I received a message from a woman who was worried about her new VCH piercing:

Hi Elayne, 

I have been searching the internet for two days now trying to decide what to do, so  I finally decided to ask for some advice. I just got my VCH piercing the other day, and everything went alright. But the next day it seemed I developed a yeast infection. I woke up the next morning and my lymph node near my groin area was HUGE and very sore. My piercing is a bit tender, but there is no redness or pus or any sign of infection.

Does this mean there is bacteria in my piercing? Should I take it out or would that make it worse? I have been going back and forth about just taking it out anyways, but I'm scared it might irritate it more. Will just simply cleaning it daily solve the problem, or should I contact a doctor? My anxiety is through the roof and I have been worried about it constantly. If you could give me any advice at all I would greatly appreciate it.

My response:

Is it possible that something else (sexual activity?) caused your symptoms? It isn't uncommon that people will give their unpierced parts a final sendoff before piercing and may engage in more sexual activity than normal. A piercing isn't apt to cause yeast infections (though overly strong soap can.)

Your swollen glands could indicate a problem. Though they may just be overreacting to the foreign object. I'm not a doctor and I can't even see you, so it is hard to help. 

However if the piercing is infected, then quality jewelry of an appropriate size and material should be left in place to allow for drainage. Though you descirbe the piercing as not being inflamed, so I really don't know what's warong, or that it is entirely related to the new piercing.

Do you have a fever? If so, then I would definitely suggest a visit to the doctor right away.

read more

I received a message from a woman who was concerned about her new Vertical Clit Hood piercing, which was still bleeding several days later:

Hi! I got my VCH piercing done and a day later got my period (great right) i take midol and aleve for menstrual cramps. My piercing is fine, the only thing im worried about is that its still bleeding slightly 4 days later. Im not sure if its bc of the medicine or if i should be worried or not. What should i do?! Please help! Thank you (:

I received a message from a woman who was concerned about the jewelry in her vertical clit hood (VCH) piercing:

Hi I have a vch piercing I've had it for about 3 months I think . When I first got it done I went to a piercer that has done all my other piercings and I asked him what I could get for 20$ he said anything I want so I chose a genital piercing so I didn't do any research or anything. About 5 days later I was taking a shower and couldn't feel the bottom ball I figured it was normal but I was still a little worried so I looked it up n I read horrible stories n i got really scared I thought I was going to have to go to the e.r I called him the next day and told him what happened and he said to come in and he'll fix it so I did after I read the things on your website I figured I'd need a longer bar when I went in he said the ball got pulled through the wound and healed it inside he had to stick a taper through the hole and push the ball through after a half hr to an hr of pain he finally got it out he was goin to leave the original jewelry in but I said I wanted a longer bar so he put it in and it healed after a few weeks after it was healed the longer bar was getting in the way so I wanted the shorter one back in I went back to him and he switched it he told me to keep an eye on it just incase I was nervous that it would happen again and asked him if their was a middle length he could switch it to and he said there is no middle length it's been fine but I'm still nervous that it will happen again so I check it and its been really weird the top ball disappears and I don't know what I should do it doesn't hurt at all so I think it's healed  I don't know the lengths or gauge I don't want to take it out please help me as soon as you can.

read more

Here's a recent consultation I performed for a couple who were considering a Vertical Clit Hood piercing, and then had jewelry issues after the woman was pierced:

Hi Elayne.

My wife had scheduled an appointment for a VCH piercing next week with a piercer in Florida. I am a registered nurse and feel comfortable driving there for this procedure after doing a good bit of research, however, after reading many blogs on your site i have started worrying about surface piercings and worse complications. Should i worry about these things? I hope you will be able to put my mind at ease.

Thanks

My response:

Hi. 

If you visit my referrals page: http://piercingbible.com/piercer-referrals you will find the few handfuls of piercers I refer to worldwide. You are wise to consider the skill of the piercer as a VCH piercing is one of the piercings most often botched by inexperienced or poorly trained piercers. 

He wrote back:

Thank you for the reply.  Also, is there any truth to gradual desensitization over time after the vch placement due to constant contact?

Thanks again.

