Penis Piercing: How It Can Change a Man’s Sex Life Permanently

Let’s face it; the decision to invade the sacred skin of the penis is always one considered with one eye shut, wincing in the possible pain of the experience. However, some of the anecdotal sex benefits to penis piercing have men pulling out their schlongs for a shot. Penis piercing should be carefully contemplated before a man decides to adorn his favorite appendage. A man should get all the info on downtime, maintenance, sex, and even peeing, to make a good decision. Here’s a quick primer on everything a man needs to know about penis piercing before letting the needle take the plunge!

Penis Piercings, In a Nut (ha!) Shell

Not too surprisingly, male genital piercings are not all that common. It’s actually more common for women to have them. Two types of piercings are most popular: the frenulum, also known as the Jacob’s Ladder and, of course, the widely known Prince Albert. Penis piercing can be done on any size penis, and it doesn’t matter whether it is circumcised or uncircumcised. A good piercer will recommend jewelry that works with the size and girth of the member.

The Jacob’s Ladder is a kind of penis piercing for which the piercing is done just through the skin. The Prince Albert is a piercing done down through the urethra and out of the bottom wall. Both have a speedy healing process. There are other more advanced piercings, like the apadravya and ampallang, which go through the head of the penis in different directions. Still, they are much rarer and generally only sported by serious body modification enthusiasts.

Penis Piercing How-to: The Prince Albert

The Jacob’s Ladder seems pretty self-explanatory, but the Prince Albert, that one looks a little more complicated (because it is). It also hurts more. Here’s the process—brace yourself. Usually, a piercer uses a hollow metal or glass tube and pushes it down into the penis and goes into the tube to pierce. Others omit the tube and open the urethra by hand and push the needle down. Either way, it’s not comfy.

The Healing Process

It takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the penis to heal after being pierced. A little blood is normal at first. Men should also expect to use saline solution soaks to aid in the healing process. Urination is also helpful, as it’s sterile and helps flush the area. When peeing for the first 1 to 2 weeks, be careful! Sometimes urine can come out the bottom hole of a Prince Albert piercing. A man may need to plug the hole with his finger while pushing up, or he can just take a seat and pee sitting down.

Sex and the New Penis Piercing

There isn’t a ban on sex until it’s completely healed, but there is a higher chance of sexually transmitted infections since the piercing is an open wound those first 6 to 8 weeks. Everything sexual is new again, from putting on a condom to entry to exit and all the stuff in between. Start by taking things slow and gentle to get used to the piercing and how it impacts your sex life. Also, be mindful that a partner’s bodily fluids can irritate the site of the piercing before it’s fully healed, and so can lubricants.

There is evidence that penis piercing can increase sexual sensation and pleasure. Sometimes it’s just for you, sometimes it’s just for your partner, and hopefully most times, it’s for both of you. It just depends. Remember that everything sexual is new again, so approach every first with caution and patience and see what feels good and what feels fantastic.

Post-Penis Piercing Care

After the healing is done and you’re proudly sporting jewelry down below, be sure to be especially meticulous about penis health care. Wash well and thoroughly daily and keep the hedges neatly trimmed (you don’t want pubes getting caught up in your jewelry). Wear breathable underwear that fits well, but not too tight. Finally, use a penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) containing essential vitamins like vitamin A, which keeps the area bacteria-free, and vitamin C, which promotes collagen production for firm, elastic skin. It’s a sure way to keep everything clean, inviting, and healthy while showing off some new bling.

Tips to Avoid Penis Irritation after a Penis Piercing

Some men like to go to extremes. They like to wander the road less traveled, tackle new and unusual adventures, and venture where other men fear to tread. And the penis piercing is definitely something that would send most men running for the hills. But for the select few who are interested in embellishing their member, a few tips for excellent penis care can help ensure their latest adventure doesn’t wind up causing penis irritation - or anything worse.

Taking care of the penis piercing
Men who cringe at the mere thought of a penis piercing can feel free to skip down to the last paragraph. But for those with balls of steel, read on.

One of the most common penis piercings is the Prince Albert. This piercing usually extends along the underside of the glans from the urethral opening. The jewelry can be either a ring or a curved barbell, though some other types might apply. Some men say that the Prince Albert heightens sexual sensation; however, some partners might experience pain or discomfort when certain jewelry is used.

