Before I got my piercing, I thought a lot about which one I wanted (why mess with the genital area if it isn't going to bring pleasure?) and how well it would fit into daily life. I found the write-ups on here very helpful and informative, with information I couldn't locate anywhere else. However, I've found that my experience seemed to differ from some of them, so I wanted to put in my two cents.
At A Glance Author Tina Contact Tina@bme.anon When Three months ago Artist Noah Studio Evolution Location Albuquerque, NM I have a tattoo and a few piercings – this is lucky number seven (and my first "serious" one). I tend to be a bit of a slow healer (my belly button took FOREVER to heal), so I decided to wait for summer vacation to get it done. I wanted to make sure that the procedure was safe and clean, so I found my studio through the APP webpage. I checked the studio's webpage as well (the pictures of the private piercing room and the sterilization procedures were reassuring). Then I spoke to the owner, making sure that they offered the piercing, and asking a few questions. She had done the PA a number of times, and was very informative. For example, she suggested that I check and see if I could fit the tip of a Q-tip in my urethra to check the comfort level/anatomy. She also recommended the website: http://www.infinitebody.com/index2.html. It has some informative pictures of the procedure.
I couldn't sleep the few nights before my appointment – I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. Preparing for the piercing took more time than the actual piercing itself – getting into the stirrups (always fun), prepping the area and inserting the clamps – at this point I had to remind myself that I knew it wasn't gonna feel so great, but I also knew it wasn't going to take long. A couple of deep breaths and the needle was through, then the CBR was in place. (8 gauge, 7/16 or 1/2" diameter)
The drive home was painful – if you have a long drive like I did, I would suggest bringing a friend or driving an automatic!
I took it easy for the next couple of days. I had an all day training that Monday and despite assurances that I would be fine to sit...I wasn't. (I got some interesting looks as I squirmed in my chair...) At the end of the day, I went straight to the store and did some shopping. I picked up some skirts and some new underwear. Since the jewelry protruded past my "lips", I couldn't have the ridge of the crotch material pressing against/touching the piercing without it being very uncomfortable. My usual thong underwear didn't work either. I found that granny panties were the way to go, as the elastic around the legs made the crotch supportive without putting pressure on the piercing. It took about 3 weeks before I could start varying my wardrobe beyond skirts and shorts with a loose/lower crotch. It also took about 3 weeks before I made it back to kickboxing (even then I couldn't make it through the whole hour, although I found that stabilizing the area with gauze pads help ed). However, after about a week and a half I was able to return to ballet, it was also about 3 weeks for tap class. On the plus side, the area was so sensitive those first few weeks that, when in the right state of mind, I could orgasm just by clenching my muscles.
I soaked my piercing (sea salt solution on a gauze pad) when it felt like it needed it, usually about 3xs a day for the first 3 weeks, 2xs a day for the next 2 weeks. I cleansed with the recommended soap (followed by peeing to clean out the urethra). Occasionally there was a little discharge around the piercing, but no pain or swelling from the piercing. I made sure to drink a lot of water, just to make sure the urethra was getting "cleansed" regularly. I was worried that it might sting to pee, but it never did.
After about 5 weeks it felt healed, so I stopped soaking/specially cleaning it. I was ready to downsize my piercing. However, the studio had to special order the smaller diameter, which took about 2 weeks (it felt like forever). I went in, and it took just a couple of minutes to switch it out – no pain or discomfort. The site did swell back up for a couple of days, but since then it has been just fine. Now that it is downsized (to 5/16"), it does not protrude outside, and I can wear anything I want (which is good, as it is getting cold enough for jeans). In fact, a couple of times I've checked "just to make sure it is there", because I can't feel it in place without contracting my muscles. I'm perfectly happy with the size/basic stainless steel for now, although my piercer says that after I while I can change it up for a more decorative piece if I choose.
Information that I read on here that I found to be good advice:
Wear a skirt – you don't want to have to deal with a crotch or with pulling clothing on/off in front of the piercer.
Use the bathroom right beforehand – one less thing to worry about with the pressure of the clamps.
Bring a pantyliner – I would say a pad would be better if you have a longer drive (mine totally soaked through on the hour drive home)
The clamps are way more uncomfortable than the actual piercing – very true
With the piercing, Kegel exercises are fun indeed – good for boring roadtrips too!
What I wasn't expecting:
I knew urethral piercings bleed more, but I didn't think I would need to wear a pad for 4 days...I was starting to get worried, but the bleeding finally stopped. Then my period showed up early...I'm an o.b. girl, but plastic applicators were a must until I got the CBR downsized.
By now it has been 11 weeks, and I'm really happy with my piercing – I wanted one that was unique and functional, and my PA is both: pleasurable, but not in the way for day-to-day life. I would recommend it for those that have the anatomy built for it and like the sensation...but I would suggest doing it during the summer/on vacation to allow time to heal – just in case!