My response:

Here's an excerpt from The Piercing Bible that adresses your question:

If you wish to become a more well-educated consumer, I suggest you get my book, The Piercing Bible--The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing.

read more

I received a message from a woman who was concerned about the jewelry in her new VCH piercing:

Hi, yesterday I went and had my VCH piercing and I am a little concerned that the jewellery is too short. The bottom ball is not visible and is hiding quite deeply inside my hood which in turn is pushing the top of the bar upwards (this is a little uncomfortable). I don't think it's a shallow piercing but I'm just wondering if I can change this myself (I have been pierced with quite a small straight bar). I am able to send you some pics if that will help? Thank you.

My response:

Thanks for your message. I can tell you without seeing you that if the jewelry is too tight you MUST get it changed out ASAP! 

Unless you are quite familiar with body jewelry and have access to sterile equipment including an insertion taper, then I would suggest you go to a professional to have it changed. However, based on your problem, I'm not sure if you should trust the piercer who put in improperly sized jewelry? 

All of my piercer referrals are posted on this page of my website: http://piercingbible.com/piercer-referrals 

If I haven't personally worked with or trained any piercers in your area, you can check the website for a member of the Association of Professional Piercers who is local to you: http://www.safepiercing.org

read more

I received a message from a woman who wondered if her new triangle piercing was making it harder for her to achieve orgasm:

Hi Elayne! I hope you're well. I have an orgasm question and I don't know who to ask. I had my VCH done at the end of January. Then I had the triangle done a month ago. It seems since then I have had a harder time coming to orgasm. I haven't lost sensation because I feel like I am so close the entire time I masturbate. It feels great. Sometimes I just can't get over that ledge to the big O. For example I couldn't tonight and was frustrating because I was right there. But I had done it the previous 3 nights within 10-30 mins. Since its only been a month on the triangle do you think there is still some swelling and healing going on? I don't know anyone else who has one to ask. Any insight you can give I would be so so grateful. Thank you!!

My response:

Thanks for your message. Your piercing is still quite new and still in the healing stages. During that time, you can expect the healing process to be ongoing, and until the piercing is fully healed and settled, you won't really know how it will ultimately "perform" for you.

Did you go to one of the piercers on my referrals list, which is on this page of my website: http://piercingbible.com/piercer-referrals ?

If not, you may want to have me do a consultation to determine if your piercing is placed properly for your anatomy and for me to see if you're wearing appropriate jewelry.

Please visit this page for information on booking a consultation with me:

http://piercingbible.com/consultations

She wrote back and sent pictures:

Hi Elayne,

read more

I performed a consultation for a woman who wanted to know if her anatomy was suitable for Horizontal Clitoral Hood (HCH) and Triangle Piercings.

Hi Elayne.

I have a vertical clit hood piercing and I love it sooo much I want more! I have a good piercer that I really love but he's sooo far away. Thank you sooo much for doing consultations online! I really, really want to get a triangle. Or maybe a horizontal? I hope my pictures are good enough. I'm glad I'll have a better idea of what I can get before I go all the way out to see my piercer.

Thanks!!! 

My response:

Hi.

You don't really appear to have any space for an HCH piercing above your VCH, which is where it would normally go, so I don't think you're a candidate for that particular piercing. And, by the way, your VCH appears to be properly placed and the jewelry is a suitable fit.

read more

I received a message from a woman who was worried about getting a genital piercing from an inexperienced piercer:

Hi Elayne.

I went to my piercer about getting a hch in addition to my vch. Unfortunately, I can't due to a vessel, but she said that she could do a triangle. I'm a little Concerned because I'm fairly small down there (she had to modify my vch because of it) and she's never done one before. She knows how and showed me where it would be placed and took her time showing and explaining how it would be done. Everything seemed about right with how you explained it, but once again she's never done it. I trust her, but I know the piercer should be experienced.. But how would she get experience if she doesn't get te chance? I just need your advice on this, is there anything I need to make sure of? The only thing is that we decided to use a ring instead of the curved barbell (because I absolutely abhor the standard jewelry for the triangle, it just looks like a septum piercing for my vagina... Which isn't what I'm going for)

My response:

Hi.

