Clitoral hood piercing

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Clitoral hood piercing
Horizontal Clitoral hood piercing with Ball Closure Ring.jpg
Horizontal clitoral hood piercing with captive bead ring
NicknamesVCH, HCH
Location Clitoral hood
Jewelry Captive bead ring, barbell, J-bar
Healing8-12 weeks

A clitoral hood piercing is a female genital piercing through the clitoral hood surrounding the clitoris. In addition to being an adornment, a clitoral hood piercing can enhance sexual pleasure during masturbation, foreplay and intercourse. In an empirical study at the University of South Alabama, the authors reported a positive relationship between vertical clitoral hood piercings and desire, frequency of intercourse, and sexual arousal. [1] There are two main types of clitoral hood piercing: the vertical clitoral hood (VCH) piercing and the horizontal clitoral hood (HCH) piercing. As the names indicate, the difference is in the direction the piercing is oriented in the skin above the clitoris. Neither of these piercings penetrates the clitoris itself, although in common parlance they are sometimes called "clit" piercings. [2] The deep hood piercing is a variation of the clitoral hood piercing that passes deeper through the clitoral hood.

Contents

Motivations

Clitoral hood piercings are done to enhance sexual pleasure, for aesthetic reasons, as an artistic expression of personal style, and for survivors of sexual abuse or assault, as an act of reclamation.

According to Cosmopolitan magazine, many people say the vertical clitoral hood piercing enhances sexual pleasure more than a horizontal clitoral hood piercing. [2] The vertical orientation of the jewelry increases pressure on the clitoris, particularly if the lower sphere (bead) of a barbell is situated to apply pressure directly to the glans of the clitoris. The clitoris is the human female's most sensitive erogenous zone and the primary anatomical source of human female sexual pleasure. The glans of the human clitoris is about the size of a pea but is estimated to have 8,000 to 10,000 sensory nerve endings, [3] approximately double the number of the glans of the human male penis, which is much larger. The extremely high density of sensory nerve endings in the glans of the clitoris enables it to be exceptionally sensitive to stimulation.

A clitoral hood piercing may be desired as an adornment, either on its own, or in association with other body piercings. Some people say that even if they were the only person who ever saw their genital piercings, they would be happy with them. [4]

For many who have been sexually assaulted, raped, sexually abused, or psychologically hurt in various ways, genital piercings serve as a means to reclaim their sexuality or their ownership of their genitals. [5]

Execution

Correct positioning is particularly important for vertical clitoral hood piercings: a mistake often made by inexperienced piercers is positioning the puncture channel too flat or too far forward. The piercing tends to grow out and often the desired contact with the clitoris does not happen. This misplacement often occurs when working with clamp pliers. Also, the piercing must not be placed too close to the edge of the clitoral hood. There should be at least 1cm between the puncture channel and the distal end of the clitoral hood.

Pain, healing and aftercare

Compared to other piercings, clitoral hood piercings tend to be rather uncomplicated with regard to the piercing process itself as well as the healing, which certainly contributes to the popularity of the piercing. In contrast to common expectations, this piercing is no more painful to perform than other body piercings. Since the piercing passes through a thin layer of tissue, it is quick to pierce and reportedly hurts less than ear piercings. Clitoral hood piercings also have rather short healing times, due to the amount of blood circulation to the area. The average healing time is 8-12 weeks. [6] During the healing period, the piercing is a wound and can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Use of condoms is advised for six months. Showers are recommended over baths to reduce the risk of bacterial infection during the healing period. The piercing should be dried using only fresh disposable paper towel/kitchen roll. A communal hand/bath towel should never be used. Surgical gloves are recommended when cleaning the pierced area, and during masturbation or digital stimulation by a partner.

Contraindications

A vertical clitoral hood piercing is not suitable for a short clitoral hood. This piercing requires a minimum clitoral hood length of approximately 1 centimetre (12 in). Excessive pressure due to fat or sagging in the pubic mound area would preclude a vertical clitoral hood piercing.[ citation needed ] A horizontal clitoral hood piercing might be an alternative for some, however horizontal clitoral hood piercing is only suitable for people who have enough tissue above the clitoris and whose clitoral hood is not completely covered by the outer labia. The shape and symmetry of the clitoral hood are also important to keep the piercing from rotating or pinching. If a person's anatomy is unsuitable for a clitoral hood piercing, a pubic piercing for a male sexual partner can sometimes provide the desired clitoral stimulation during intercourse. As an alternative to either partner obtaining a piercing, a male partner can wear a removable device at the base of the penis that incorporates a clitoral stimulator or vibrator. Likewise, various clitoral vibrators and suction devices are available to enhance lesbian genital-to-genital contact. [7]