A penis piercing like this one typically takes four to six weeks to heal. During that time, men who have undertaken the piercing adventure should keep the following steps in mind:

1) Wash the piercing twice daily. During the first several weeks, cleanliness is a man’s best friend. A saltwater soak twice a day, followed by a thorough cleaning with a mild soap, is usually recommended by piercing experts. Never use any sort of alcohol-based cleaner on the area, as this can not only hurt and extend healing time, it can also dry out the skin.

2) Know what to avoid. During those first several weeks, certain things are completely off-limits. This includes swimming pools or other bodies of water, any tight or restrictive clothing, and sex with a partner. Choosing to do these things anyway can have dire consequences, from penis irritation to serious infection.

3) Drink a great deal of water. Since the Prince Albert involves the urethra, it is very important to urinate quite often. This will actually help clean the piercing and lead to faster healing. So drink up and stay hydrated.

4) Do not change the piercing. Any piercing needs to be left alone in order to allow it to heal properly. Removing the jewelry before it’s ready can lead to problems with inserting new jewelry, which makes the whole adventure an exercise in futility. Besides that, changing the piercing too early or too often can lead to infection.

5) Keep the area around it perfectly clean. Even though cleaning the area twice a day (at least!) is a good idea, so is ensuring the area around it is perfectly clean. Bedclothes should be laundered on a regular basis. Never wear the same trousers more than once during the healing process. In fact, changing underwear at least after every shower is a great idea. When in private, ‘air out’ the penis piercing to facilitate healing.

6) Be cautious. A piercing must have ample time to heal. That means following all the rules set forth by the piercing expert. No matter how much the adventurous man might want to ‘try out’ that new jewelry in a sexual context, it is important to not give in to the urge - and when it is okay to get busy, make sure to use a condom for several weeks to allow the piercing even more time to heal.

Finally, remember that proper penis care is more important than ever for those who have a penis piercing. The use of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help. During the first few weeks, routinely apply the crème to the penis, but avoid the piercing. Over time, as the piercing heals, a man can gradually begin applying the crème there as he normally would. Look for a crème that contains Shea butter, which can soothe the itchy, healing skin on contact, as well as vitamins A, C, D and E, which are all known for their healing properties.

Penis Piercing Awareness -- 7 Important Concerns

It is becoming more and more common to see men with an array of piercings on the face, from the ears to the eyebrows to the lips and tongue. Aside from this clearly visible trend, increasing numbers of men have been adding body jewelry to the undercarriage, as well.  Body piercings are often used as a form of self-expression, and piercing the penis is no different.  Whether guys are considering the piercing for fashion reasons, the shock factor or the hope of deriving pleasure from the experience, there are several important things to know before undergoing the needle.  Penis piercings can lead to severe side effects, even when they are done by a professional.  Proper penis care after the piercing may help minimize the side effects, but one should certainly think long and hard before having one done.

How is a piercing done?

First and foremost, a piercing should always be done by a professional using the proper sterile equipment.  At-home piercings may be more prone to infection or damage to the penis itself, so paying the extra money to have it done right is a no-brainer; nobody wants to bring more pain to their manhood than necessary.  The procedure itself is quite simple: a needle is pierced through the skin, and a bar or ring is inserted into the opening made by the needle.  Piercings can be done on the skin of the shaft of the penis, the head of the penis, the scrotum, or through the foreskin.  A piercing cannot be made through the shaft itself, as this would cause serious tissue damage.

Things to consider before piercing

1)       Permanent hole.  It is important to be aware that once the jewelry is removed, it is very likely the hole will never close.  Scar tissue may have formed around the jewelry, leaving a hole that, while it may shrink, may still be prominent.  At the very least, a small, visible scar where the jewelry was placed is highly likely.

2)       Infection.  Due to the location of the jewelry, urinary infections are a common side effect.  The wearer may experience a burning sensation during urination or even notice blood in the urine.  Additionally, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C are blood-borne illnesses that can be contracted via unsterilized needles, which is why it is so important to go to a reputable piercer.

3)       Allergic reactions.  There is a possibility of an allergic reaction to the metal in the piercing, which can result in an uncomfortable rash surrounding the piercing.  Choosing jewelry that is made from surgical grade steel, titanium, gold or platinum may lessen the chance of a metal allergy issue.

4)       Redness.  The penis will be red and sore at the site of the piercing immediately after it is done.  If such symptoms persist, it may be a sign of infection and should be treated by a doctor.

