Genital aftercare

TYPE

PIERCING NAME

HEALING TIME

Ampallang and Apadravya

6 to 12 months

Dydoe

3 to 6 months

Frenum

6 to 9 weeks

Guiche

6 to 12 months

Hafada

6 to 9 weeks

Prince Albert

6 to 9 weeks

Reverse Prince Albert

3 to 6 months

Clitoral Hood

6 to 9 weeks

Inner labia

6 to 9 weeks

Outer Labia

8 to 10 weeks

Scrunty

6 to 9 weeks

Christina

6 to 12 months

Suitcase

6 to 12 months

Before reading this section, please take the time to read the article, "General Aftercare For Your Piercing". While the information below has additional instructions on the care of your particular piercing, the general aftercare page has information that applies to all types of piercing.

Jewelry Migration and Nesting

There is a period of time when the skin tissue around the piercing adjusts itself to the jewelry. This is called nesting. As with most piercing, it takes a while for the skin to get used to having a piece of metal in it. Often as long as several months. As the jewelry nests itself, there is some degree of migration. Migration is the movement of the jewelry in the skin as the body adjusts itself to accepting the foreign object. With most genital piercing, the jewelry tends to settle into the area with little migration.

Another note I would like to point out here is that the initial jewelry selected for your piercing may not be the one that works best for you. As with all piercing, jewelry size and type is subjective. What works for one person may not work for someone else. I suggest trying out different styles, sizes and gauges. Experiment and have fun with it.

Jewelry and Desensitization

A common question with genital piercing is that of desensitivity caused by prolonged wear. This more so for women than for guys. Think about the purpose of a genital piercing. While some may get them for aestheic purposes, the main goal is to enhance stimulation during sex. This is the time when you should have jewelry that enhances this stimulation. You wouldn't want this kind of stimulation at work.

I suggest having several pieces of jewelry. One type should be for 'everyday' wear. This jewelry should be comfortable and unobtrusive. Then you should have one or two for the bedroom. You will need to do some experimentation to see what works for you and your patner and what doesn't. Communication is key between you and your partner, specially if your partner is unfamiliar with genital piercing.

For complete instructions on how to safely change jewelry read the article, "Changing your jewelry".

Cleaning

Soak a clean paper towel with warm water and apply it to the outside of the piercing like a compress. This loosens any crusting that has formed around the jewelry. Gently flush away the loosened crusting. You can also use a damp cotton swab to carefully remove any crusting. Use anti-bacterial soap or antisceptic cleanser to clean the outer area of the piercing. Lather some soap on your fingertips or spray a liberal amount of the cleanser to the outside of the jewelry and rotate or wiggle it back and forth to get the cleanser into the opening. Use a fresh wet paper towel to clean the excess cleanser from the area or flush with clean water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.

Suggested Cleaning Products

The following list is for quick reference only and is by no means a complete list of available products. Please read and follow all recomended directions accompaning each product you use.

• Antisceptic Cleanser - First aid antiseptic and pain reliever such as Bactine® or EarCare®. Their principal ingredient is Benzalkonium Chloride, which is excellent for healing a piercing. These cleaning solutions are to be used on the external part of certain oral piercing such as, labret, beauty mark and lip piercing. Do Not Use Internaly.
• Anti-Bacterial Soap - An antimicrobial soap such as Dial®, Soft Soap® or Provon®. This is used for general cleaning of external areas of all piercing. You need to ensure that all the soap gets rinsed out completely from the inside of the piercing.

Male piercing

As a rule, the majority of genital piercing tend to heal quickly and without problems. The best way to clean your genital piercing is in the shower. As with any piercing, loosen and gently flush away the crusting that has formed around the jewelry. Use anti-bacterial soap or antisceptic cleanser to clean the outer area of the piercing. Never use any type of cream or ointment. Lather some soap on your fingertips or spray a liberal amount of the cleanser to the outside of the jewelry and rotate or wiggle it back and forth. Make sure all the crusting is removed. Any residual crusting on the jewelry can damage the soft inner tissue of the piercing, causing unneccessary pain. Rinse with clean water until all the soap has been flushed away. Dry with a clean paper towel.

Certain genital piercing bleed more than others. If you find that your piercing is bleeding for the first couple of days, wear a non-lubricated condom to prevent bleed-through. You may have to get a little creative with how the condom is secured. Surgical tape is one suggestion, though removal can be a bitch. You will also need to wear a condom during the first month whenever you have sexual intercourse, even if you are in a steady relationship. Body fluids, other than yours, can cause infection. Make sure you wash immediately after each time you have intercourse.

While I suggest holding off having sex for a few days (a week at best), you and your partner will need to avoid rough play until both of you get comfortable with the piercing. If you feel any discomfort during sex, it is suggested you hold off. Irritation is a good indicator that the piercing is being aggravated which can promote infection. Oral sex without a dental dam is out of the question until the piercing is completely healed. Bacteria from the mouth can cause an unwanted infection. You will also need to avoid public water such as hot tubs, pool water and beach water.

Female piercing

The majority of genital piercing tend to heal quickly and without problems. The best way to clean your genital piercing is in the shower. As with any piercing, loosen and gently flush away the crusting that has formed around the jewelry. Use anti-bacterial soap or antisceptic cleanser to clean the outer area of the piercing. Avoid using any soaps that contain heavy fragrances, lotions or oils. Never use any type of cream or ointment. Lather some soap on your fingertips or spray a liberal amount of the cleanser to the outside of the jewelry and rotate or wiggle it back and forth. Make sure all the crusting is removed. Any residual crusting on the jewelry can damage the soft inner tissue of the piercing, causing unneccessary pain. Rinse with clean water until all the soap has been flushed away. Dry with a clean paper towel.

Certain genital piercing bleed more than others. If you find that your piercing is bleeding for the first couple of days, wear a panty liner to prevent bleed-through. Make sure you wear comfortable cotton panties as this will keep the area cool and comfortable. Until you get used to wearing the jewelry, avoid clothing that is too tight. Loose, comfortable clothing not only avoids discomfort, it also keeps the area cooler.

While I suggest holding off having sex for a few days (a week at best), you and your partner will need to avoid rough play until both of you get comfortable with the piercing. If you feel any discomfort during sex, it is suggested you hold off. Irritation is a good indicator that the piercing is being aggravated which can promote infection. During the first month, make sure your partner wears a condom whenever you have sexual intercourse, even if you are in a steady relationship. Body fluids, other than yours, can cause infection. Make sure you wash immediately after each time you have intercourse. Oral sex without a dental dam is out of the question until the piercing is completely healed. Bacteria from the mouth can cause an unwanted infection. You will also need to avoid public water such as hot tubs, pool water and beach water.