Jewelry

A wide variety of body piercing jewelry can be worn with clitoral hood piercings. Barbells, J-bars and other bar-style jewelry are common in vertical hood piercings, and both captive bead rings (also called ball capture rings or BCRs) and barbells are common in horizontal hood piercings. Silver jewelry should be avoided. [6] It is not uncommon for the beads of a barbell to be decorative, as is common in navel piercings.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clitoris</span> Erectile female sexual organ

In amniotes, the clitoris is a female sex organ. In humans, it is the vulva's most erogenous area and generally the primary anatomical source of female sexual pleasure. The clitoris is a complex structure, and its size and sensitivity can vary. The visible portion, the glans, of the clitoris is typically roughly the size and shape of a pea and is estimated to have at least 8,000 nerve endings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orgasm</span> Intense physical sensation of sexual release

Orgasm or sexual climax is the sudden discharge of accumulated sexual excitement during the sexual response cycle, resulting in rhythmic, involuntary muscular contractions in the pelvic region characterized by sexual pleasure. Experienced by males and females, orgasms are controlled by the involuntary or autonomic nervous system. They are usually associated with involuntary actions, including muscular spasms in multiple areas of the body, a general euphoric sensation, and, frequently, body movements and vocalizations. The period after orgasm is typically a relaxing experience, attributed to the release of the neurohormones oxytocin and prolactin as well as endorphins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prince Albert (genital piercing)</span> Male genital piercing

The Prince Albert (PA) is a penis piercing which extends from the urethra to the underside of the glans. It is one of the most common male genital piercings. The related reverse Prince Albert piercing enters through the urethra and exits through a hole pierced in the top of the glans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G-spot</span> Hypothesized anatomical detail

The G-spot, also called the Gräfenberg spot, is characterized as an erogenous area of the vagina that, when stimulated, may lead to strong sexual arousal, powerful orgasms and potential female ejaculation. It is typically reported to be located 5–8 cm (2–3 in) up the front (anterior) vaginal wall between the vaginal opening and the urethra and is a sensitive area that may be part of the female prostate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cock ring</span> Sexual device

A cock ring or cockring is a ring worn around the penis, usually at the base. The primary purpose of wearing a cock ring is to restrict the flow of blood from the erect penis to produce a stronger erection or to maintain an erection for a longer period of time. They are sometimes used as medical devices, on their own or in conjunction with a penis pump to assist in the management of erectile dysfunction. Genital adornment is another purpose, as is repositioning the genitals to provide an enhanced appearance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clitoral hood</span> Part of the vulva that covers and protects the glans of the clitoris

In female humans and other mammals, the clitoral hood is a fold of skin that surrounds and protects the glans of the clitoris; it also covers the external clitoral shaft, develops as part of the labia minora and is homologous with the foreskin in the male reproductive system. The clitoral hood is composed of mucocutaneous tissues; these tissues are between the mucous membrane and the skin, and they may have immunological importance because they may be a point of entry of mucosal vaccines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frenum piercing</span> Penis piercing

A frenum piercing is a type of body piercing located on the underside of the shaft of the penis. A series of parallel frenum piercings is known as a frenum ladder. A frenum ladder may be extended to include lorum piercings, hafada piercings and guiche piercings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dydoe</span> Genital piercing

A dydoe is a type of male genital piercing that passes through the ridge of the glans on the head of the penis. They are often done in pairs. Less often, a "king's crown" is where several dydoes are placed around the head of the penis. The jewelry is usually a 12 gauge, straight barbell with a ball on either end, although a ring may be used at a higher chance of rejection. A deep dydoe is one that uses a longer barbell and exits near the tip of the penis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ampallang</span> Male genital piercing

The palang or ampallang is a male genital piercing that penetrates horizontally through the entire glans of the penis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genital piercing</span> Form of body piercing on a part of the genitalia

Genital piercing is a form of body piercing that involves piercing a part of the genitalia, thus creating a suitable place for wearing different types of jewellery. Nevertheless, the term may also be used pars pro toto to indicate all body piercings in the area of the anus, perineum, penis, scrotum, and vulva, including piercings such as anal, guiche, and pubic that do not involve perforation of genitalia. Genital piercings can be done regardless of sex, with various forms of piercings available. The main motive is beautification and individualization; in addition, some piercings enhance sexual pleasure by increasing stimulation. Pre-modern genital piercings is most culturally widespread in Southeast Asia, where it has been part of traditional practice since ancient times. Records of genital piercing are found in the Kama Sutra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Triangle piercing</span> Genital piercing

A triangle piercing is one of several forms of genital piercing applied to the vulva. It is a horizontal piercing that passes from side to side, beneath the base of the clitoral hood tissue where it meets the inner labia and under the clitoris. The name is derived from the tissue where the labia meets the clitoral hood, which looks like a triangle when pinched.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hafada piercing</span> Surface piercing on the scrotum

