My Perfect Triangle

At A Glance Author Nicolle Artist Elayne Binnie Studio The Gauntlet Location Los Angeles (no longer open)

While browsing through these awesome pages I noticed that there were very few triangle experiences described so I'd like to help remedy the situation by adding mine. For those who don't know, the triangle is a deep piercing directly behind the clitoris.

I had my triangle done 5 years ago at the now defunct Gauntlet studio in Los Angeles. My piercer was the incomparable Elayne Binnie, now known as Elayne Angel and working at Rings of Desire in New Orleans. I came into the studio with an appointment for a clitoris piercing but after an initial peek Elayne informed me that I didn't have the right anatomy for it. According to Elayne, very few women can actually get a true clitoris piercing. You have to have a rather large clit that sticks out from underneath the hood. I was a little heartbroken but after Elayne described the triangle I was intrigued and figured it would be the next best thing.

For jewelry I selected a beautiful 12 gauge niobium ring with a garnet bead. Elayne brought me back into the piercing room and had me get into "position", lying on my back, feet in the stirrups. She spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect place while I laid there trying not to feel too embarrassed. Elayne had pierced me numerous times before so it wasn't as bad as it could've been. After she had the spot marked she let me take a look. I liked the positioning but never having seen a triangle was still a little uncertain as to what the actual piercing would look like. Fortunately, I had a great relationship with Elayne and enough trust in her to just lay back and let her do her thing.

Having had all my piercings done at the Gauntlet (nipples, navel, tongue, septum, nostril, eyebrow and numerous ear piercings) I knew that everything would be safe and sterile and all the equipment would be autoclaved so while Elayne was getting everything ready I just looked up at the ceiling and concentrated on my breathing. A minute or two later she was ready to put the forceps on. Explaining everything as she went along, she gently clamped the area and then told me that she was going to count to three. On two I should take in a deep breath and then on three I would let it out and she would do the piercing. "Okay, I thought. Here we go." One, two, three.

Well, I can honestly say that it wasn't as painful as I expected, however, it was certainly the most intense of all my piercing experiences. Having had lots of cartilege piercings I usually felt the needle's entrance and exit as dull and rather hot. In contrast, during my triangle, the needle felt very sharp and cold. It slipped through the flesh very easily, however and while I didn't scream I did gasp quite loudly. Like all my piercings the pain faded almost immediately and receded to a dull ache within seconds. Elayne inserted the jewelry, cleaned me off and then handed me a mirror. It was love at first sight. The piercing was beautiful.

After going through the aftercare with me (twice daily cleanings with a surgical soap called Hibiclens) Elayne explained that I would get the most stimulation from the triangle by having it pulled or tugged on but I would have to wait a few weeks to try it out. After that she helped me up and I was on my way. Walking out of there I had a huge smile on my face from the endorphin rush. The only clue that I just had a needle pushed through an extremely sensitive part of my body was my walk. Damn if I didn't have to walk through the Gauntlet's extremely crowded lobby bowlegged!

The piercing's been great, no problems with infection and the healing time wasn't bad at all. I was sore for a few days and within a

month was able to ride a bike and wear jeans. Elayne was right about the pulling and tugging too. It feels amazing and is lots and LOTS of fun.

In closing I just want to say that I think the most important part of the piercing equation (after you and your state of mind) is the piercer. A good piercer holds a lot more than the needle in their hands. They're holding your mental and physical well being too. Go to someone who's equally matched in both skill and customer service. Never feel intimidated or as if you're asking a dumb question. A good piercer should make you feel welcome and at ease and should be happy to answer any question you might have, even and especially, that old standby "Will it hurt?"

Blessed be,

Nicolle