I got my left inner labia pierced

At A Glance Author anonymous Artist Regina Studio boulevard tattoo Location marion, Il

About two weeks ago, I got the piercing urge again. Every so often it happens - ever since I got my ear cartilage done, at the age of 13. I'd been considering piercing my inner labia for some time. I'd seen a woman who had six CBRs in her labia, and they were "laced" closed. That image stood out in my mind. The main reason I wanted to pierce that area was a personal reclaimation of my indepencdence, though I was interested in the aesthetic aspects as well.

When I made my final decision, I chose a studio on the recommendation of a friend. I went to the studio a few days beforehand to check it out. I talked with the piercer and looked around. I wanted to find someone I was comfortable with, because of the personal nature of the piercing. The individual that I chose understood my motivations

for wanting this type of modification, and she had experience with it. I sure didn't want a novice poking around MY labia! I picked out the jewelry that I would use - a 14ga CBR with a hematite bead. I thought about going smaller, but then I thought of the "wire cutter" analogy. I decided on SSS of course. I made an appointment for three

days later.

I arrived at the studio alone. I wanted this to be a private experience so I didn't bring anyone along, like I had for my previous piercings. I have had other things pierced (navel, nostril, and eleven earrings) but never in such a sensitive area. I did deep breathing in an attempt to relax a little. It kind of helped. Over the past three days I had really examined my reasons for wanting this piercing. I

didn't want to rush into getting it for the wrong reasons, like I had my other piericngs. The best way I can describe it is that I felt as if I were reclaiming my right to be an individual. I've had relationships in the past where I've felt pressure to be subservient,

like a "real woman oughta act". I was getting tangible evidence that it was ok to be myself - as fierce as I wanted to be.

When I went into the studio I was nervous. The piercer did his best to put me at ease though - joking around a little bit. He showed

me to the piercing area, which was off to one side in a smaller room. I could see into the main room, and I was uncomfortable because I didn't want to take my skirt off in plain view! Everything turned out ok, because when he pulled the curtain shut I was sure no one could see in. I sat down in the chair, which had stirrups on it. My first

thought was, "Uh-oh, feels like I'm at the gynecologist." Now I was feeling giddy. Funny how you go from feeling nervous to excited in such a short time. I undressed from the waist down and sat in the chair, on top of a sterile paper guard. I propped up my feet and he adjusted the stirrups. He put on a pair of gloves. After cleaning me

with a liquid (betadine? alcohol?) he placed the dot on my left labia. I've had some of my ear piercings placed unevenly before, and I wanted to be sure on this one. I looked carefully at the placement in a hand mirror and was satisfied. He put the clamp on, which pinched a little. I've heard that this is the worst part, but I didn't think so! He told me to breathe in and out slowly, and counted 3..2..1. At 1 he pushed the needle through. It hurt less than I expected. But like I said, it still hurt! Then he put the jewelry in. That didn't really hurt at all The whole area felt kind of numb...endorphins, I guess. I checked out my fresh piercing, and it was only bleeding a tiny bit. That was a relief.

I sat there for a minute feeling dizzy. The piercer told me to take my time. He took off his gloves and left the room. I sat there for a few minutes, contemplating the change that my body had just experienced. I slowly got back up and redressed; it was hard to move and I was afraid I'd irritate the area. I still felt dizzy, but delited too! I decided to only get one piercing on the left side. Maybe in another few weeks I'll go back and get a second one. I really like the way it looks, although I don't like how it feels yet. It took over a week before I could comfortably do normal activities, like walking and exercising. It's been two weeks now, and it feels like it's healing well. I clean it four times a day (I'm a fanatic about

cleanliness, and I dislike the discharge from around the ring). I just use soap and water. My piercer gave me an aftercare sheet, and before I left he cleared up the questions I had. I asked how long it would take to heal and if it would be similar to my other piercings. I read that I should soak it in saltwater solution, and I'm going to try that. I hope that speeds up the process somewhat.

I'm very happy with my modification because it's the first truly private one I've gotten. Since my other piercings are publicly visible, they somehow don't have the same significance to me. Because I was so young when I got them, it was primarily a "rebellious" or attention-seeking action. (I was about fifteen years old). Not much

thought went into it, and now I'm considering removing the majority of them. I'm glad to have reached a point of understanding my body. Now I have a symbol of my new self on the outside...where only I can see it.