I got my PA a year ago. Before getting it done, like many others, I did a bit of personal research on the matter. I read quite a few experiences on BME, so I thought that in turn, I would write about my experience for 'the next guy'. Please note that my experience will be more geared to help those who are considering getting work done at a professional shop.
At A Glance Author Matt Contact mblanchette@hotmail.com When A year ago Artist Jason Berezuk Studio Experience the Beauty Location Winnipeg Manitoba Canada I can understand that for minors, having access to a professional work may be restricted, and getting parental consent on a genital piercing isn't always possible. I do think it is unfortunate to not have the necessary outlets in such circumstances. Nevertheless, as much as possible, I would recommend that everyone else seek out quality work within a sterile environment in a reputable shop where they are comfortable with the artist.
I had been considering getting my PA pierced, I was thinking about getting it done at around 6ga. I had some jewelry to at home to compare sizes with due to the fact last March, I got my lobe and helix pierced at 14ga, and subsequently stretched my lobe to 6ga. I went to talk to Jay, my piercer, who owns and operates a shop called Experience The Beauty in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada.
Jay answered all my questions. He said that is was a relatively simple piercing to do and that the healing time was reasonable quick; approximately six to eight weeks. Jay recommended that I start at 8ga since it would be a more comfortable gauge to start at. He also said that at 8ga it should heal relatively simply as opposed to smaller jewellery. I did some reading of experiences on BME, used the chat room on this site to ask some people about it, and looked up some other references. I subsequently made an appointment with Jay to have it done.
The entire procedure was pretty straight foreword, and similar to other piercings I had gotten in the past, from Jay. I signed a consent form, went into the separate room. Jay had just taken out all the instruments out of the autoclave (sterilizing machine) and laid it on the tray. A plastic bag was placed on the chair; I sat down with my pants down.
The area was cleaned, and marked. Jay had placed my frenum in such a way that it would not be a problem to get my PA thus finding a good spot on this day was not a problem. The mark was fine. He showed me the change in colour of areas around the seal on the autoclaving bags and that the lines on the special tape had also changed colour, thus indicating a successful autoclave. It is also to be noted that Jay has his equipment sent off every month to a laboratory to pass a spore test. This helps to ensure his autoclave is still working and that there is no risk of infection, an added safety feature found in reputable shops.
>From here, the receiving tube was inserted and pressed so a mark could be seen, he checked for veins with a special instrument. Jay told me to concentrate on my breathing, and passed the needle through after telling my to expect a slight poke and maybe a slight rush of heat to the area. The needle went through surprisingly well. The jewellery was placed, I didn't even feel this. There was no bleeding either.
We then discussed the aftercare in more detail. I was told to wash 2x daily with antibacterial soap (provided) for 2 weeks, and 1x daily for 4 weeks. He also recommended soaking the area in a sea salt solution. He made sure I had no other questions before we set up a free check up in a week. I paid and the deal was done. I was even given the pen used to mark my penis. Jay always uses new pens to mark clients. Everything he had just told me was given on an information sheet, with additional information for me to keep with me, incase I wanted to refer to it. He said to call the next day to let him know if there had been any bleeding overnight or not, there wasn't; there weren't even crusties when I took my shower this morning.
The procedure went smoothly, I am very happy with the piercing. I have since stretched to 4ga. I would recommend this type of piercing to those who are considering getting it done. I would urge people to seek out a reputable, sterile environment where you are comfortable with the piercer. I was very confident with Jay's work; this put me very much at ease. Please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions. Enjoy!