If it were my vulva, especially if I were small built (meaning passing a needle through the wrong part could do debilitating damage), I most definitely would NOT let her do it. Even experienced piercers learn by networking and sharing with other piercers. She should have a colleague who is experienced at triangle piercings walk her through it on a few IDEAL clients first--not someone who is small built. That would be something only for a true expert to do, not a first-timer!

read more

I received a message from a wheelchair user who is considering genital piercing:

Hi Elayne, I have Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) and I use a power wheelchair so I sit 16-18 hrs a day. I'm in my early 50's. My Dr is against tattoos let alone piercings, but I want both. I've just had several surgeries and I expect to have more surgery in four months. I want to know the risks of getting my clit pierced and whether it is a bad idea for me. I'm a currently single lesbian with a healthy sex life.  I'm a disability rights advocate, and I usually find a way to do the things I want to do. But I like to know what I'm getting myself in for and whether it's possible. Any help you can give me will help.

Thanks,

N

My response:

Hi N,

Thanks for your message and your interest.

There are a few considerations as to whether genital piercing is appropriate in your circumstances.

One of the most important deciding factors is the configuration of your local anatomy. Have you read about the different genital piercing options?

http://piercingbible.com/female-genital-piercings

Compared to the range of other female genital piercings, clitoris piercing is very rare:

http://piercingbible.com/clitoris-piercing

Another is whether you have any issues with incontinence? That could potentially cause healing problems for a genital piercing.

If not, and you're anatomically suited to the piercing you desire, and you are able to provide consistent aftercare as explained here:

read more

I recently performed an anatomy consultation for a couple to help them discover which genital piercing the woman would be best suited for:  

Hello Elayne! My wife, J, would like to get a VCH or other genital piercing. We have read your book and have paid for a consultation. We live in northern Michigan and are planning to go to southern Michigan this weekend for the piercing. Before we go, we'd like to get your input.  Thank you so much for offering this service!!!

Please let us know if you have any thoughts about her suitability for the vch or horizontal piercings. Thank you so much for your help!!!

My reply:

Hi J. 

In these images, it appears that she is a good candidate for a VCH piercing.

One concern I have about her getting an HCH or triangle relates to a visible vessel that could conceivably be in the pathway of a piercing. See the attached image I marked with an arrow to point out the area of my concern.

read more

I received a message from yet another woman who got a surface piercing instead of the VCH she paid for:

Hi Elayne.

I got my VCH piercing done yesterday and upon further inspection of the piercing and seeing the pictures on your site, I have come to the realisation that it is indeed a surface piercing.

It is only a day old so I know I shouldn't change it but I want to know, once it has healed, should I change it or just leave it? From where it is placed, I could put the new bar in from the top and it should leave from the bottom.

Many thanks for your help. I live in the UK so I am not able to visit you as I'd like.

S.

My response:

Hi S.

Yes, it is just a surface piercing that doesn't go under your hood at all. You really should remove it IMMEDIATELY. You are in danger of the jewelry becoming embedded. And it is really NO WHERE CLOSE to where it should be placed.

Even if the jewelry that was inserted fit (or you changed for jewelry that does), such surface piercings tend to have healing issues such as migration, scarring, and/or rejection. Even when properly fitting jewelry is placed this way, getting it out sooner is better than later, as scar tissue is naturally formed if you allow it to remain.

I put an arrow on your photo to show where the jewelry should be coming out from UNDERNEATH your hood. If you need help to remove it, go right away. It will only get harder to take out the longer you leave it in place.

I received a message from a woman who was worried about her new VCH piercing:

Hi Elayne, 

I have been searching the internet for two days now trying to decide what to do, so  I finally decided to ask for some advice. I just got my VCH piercing the other day, and everything went alright. But the next day it seemed I developed a yeast infection. I woke up the next morning and my lymph node near my groin area was HUGE and very sore. My piercing is a bit tender, but there is no redness or pus or any sign of infection.

Does this mean there is bacteria in my piercing? Should I take it out or would that make it worse? I have been going back and forth about just taking it out anyways, but I'm scared it might irritate it more. Will just simply cleaning it daily solve the problem, or should I contact a doctor? My anxiety is through the roof and I have been worried about it constantly. If you could give me any advice at all I would greatly appreciate it.

My response:

Is it possible that something else (sexual activity?) caused your symptoms? It isn't uncommon that people will give their unpierced parts a final sendoff before piercing and may engage in more sexual activity than normal. A piercing isn't apt to cause yeast infections (though overly strong soap can.)

