Female Piercings

Clitoral Hood

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.

Initial Jewelry: Same as above; barbells, curved barbells in 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" long. Vertical piercings are best done using an insertion tube, inserted between the hood and the clitoris.

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.

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 14 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.

Inner Labia / 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.

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. It should be noted that these piercings stretch themselves VERY quickly.

Outer Labia / 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 10 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.

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.

Triangle

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.

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 piercing 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 curved 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.

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.

Christina

This piercing, christened by Stainless Studios, is done through the skin when the outer labia meet (ie - from above the hood, coming out on the mons). Generally a 12ga curved barbell is used. This is a relatively new piercing, but results are good.

Princess Albertina

Another relatively new and experimental piercing, this piercing passes through the back wall of the urethra.

Cleaning products may irritate the urethra and vagina, so urinate after cleaning to flush out any residues in the urethral opening. One should take care not to let any cleaning agent enter the vagina, as yeast infections may result from the depletion of bacteria. Genital piercings should be cleaned after intercourse as well. Use of a condom is recommended during the healing period, and oral contact should be avoided. Also, certain lubricants and spermicides may irritate piercings.