing. A thinner gauge of ring may have a tendency
to tear the inside of the lip, especially on new piercings.
Labret studs and barbells tend to cause deterioration of the
inside of the lip and of the gumline; this deterioration is, in
most cases, minimal, and will only continue until a niche has
been formed for the ball or disc. Fishtail Labrets were invented
to counter this problem. Some piercers prefer to angle the Labret
piercing so that the disc/inside ball is above the teeth line. This
placement will avoid gum/lip deterioration, but may present problems
with biting down on the jewelry inadvertantly.Please see Body Play, Vol. 2
#4, for a very good feature on the Labret; PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part
19".
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, barbell studs,
Labret studs (inserted from the inside, a barbell with a disc in
place of the inside ball), Fishtail Labrets (a stud with a
"tail" at a right-angle to the stud which has a slight curve to
follow the curve of the gumline); gold and surgical steel in 18
to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter and post length. The
initial stud should be at least 1/16" longer than the width of
the area to be pierced to accommodate swelling.
*Cheek*
Initial jewelry: Labret studs; gold and surgical steel in 16 -
10 gauge, usually at least 3/8" in length. Precise measurements
are necessary to prevent nesting.
*Tongue*
Initial jewelry: Barbell studs; gold and surgical steel in 14 to
10 gauge. The initial stud should be at least 1/4" to 1/2"
longer than the tongue at its thickest to accommodate swelling.
Too short a barbell can lead to "nesting" of the balls. Please
see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 11" and PFIQ #38 for "Pierce
with a Pro, Part 25: Update".
If a large frenulum is present (web of tissue which runs lengthwise along
the underside of the tongue, usually present in most people to some
degree), the piercing should be made in front of it.
Tongue piercings made through the front and side edges of the tongue using
rings have been sudccessful for some people, but for most the presence of
a ring impedes eating and speaking. If such a piercing is desired it is
important to use an initial ring large enough to allow for swelling and to
avoid piercing any large blood vessels which may be present.
*Navel*
The upper rim of the navel is usually pierced, unless the lower
is more prominent. The navel piercing is one of the most
difficult to heal, but also one of the most popular. Tight
waistbands, belts, and a high level of activity involving
bending at the waist can lengthen healing time. This piercing is
also subject to migrating, rejection, or "growing out."
In most cases, the piercing will remain red and discharge
considerably during the entirety of the healing process. Occasionally,
a ring of tissue will form around the entrance or exit wound, usually
during the second or third month of healing, most likely due to
irritation from clothing and/or daily activities rather than an
infection. If this occurs, do not overclean. Usually the "growth"
will diminish on its own. Soaking the piercing in warm salt water in
place of a morning or evening cleaning often helps. Please see PFIQ "Pierce
with a Pro, Part 18".
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells, curved or "L" bars in 14 to 12 gauge, 3/8" to 5/8"
inside diameter; 3/8" to 5/8" length for curved barbells.
*Nipples*
Nipple piercings can be made horizontally or vertically. Rings
are usually the initial jewelry in horizontal piercings. Some
piercers prefer to install a barbell initially, as this may
decrease the chance of the piercing migrating downwards due to
the weight and curve of a ring. If a barbell is to be used, it
should be at least 1/4" longer than the length of the piercing
to facilitate thorough cleaning. Barbells of the same length as
the piercing can be worn after the piercing is healed.
The effect of gravity on a nipple ring while healing can be countered
by wearing the ring flipped up for 12 hours a day, when the piercing
is healed enough that it is not painful (usually after 3 weeks).
Be sure to remove any discharge and lubricate the piercing thoroughly
before altering its position.
Barbells are used for vertical piercings, as a ring will tend to
stick out, and, if taped to one side or the other, can cause the
piercing to migrate diagonally. For heavy play (chains,
pendants, weights, etc.) captive bead rings smaller than 14
gauge should not be worn, as the bead may pop off. Also, the
larger the gauge, the less likely the jewelry is to tear the
piercing. Please see PFIQ #34 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 21:
Female Nipple Update"; PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 17"; PFIQ
#40 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 27: Male Nipple Update".
Multiple nipple piercings are not uncommon. These can be crisscross
(alternating horizontal and vertical piercings) or all be in the same
direction. Before attempting a second piercing the first piercing should
be allowed to completely heal. There should be at least 1/8" of tissue
(depth) between the piercings to prevent pressure from the innermost
piercing from causing the outermost piercing to migrate out.
Some women may experience irritation or a delay in healing before and
during their period, or if they are subject to PMS. Water retention
may cause the nerves in the nipple to become pinched against
the jewelry.
Most piercers maintain that nipple piercings will not interfere with
breast feeding, provided there is not a large amount of scar tissue growth.
One reader reported that the jewelry became extremely uncomfortable during
the final tri-mester, which forced her to remove the rings. Another
reader reported having her nipples pierced 6 years after she gave
birth, and the resulting stimulation caused her to begin lactating
again (she said she had never completely dried up).
