Piericing

By silkenluv

Adorning the body with jewelry is believed by some to be a fad old as tattooing. Pierced ears have gained such popularity around the world that those without at least one ear piercing are probably in the minority. Ear piercing by far is the most popular form of body piercing but other forms are quickly gaining in popularity such as naval, nose, tongue, and genital piercing.

Piercing has a colorful history, dating all the way back to prehistoric times. Roman soldiers had their nipples pierced so that they could fasten their cloaks to their body when riding off to war. It is said that Prince Albert so adored the smooth look of his tight fitting trousers that His cock was pierced so that he could fasten it back out of the way between his legs and not have it impede the smooth flow of his tight trousers. In the 1800s French aristocrats saw body piercing as a high-class trend.

The reasons people practice body piercing are diverse. For some it is nothing more than a fashion statement. For others it is a means of heightening sexual pleasure. In the BDSM community, body piercing is widely used by Dominants as a means of 'marking' their submissive. It is a way of leaving some trace of Him or Her on the submissive to always remind them of their purpose in service. Body piercing in this sense can have dual purposes. They may serve as adornments, as well as a place to fasten weights, chains or rope in some delicious twisted form of torture. Also, many people report heightened sexual pleasure from the genital, and nipple piercing.

One of the most frequently expressed fears concerning piercing is the potential loss of sensitivity due to nerve damage when piercing the clit, cock, or nipples. It is generally reported that sensitivity in these areas is greater following the piercing than prior to it. However, some people do report losing some of their sensitivity. It's just impossible to predict what will happen with yours. There is always a bit of risk involved when you alter the human body in any way. Like everything, even with the best care, unintended infections, or complications can occur without warning which can affect success of the piercing, as well as sensitivity. A qualified piercer will be able to perform the procedure in such a way as to minimize risk to you, as well as advise you on how to care for your piercing following the insertion of the jewelry to promote its success.

A piercing should never be done on an impulse. You need to carefully consider the pros and cons of having it done, especially when considering genital, or nipple piercing. When choosing a piercing artist make more than one visit to Him before scheduling a time to have the actual piercing done. Your first visit should be strictly for consultation. It is during this time you can evaluate the person's experience as well as their knowledge about the process you are considering. Ask if he or she has references of past customers whom you might be able to speak with. If not, ask to see a portfolio of their work. Pictures of the specific kind of piercing you are considering are most helpful. You should not feel rushed when asking questions. Remember, you are the customer and you should feel comfortable and at ease in his ability to safely perform the piercing.

The qualified piercer should be able to answer your questions about the actual procedure you are considering, as well as advise you adequately on the kinds of jewelry available. He will also need to be able to inform you of all potential complications of the procedure such as migration, rejection, infection, scarring, allergic reactions to jewelry or products you will use to care for the piercing during the healing process.

There are many forms of piercing, and many types of jewelry to choose from. Your piercing artist will also be able to advise you on the best forms of piercing for your body type, as well as suggest the best style of jewelry for specific piercings.

Jewelry for body piercings is made of a variety of materials. It is important to keep in mind your past reactions to different metals when choosing your jewelry. If you are sensitive to gold or silver and this is your very first piercing stainless steel may be your best choice. Chances of your body rejecting this material are very small. Other options are titanium or niobium, but these materials are also more expensive than the stainless steel. Whatever the material you choose, the jewelry you use should be new, and unused.

Your piercer should measure the area to be pierced prior to purchase of the jewelry and advise you on the gauge needed.

Gauge of the piercing is very important to the success of the piercing as well. Jewelry that is to thin can be torn or ripped, sometimes completely through the flesh. Also, the thinner the insertion post is the bigger the possibility that your body will reject it. Jewelry that is too heavy can migrate through the piercing. Jewelry that is too thick can compromise the integrity of the skin the jewelry is in. Your piercer will be the one who can advise you on such issues, again, giving you information needed to make the best choice for yourself.

When you go in for consultation look around and take note of the establishment. Things you should look for include but are not limited to the following suggestions:

How do they sterilize equipment?

Do they have an autoclave (sterilizing unit) and is all reusable equipment autoclaved prior to reuse?

If not do they use only all disposable equipment?

Do they use disposable needles and dressings, which are pre- packaged? Ask to see what they use.

Jewelry, which will be used in the piercing, should be pre- packaged and sterile. Ask to see how the jewelry is packaged.

Is the establishment clean? Are surfaces smooth and wipable including the floors? Does it smell clean?

When you speak to the piercing artist consider these things:

Does he answer your questions completely?

Does he seem to be knowledgeable?

Does he describe for you the process of the event?

Does he appear to be clean?

Does he wash his hands frequently?

Ask about access to him in the event of complications. Will you be able to reach him around the clock?

In the event of complications does he have a back up plan?

Does he have a medical doctor which he can refer his clients to in the event of complications such as infection?

In closing I would like to stress the importance of choosing a reputable establishment, and piercing artist to perform the piercing for you. In today's atmosphere where blood born diseases are spreading throughout the populations of the world cleanliness can not be underestimated and should be of utmost concern to you. To be safe, instruments that are intended to penetrate the skin should be used once and discarded. Other instruments, which will be used and may come into contact with blood, but not necessarily penetrate the skin must be disposable or autoclaved to sterilize. Note: I said STERILILZE, not disinfect. The establishment and person you choose must understand the difference and how to accomplish sterilization properly for the safety of his or her clientele.