Does piercing your clit increase sexual pleasure?

Dear Reader, 

The rumors are true! Well, at least, partly. Genital piercings, which include clitoral hood and labia piercings (there are also penis piercing options, but those won’t be focused on in this response), have the potential to increase sexual sensation when they make contact with the clitoris. If getting pierced down south boosts your confidence, this could also cause enhanced pleasure. As for the healing rumor, genital piercings take around four to eight weeks to heal, which is comparable to some ear piercings. Keep reading to learn more about types of genital piercings, what to expect when getting pierced, benefits and risks, and aftercare tips. 

What are clitoris, labia, and vagina piercings? 

Clitoris, labia, and vagina piercings are all types of genital piercings for those assigned female at birth. Many piercers may have diagrams or photographs demonstrating the piercing options available. Since there are a variety of genital piercings available, piercers refer to them using specific names. Some genital piercings include: 

• Clitoral piercings: Christina piercings, located just above the clitoris (ornamental); horizontal and vertical clitoris hood piercings 
• Labial piercings: inner (ornamental) and outer labia piercings that can include Princess Diana piercings or Triangle piercings 
• Vaginal piercings: Fourchette piercings, located between the anus and vagina 

Some of these piercings may not be available to everybody as they require having a certain amount of space on your clitoral hood or inner or outer labia. That said, not having the anatomy for a piercing isn’t a sign that your genitals are “incorrect.” Further, the ability to get a piercing may also be impacted by scar tissue from surgery or injury.  

Can genital piercings increase sexual pleasure and are there other benefits? 

The short answer is yes to both questions. People’s bodies respond to sexual stimulation in different ways and, for some, having a piercing close to the clitoris can enhance sexual pleasure by creating more direct contact. Research has found that positive genital self-image is associated with sexual enjoyment, functioning, and overall positive body image.  

What should you expect when getting a genital piercing? 

Once evaluating whether a piercing is feasible for your anatomy, the piercer will clean the piercing location using a surgical scrub and then mark the location. The piercer may ask you for approval and correct the placement of the piercing if necessary. A sterile and hollow needle will then be used to pierce the area that is marked. Depending on the piercer’s technique and the type of piercing, clamps may be used to assist with this step. The jewelry will be inserted into place and the piercer will clean and stop any bleeding. Jewelry is often made of stainless steel, titanium, or solid 14-karat gold (or higher).  

Like other piercings, pain is associated with the needle and jewelry insertion. How much pain you feel may depend on your individual pain tolerance and the technique of the piercer. If you are worried about the pain level, discuss it with your piercer before the procedure. Having water and a snack on hand may also be beneficial once your new jewelry is in place to keep you from fainting.  

Similarly, the healing process may vary due to individual healing differences as well as aftercare techniques. Typically, genital piercings take four to eight weeks to heal, however, it’s recommended to monitor the piercing spot and continue to look out for pain or redness even after eight weeks.  

How can you care for your piercing while it heals? 

There are various ways you may aid the healing process including: 

• Following your piercer’s specific cleaning and care instructions. 
• Washing your hands with soap and water before touching or cleaning your piercing. 
• Avoiding touching your piercing unless cleaning it. 
• Wearing loose fitting clothing to avoid friction and sweat. 
• Staying clear of pools, hot tubs, or bodies of water for at least two weeks. 
• Not having sex (oral, penetrative, or any other form of sex) for at least two weeks following your piercing.  

List adapted from Healthline and WebMD 

Are there any health risks? 

Genital piercings have associated risks. Some risks may be avoided by following aftercare recommendations, but others may be unavoidable due to a variety of factors outside of your control. Some risks may include: 

• Prolonged pain, bleeding, or swelling 
• Scar tissue or keloids 
• Embedding 
• Rejection or allergic reaction 
• Skin tearing 
• Skin infections 
• Condom tears due to jewelry (which may lead to sexually transmitted infection (STI) exposure or unplanned pregnancy) 
• Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or tetanus 

List adapted from Healthline and WebMD 

To lower your chances of encountering these risks, you might consider researching your piercer to ensure there aren’t reviews of them using unsterilized tools, incorrect jewelry metal or shape, or improper piercing techniques. Choosing a piercer who’s a part of the Association of Professional Piercers may reduce this risk. Further, following aftercare instructions is another way to lower your risk of any piercing-related complications.  

Keep shining (in all the right places),