Please see PFIQ #16 for a first hand account.
Men, on average, have more difficulty with nipple piercings migrating or
rejecting. If a nipple is to be repierced after the initial piercing has
rejected, the first wound should be allowed to heal completely. If a
large amount of scar tissue is present, it may be advisable to wait at
least 6 months to allow the area to recover. The repierce should be made
behind the scar tissue from the initial piercing. Piercing through the
scar tissue is usually difficult, painful, and can lead to more scar
tissue growth.
In the case of fresh/healing women's nipple piercings, applying halved-panty
liners to the inside of the bra cups will keep the piercing clean and the bra
free from discharge and/or blood.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to
12 gauge; men - 1/2" inside diameter or larger, women - 5/8" inside
diameter or larger. The inside diameter of the ring should be at least
1/8" wider than the length of the piercing, especially in initial jewelry.
*Handweb*
Most piercers consider this piercing to be rather a novelty. The
piercing is usually made through the web of skin between the
thumb and forefinger (it must not intersect the muscle tissue).
Rate of infection is extremely high, due to the exposure to
bacteria during daily activities. Rate of rejection and
migration is also high, due to the nature of the tissue and hand
movements. Please see PFIQ #23 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 13".
Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14-12 gauge, at least 1/2" in
length to accommodate swelling.
Part 4a. FEMALE PIERCINGS -------------------------
*Outer Labia, or Labia Majora*
Labia piercings can be stretched considerably after healing. For
infibulation (chastity) or heavy play (ie. chains, pendants,
weights), captive bead rings smaller than 14 gauge should not be
worn, as the bead may pop off. Also, the larger the gauge, the
less likely the jewelry is to tear the piercing. Please see PFIQ
"Pierce with a Pro, Part 5".
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter. The inside
diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" wider than the
length of the piercing.
*Inner Labia, or Labia Minora*
The amount of inner labia present varies with the individual -
some women may have flaps of tissue an inch or so wide, while
others may have the barest, thinnest inner labia, too thin to
hold jewelry. Please see PFIQ #37 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part
24".
Some women experience tearing or rapid outward migration of the piercing
due to the jewelry being pulled during daily activities. Sometimes
switching to short barbells (provided the holes have not stretched so
much that the balls pass through the piercing) will eliminate tearing
or stretching.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14
to 12 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter.
*Clitoral Hood, or Prepuce*
Horizontal Piercing: If a circular barbell is chosen, the
piercing should be placed so that the clitoris is not pinched
between the balls. The horizontal piercing stimulates the
clitoris indirectly - the jewelry is positioned so that the bead
rests on the tip of the clitoris. Please see PFIQ #41 for
"Pierce with a Pro, Part 28".
Women with heavy outer labia which cover the hood completely may find a
tear-drop shaped ring more suitable, as the tapered end of the ring
prevents it from getting caught between the labia and twisted, causing the
piercing to heal crooked or migrate out.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings or bead rings in 16 to 12 gauge, 3/8"
to 5/8" inside diameter, depending on the depth of the piercing. The
inside diameter should be at least 1/16" wider than the length of the
piercing.
Vertical Piercing: The vertical hood piercing stimulates the
clitoris directly - the jewelry is in constant contact with the
clitoris. Some women have reported undue irritation and apparent
desensitization of the clitoris from the vertical piercing, if
the hood is too tight around the ring and the clitoris. Please
see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 22".
Initial Jewelry: Same as above; barbells, curved barbells in
16 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" long. Vertical piercings are best
done using an insertion tube, inserted between the hood and
the clitoris.
*Clitoral Triangle Piercing*
This piercing is made through the tissue beneath the shaft of the clitoris
and above the juncture of the inner labia. The area to be pierced can be
felt as a triangular shape beneath the shaft when the area is pinched with
the fingers. Not every woman is suited for this piercing. Please see PFIQ
#37 for a feature article.
Initial jewelry: Bead rings or captive bead rings in 14 to 12
gauge, 5/8" to 3/4" inside diameter, with allowance for
swelling.
*Isabella*
This relatively new piercing documented by Piercing World
Magazine is the vertical accompaniment to the Triangle piercing.
It is made beneath the clitoris, entering beneath the clitoris
and exiting above the hood.
Initial jewelry: Recommended jewelry is a slightly curve d
barbell, measured to fit the piercing. Flexible nylon barbells
have been recommended as well.
*Fourchette*
This piercing is a relatively new piercing. It is made through
the web of tissue at the back rim of the vaginal opening.
Initial jewelry: Rings of at least 12 gauge; better suited
jewelry may be a curved barbell of 12 gauge, 1/2" - 5/8" in
length. Please see PFIQ #37 for a feature article.