A hafada piercing is a surface piercing anywhere on the skin of the scrotum. Piercings on the scrotal raphe or "seam" of the scrotum are common. This piercing does not penetrate deep into the scrotum, and due to the looseness and flexibility of the skin in that area, does not migrate or reject as much as many other surface piercings. The main motives are beautification and individualization. A piercing that passes through the scrotum, from front-to-back, or from side-to-side, is known as a transscrotal piercing. Multiple hafada piercings are not uncommon, often as an extension of a frenum ladder or Jacob's Ladder, which is a series of piercings from the frenulum to the scrotum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christina piercing</span> Female genital piercing

A Christina piercing, also known as a Venus piercing, is a female genital piercing. It is located where the outer labia meet, below the pubic mound. The Christina piercing is anatomy dependent; it has a high rejection rate, and is not possible for all women due to anatomical variation. If the flesh above the clitoris where the outer labia meet is fleshy enough to pinch, a Christina piercing may be successful. If the flesh in this area is too tight to pinch, a Christina piercing is contraindicated. The piercing does not facilitate sexual stimulation and can be found uncomfortable when pressure is applied. It is usually pierced with either a custom-made curved barbell or surface bar to reduce the risk of rejection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isabella piercing</span> Female genital piercing

Isabella piercing is a female genital piercing. This extremely deep clitoral shaft piercing starts below the clitoris and just above the urethra, and then goes up through the clitoral shaft and exits at the top of the hood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barbell (piercing)</span> Type of piercing

Barbell style piercing jewelry is composed of a straight bar with a bead on each end, one or both beads unscrewable for removal and/or changing of the beads. Often one of the beads is fixed, either via epoxy or welding, so that only one bead is used to install or remove the jewelry. Barbell threads are usually right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clitoris piercing</span> Type of body piercing

A clitoris piercing is a genital piercing placed directly through the head (glans) of the clitoris itself. It is a relatively uncommon piercing by choice because of the potential for nerve damage, and because many may find it too stimulating to allow the constant wearing of a small ring or barbell. Most piercing studios will refuse to do a clitoral piercing. It is often confused with the more common clitoral hood piercing, which pierces only the hood covering the clitoral glans, allowing the jewelry to make only occasional contact with the most sensitive area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G-spot vibrator</span> Sex toy

A G-spot vibrator is a sex toy with female and male varieties. The female version of the device is built to massage the G-spot, described as a bean-shaped area of the vagina. Some women report that it is an erogenous zone which, when stimulated, can lead to strong sexual arousal, powerful orgasms and female ejaculation. The male version of the G-spot vibrator is used for massaging the prostate for both sexual and health-related reasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vulva</span> External genitalia of the female mammal

In mammals, the vulva consists of the external female genitalia. The human vulva includes the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vulval vestibule, urinary meatus, vaginal opening, hymen, and Bartholin's and Skene's vestibular glands. The vulva includes the entrance to the vagina, which leads to the uterus, and provides a double layer of protection for this by the folds of the outer and inner labia. Pelvic floor muscles support the structures of the vulva. Other muscles of the urogenital triangle also give support.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apadravya</span> Penis piercing

The apadravya, like the ampallang, is a genital piercing that passes through the glans. While the ampallang passes horizontally through the glans, the apadravya passes vertically through the glans from top to bottom, almost always placed centrally and passing through the urethra. It can be paired with an ampallang to form the magic cross. Off-center apadravyas are also possible, wherein the piercing is deliberately offset, yet usually still passes through the urethra. The piercing is often done on a slightly forward angle to the hips.

References

  1. Millner, Vaughn S.; Eichold, Bernard H.; Sharpe, Thomasina H.; Lynn, Sherwood C. (2005). "First glimpse of the functional benefits of clitoral hood piercings". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 193 (3): 675–676. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2005.02.130. ISSN   0002-9378. PMID   16150259.
  2. 1 2 Gilmour, Paisley (9 January 2019). "Everything you need to know about clit piercings". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  3. White, Franny. "Pleasure-producing human clitoris has more than 10,000 nerve fibers". OHSU News. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  4. Fenn, Violet (14 March 2017). "Why genital piercings aren't as scary as you think". Metro. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  5. Stirn, Aglaja; Oddo, Silvia; Peregrinova, Ludmila; Philipp, Swetlana; Hinz, Andreas (30 December 2011). "Motivations for body piercings and tattoos - the role of sexual abuse and the frequency of body modifications". Psychiatry Research. 190 (2–3): 359–363. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2011.06.001. ISSN   0165-1781. PMID   21705093. S2CID   42613463 . Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  6. 1 2 "2021 VCH Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing Pros & Cons by a Piercer S02 EP27 | Axiom Body Piercing Studio". axiompiercing.com. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  7. "Here Are the Best Lesbian Sex Toys to Play With". Teen Vogue. Condé Nast. 1 December 2020. Retrieved 14 June 2023.