Your swollen glands could indicate a problem. Though they may just be overreacting to the foreign object. I'm not a doctor and I can't even see you, so it is hard to help. 

However if the piercing is infected, then quality jewelry of an appropriate size and material should be left in place to allow for drainage. Though you descirbe the piercing as not being inflamed, so I really don't know what's warong, or that it is entirely related to the new piercing.

Do you have a fever? If so, then I would definitely suggest a visit to the doctor right away.

read more

I received a message from a woman who was concerned about the jewelry in her vertical clit hood (VCH) piercing:

Hi I have a vch piercing I've had it for about 3 months I think . When I first got it done I went to a piercer that has done all my other piercings and I asked him what I could get for 20$ he said anything I want so I chose a genital piercing so I didn't do any research or anything. About 5 days later I was taking a shower and couldn't feel the bottom ball I figured it was normal but I was still a little worried so I looked it up n I read horrible stories n i got really scared I thought I was going to have to go to the e.r I called him the next day and told him what happened and he said to come in and he'll fix it so I did after I read the things on your website I figured I'd need a longer bar when I went in he said the ball got pulled through the wound and healed it inside he had to stick a taper through the hole and push the ball through after a half hr to an hr of pain he finally got it out he was goin to leave the original jewelry in but I said I wanted a longer bar so he put it in and it healed after a few weeks after it was healed the longer bar was getting in the way so I wanted the shorter one back in I went back to him and he switched it he told me to keep an eye on it just incase I was nervous that it would happen again and asked him if their was a middle length he could switch it to and he said there is no middle length it's been fine but I'm still nervous that it will happen again so I check it and its been really weird the top ball disappears and I don't know what I should do it doesn't hurt at all so I think it's healed  I don't know the lengths or gauge I don't want to take it out please help me as soon as you can.

read more

Here's a recent consultation I performed for a couple who were considering a Vertical Clit Hood piercing, and then had jewelry issues after the woman was pierced:

Hi Elayne.

My wife had scheduled an appointment for a VCH piercing next week with a piercer in Florida. I am a registered nurse and feel comfortable driving there for this procedure after doing a good bit of research, however, after reading many blogs on your site i have started worrying about surface piercings and worse complications. Should i worry about these things? I hope you will be able to put my mind at ease.

Thanks

My response:

Hi. 

If you visit my referrals page: http://piercingbible.com/piercer-referrals you will find the few handfuls of piercers I refer to worldwide. You are wise to consider the skill of the piercer as a VCH piercing is one of the piercings most often botched by inexperienced or poorly trained piercers. 

He wrote back:

Thank you for the reply.  Also, is there any truth to gradual desensitization over time after the vch placement due to constant contact?

Thanks again.

My response:

Here's an excerpt from The Piercing Bible that adresses your question:

If you wish to become a more well-educated consumer, I suggest you get my book, The Piercing Bible--The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing.

read more

I received a message from a woman who was concerned about the jewelry in her new VCH piercing:

Hi, yesterday I went and had my VCH piercing and I am a little concerned that the jewellery is too short. The bottom ball is not visible and is hiding quite deeply inside my hood which in turn is pushing the top of the bar upwards (this is a little uncomfortable). I don't think it's a shallow piercing but I'm just wondering if I can change this myself (I have been pierced with quite a small straight bar). I am able to send you some pics if that will help? Thank you.

My response:

Thanks for your message. I can tell you without seeing you that if the jewelry is too tight you MUST get it changed out ASAP! 

Unless you are quite familiar with body jewelry and have access to sterile equipment including an insertion taper, then I would suggest you go to a professional to have it changed. However, based on your problem, I'm not sure if you should trust the piercer who put in improperly sized jewelry? 

All of my piercer referrals are posted on this page of my website: http://piercingbible.com/piercer-referrals 

If I haven't personally worked with or trained any piercers in your area, you can check the website for a member of the Association of Professional Piercers who is local to you: http://www.safepiercing.org

read more

I received a message from a woman who wondered if her new triangle piercing was making it harder for her to achieve orgasm:

Hi Elayne! I hope you're well. I have an orgasm question and I don't know who to ask. I had my VCH done at the end of January. Then I had the triangle done a month ago. It seems since then I have had a harder time coming to orgasm. I haven't lost sensation because I feel like I am so close the entire time I masturbate. It feels great. Sometimes I just can't get over that ledge to the big O. For example I couldn't tonight and was frustrating because I was right there. But I had done it the previous 3 nights within 10-30 mins. Since its only been a month on the triangle do you think there is still some swelling and healing going on? I don't know anyone else who has one to ask. Any insight you can give I would be so so grateful. Thank you!!