5)       Bleeding.  The skin in the penile area is very sensitive and may bleed if the jewelry becomes caught on undergarments.  It is likely to bleed at the time of the piercing, but it should stop if pressure is applied. If the piercing is placed incorrectly, it may be more prone to irritation and bleeding issues; persistent bleeding is a sign that medical attention is needed.

6)       Other health issues.  Diabetics have a higher risk of infection and should therefore consult with a doctor before having a penis piercing done.  Also, individuals of Asian, African, or Hispanic descent are at higher risk for keloid scarring, an abnormal type of raised scar tissue that spreads beyond the site of a skin trauma.  Men who have keloid scarring on other parts of their bodies are often advised by their doctors not to get piercings or tattoos.

7)       Sex issues.  While some individuals report increased pleasure during sex, it is also possible that a piercing could lead to pain in the pierced individual or their partner.  Another important consideration is the propensity of the jewelry to tear a condom.  Individuals with a pierced penis may benefit from wearing a larger, more sturdy condom to make room for the piercing and reduce the chance of tearing.  A torn condom increases the risk of pregnancy or transmission of an STD and is a legitimate concern when dealing with genital piercings.

Post-piercing penis care

There are steps to be taken that can reduce certain unpleasant side effects of a penis piercing.  Keeping the wound clean while it is healing and always maintaining proper hygiene can decrease the risk of infection.  Men should not remove the piercing or change the jewelry while the wound is healing, unless an infection develops.  Men should also keep a close eye out for signs of infection or a metal allergy and seek medical attention if pain, bleeding, redness, or soreness persists. Overall penis health can be maintained by the daily use of a penis health crème which contains vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil).  A high-quality penis health crème may also promote healing, reduce scarring and help improve the health of the penis skin.

Penis Piercing: Side Effects And Potential Problems

In general, it seems logical that most men would do almost anything to keep sharp objects away from their manhood. Even thinking of piercing the head of the penis with something sharp is a distressing idea. There are some men, however, who believe in piercing, and they might be tempted to head to piercing parlors to stud themselves with jewelry. It might be fashionable, and it might even be pleasurable, but it can also bring about some unpleasant side effects, especially without adequate penis care after having a piercing done.

Types of piercings

By far the most common penis piercing is the "Prince Albert." When this 5-minute procedure is complete, a man will have a tiny hole in the head of the penis which passes through the urethra and out of the hole at the tip of the penis. A ring is a common piece of jewelry for this piercing, and most men prefer to have the ring placed at the bottom of the head. This is not the only type of piercing that can be done. Anywhere a pinch of skin can be grabbed, a piercing can be placed. Some men stud the entire length of their penis with hoops or bars, and some men continue with the piercings and add them to the scrotum. Some men even place bars through the head of the penis.

Why pierce the penis?

Piercings are typically touted as enhancing erotic pleasure. A metal ring or stud on the penis provides additional sensation for a sexual partner, making a man with a piercing just a bit more interesting during sex. Some types of piercings can also expose the delicate interior tissues of the penis during sexual activity, and people with these types of piercings report more intense sexual pleasure as a result.

Penis piercing side effects

Increasing the length and intensity of orgasms seems ideal, but there can be serious side effects associated with piercings, including those listed here:

• Infection: Men who go to parlors that don't use clean tools, or where jewelry is reused, may develop infections following the piercing; even staph infections and gangrene have been reported as a result of piercing with unsanitary tools. Infections of this type could end up being life-threatening if men don't get prompt medical attention.

• Injury: Some men, including those who have gone to reputable parlors, have seen their piercings go horribly wrong, puncturing the urethra or even the scrotum. When this occurs, men may have difficulty controlling a urine stream, or they might find that they're unable to produce semen, resulting in infertility.

• Allergic reactions: The jewelry itself may also be problematic for some men, causing allergic reactions including swelling, itching or bleeding, and removal of the jewelry may be necessary to resolve this problem

• Scarring: In some cases, scarring may develop due to the trauma to the dermal tissue. The affected skin may cause difficulties during erections, as scar tissue tends not to expand in the same manner as the surrounding skin; this can result in painful bending or bulging and difficulty with intercourse.

Caring for the penis after piercing

To reduce the risk of potential problems related to penis piercing and promote general penis health, proper attention to caring for the penile skin is necessary. Cleaning around the piercing carefully and using a penis health crème containing essential vitamins and minerals (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can help to eliminate harmful bacteria and promote healing, as well as decreasing the likelihood of developing scar tissue. In addition, a quality vitamin crème can help in the formation of soft, smooth and responsive skin on the shaft and head of the penis.