*Clitoris*
Mini- or dydoe barbells, barbell studs in 16 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" in
length. Captive bead or bead rings in 16 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside
diameter. Barbells are suitable for vertical or horizontal piercings;
rings are suitable only for horizontal piercings. To be successfully
pierced, the clitoris should be at least 1/4" wide and loosely hooded. If
the hood is too tight, the piercing will most likely migrate out or be
continuously irritated by the pressure of the hood. The ring works best in
a clitoris that is exposed. Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 7".
*Princess Albertina*
Another relatively new and experimental piercing, this piercing passes
through the back wall of the urethra. In the piercing documented by
Piercing World magazine, a captive bead ring was used. Please see Piercing
World #19.
4b. MALE GENITAL PIERCINGS----------------
*Frenum*
This piercing is made through the skin layer along the shaft of
the penis, usually along the underside, about 1/4" from the
ridge of the glans. A series of frenum piercings - called a
"Frenum Ladder" - can be made as well. A frenum piercing made at
the base of the penis has acquired the name "Lorum," short for
"lower frenum." Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 20:
Update"
Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14 to 10 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in
length, determined by measuring the length of the piercing;
captive bead rings in 14 to 10 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter;
after the piercing is healed, a ring measured to fit around the
erect penis just behind the ridge of the glans can be worn.
*Prince Albert & Reverse Prince Albert*
This piercing is performed with the aid of a needle-receptor
tube or a cotton-swab inserted into the urethra to "receive" the
needle tip. Please see PFIQ #6 for feature article; PFIQ #39 for
"Pierce with a Pro, Part 26: Update".
It is possible to have a Prince Albert with an intact foreskin, provided
the foreskin is not too tight and that the wearer can retract the foreskin
during healing. Another option is to have the bottom edge of the foreskin
cut lengthwise to give the piercing "breathing room." This procedure
should be performed by a physician and the foreskin allowed to heal before
the piercing is made.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
or curved barbells in 12 gauge or larger, 5/8" inside diameter or larger,
depending on the depth of the piercing. The diameter of the ring
is determined by measuring the length between the piercing to
the bottom edge of the urethra. For curved barbells, measure from the
point of piercing to the top edge of the urethra.
*Ampallang*
The Ampallang is made horizontally through the glans (head). A
piercing intersecting the urethra (in effect two piercings)
allows urine to irrigate through the piercings and thus tends to
heal faster and be stronger than a piercing made above the
urethra. Please see PFIQ #11 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 6".
Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14 to 10 gauge; the length of the
barbell must be determined by measuring the penis while it is
erect, using calipers.
*Apadravya*
The Apadravya is made vertically through the glans, and is often
a continuation of the Prince Albert. Please see PFIQ "Pierce
with a Pro, Part 16". With both the Ampallang and Apadravya,
correct positioning is important to avoid intersecting the
corpora cavernosa, the two channels of tissue which fill with blood
during an erection, and more importantly, the numerous large blood vessels
which run the length of the penis.
Bothe the Ampallang and Apadravya will bleed considerably during the first
week, and usually take 6 to 12 months to completely heal.
*Dydoe*
Not every man has enough ridge development for dydoe piercings.
Healing time can be lengthy, and this piercing can be subject to
migrating or growing out. Healing time can be lengthy, and this
piercing is prone to migrating or growing out. Please see PFIQ "Pierce
with a Pro, Part 8". Dydoe piercings are usually done as a pair, at the
10:00 and 2:00 positions through the ridge of the glans.
Initial jewelry: Mini- or dydoe barbell studs in 16 or 14 gauge,
at least 3/8" post length.
*Foreskin*
This piercing can be very stimulating as the jewelry rubs
against the glans during sex. One large-diameter ring can be
worn through 2 piercings made on either side for infibulation. A
series of foreskin piercings can be made and barbells worn,
keeping the foreskin retracted.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 1/2" inside diameter or larger.
*Hafada (Scrotum)*
Of all the male genital piercings, this piercing can be one
of the most difficult to heal because of the constant contact
with clothing and lack of ventilation. Piercings can be made
anywhere on the scrotum, though piercings made through forward
fold of skin may decrease the likelihood of rejection or
migration. Care must be taken not to puncture the testicle sac
itself, which can lead to very serious infection.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter.
*Guiche*
This piercing is made at the base of the scrotum, where the
inseam of a pair of pants is positioned. Attaching weights to
this piercing is said to be extremely stimulating. This piercing is
particularly prone to migration/rejection. Please see PFIQ #5 for "Pierce
with a Pro, Part 3" feature.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells in steel (gold and niobium tend to be too flexible to
maintain ring shape) in 12 gauge, 5/8" inside diameter - the
inside diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" larger than
the length of the piercing. Some men may find a curved barbell
to be more comfortable than a ring.
*Pubic*
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells in 14 to 10 gauge, 5/8" diameter or larger - the inside
diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" larger than the
length of the piercing.
--
* Ardvark *
Anne Greenblatt
Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
> Proprietor of Piercing Exquisite, Richmond, VA <
NEW ADDRESS - ardvark@richmond.infi.net