My response:

Thanks for your message. Your piercing is still quite new and still in the healing stages. During that time, you can expect the healing process to be ongoing, and until the piercing is fully healed and settled, you won't really know how it will ultimately "perform" for you.

Did you go to one of the piercers on my referrals list, which is on this page of my website: http://piercingbible.com/piercer-referrals ?

If not, you may want to have me do a consultation to determine if your piercing is placed properly for your anatomy and for me to see if you're wearing appropriate jewelry.

Please visit this page for information on booking a consultation with me:

http://piercingbible.com/consultations

She wrote back and sent pictures:

Hi Elayne,

read more

I performed a consultation for a woman who wanted to know if her anatomy was suitable for Horizontal Clitoral Hood (HCH) and Triangle Piercings.

Hi Elayne.

I have a vertical clit hood piercing and I love it sooo much I want more! I have a good piercer that I really love but he's sooo far away. Thank you sooo much for doing consultations online! I really, really want to get a triangle. Or maybe a horizontal? I hope my pictures are good enough. I'm glad I'll have a better idea of what I can get before I go all the way out to see my piercer.

Thanks!!! 

My response:

Hi.

You don't really appear to have any space for an HCH piercing above your VCH, which is where it would normally go, so I don't think you're a candidate for that particular piercing. And, by the way, your VCH appears to be properly placed and the jewelry is a suitable fit.

read more

I received a message from a woman who was worried about getting a genital piercing from an inexperienced piercer:

Hi Elayne.

I went to my piercer about getting a hch in addition to my vch. Unfortunately, I can't due to a vessel, but she said that she could do a triangle. I'm a little Concerned because I'm fairly small down there (she had to modify my vch because of it) and she's never done one before. She knows how and showed me where it would be placed and took her time showing and explaining how it would be done. Everything seemed about right with how you explained it, but once again she's never done it. I trust her, but I know the piercer should be experienced.. But how would she get experience if she doesn't get te chance? I just need your advice on this, is there anything I need to make sure of? The only thing is that we decided to use a ring instead of the curved barbell (because I absolutely abhor the standard jewelry for the triangle, it just looks like a septum piercing for my vagina... Which isn't what I'm going for)

My response:

Hi.

If it were my vulva, especially if I were small built (meaning passing a needle through the wrong part could do debilitating damage), I most definitely would NOT let her do it. Even experienced piercers learn by networking and sharing with other piercers. She should have a colleague who is experienced at triangle piercings walk her through it on a few IDEAL clients first--not someone who is small built. That would be something only for a true expert to do, not a first-timer!

read more

I received a message from a wheelchair user who is considering genital piercing:

Hi Elayne, I have Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) and I use a power wheelchair so I sit 16-18 hrs a day. I'm in my early 50's. My Dr is against tattoos let alone piercings, but I want both. I've just had several surgeries and I expect to have more surgery in four months. I want to know the risks of getting my clit pierced and whether it is a bad idea for me. I'm a currently single lesbian with a healthy sex life.  I'm a disability rights advocate, and I usually find a way to do the things I want to do. But I like to know what I'm getting myself in for and whether it's possible. Any help you can give me will help.

Thanks,

N

My response:

Hi N,

Thanks for your message and your interest.

There are a few considerations as to whether genital piercing is appropriate in your circumstances.

One of the most important deciding factors is the configuration of your local anatomy. Have you read about the different genital piercing options?

http://piercingbible.com/female-genital-piercings

Compared to the range of other female genital piercings, clitoris piercing is very rare:

http://piercingbible.com/clitoris-piercing

Another is whether you have any issues with incontinence? That could potentially cause healing problems for a genital piercing.

If not, and you're anatomically suited to the piercing you desire, and you are able to provide consistent aftercare as explained here:

read more

I received a message about a piercing issue that was a little different from most of the problems I get concerning Vertical Clitoral Hood (VCH) piercings or triangle piercings:

read more