Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing Beaten to Death

The Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing is by far the most popular genital piercing that I do, followed closely by Prince Albert Piercings, Horizontal Clitoral Hood Piercings, and Fermium Piercings. Often mistakenly called a Clit Piercing or Clit Ring, it does not pierce or puncture the clitoris itself and is in fact through the top apex of the Labia Minora. The Main reason is the piercing promise, which is an increase in sexual pleasure for the piercee and a quick and easy healing rate. Although both of those outcomes are possible, there are several factors that should be considered before getting the piercing, and I hope to cover many of them in this blog.

Since this blog is about a piercing located in the genitals and the fact that it is a sex organ, some might find the information offensive or not age-appropriate. For that reason, I would ask that if you continue to read, you keep an open mind or go elsewhere.  If you are under age, some of the content of this blog may not be appropriate, though the whole point of this blog is solely education. I think it is essential to state that I will not do this piercing or any other that I would consider a sexual piercing on a minor. Also, I would not suggest getting the piercing underage because often, if you find someone willing to do the piercing, they not only lack the ethics to be a professional in the first place, but usually those who are eager to do this piercing on a minor are those with the least amount of experience and training. 

If you are considering this piercing or another genital piercing, a good place to start would be my blog - Sexual Piercings: Why? A Guide to Nipple and Genital Piercings. There, I cover a majority of the basics and some of the common motivations behind desiring a sexual piercing.

History and Background:

Like a majority of genital piercings, most can be traced back to Jim Ward's Gauntlet in the 1970s, though there are claims that the piercing dates back to the 19th century.  Either way, the horizontal piercing was first developed or at least popularized in the 1990s. The Vertical version soon followed in popularity, eventually surpassing the horizontal version. At its base, the idea behind the piercing is to place the jewelry so that it will contact and stimulate the clitoris during sexual activity and thus improve the experience. I will go further into the difference between the two piercings below in the section Vertical Vs. Horizontal, but the vertical version was developed to increase this stimulation. 

There are a significant number of myths involving the piercing, including that it will suddenly increase the woman's libido to the point where they are in a 24-hour state of arousal, that piercing can cause an orgasm just from walking, and that during the piercing, most women achieve orgasm. Through my experience with thousands of piercings, relationships with women who have the piercing, and friendships with individuals who have this piercing, I have found that these reactions are not the norm, but rather the exception. Most have said that they have had an increase in the level of sexual enjoyment after the piercing was done and healed. However, some have claimed a decrease over time. This can be something as simple as the newness of the piercing wearing off or the increased stimulation and direct contact with the clitoris itself decreasing sensitivity over time. 

Why Not Pierce the Clitoris Itself?

The clitoris itself is soft tissue filled with a high concentration of nerves, which makes passing a needle through the area not only painful but with a high risk of damaging or severing nerves. The issue is the anatomy of the clitoris glands and the two main branches of the nerves that are located on the top and bottom of the glands. There is a small area between the two that can be pierced through with a reduced likelihood of nerve damage. The fact is that the glands are often too small to fit a piece of jewelry through this area. The other issue is the Labia Minora and the hood itself. Even if the clitoris itself is large enough and shaped in a way that is safe to pierce, the tightness of the Labia Minora and the Hood may not allow enough room for the jewelry. Lastly, even if the piercing is possible, the stimulation caused by the piercing may be so much that it is uncomfortable or even painful. 

If you feel you have the anatomy to undergo the piercing, I want to stress that there are only a few people in the world with the experience and expertise to be trusted with this procedure.  It is one of the piercings that, if I'm asked to do, I will flat-out refuse and suggest the least risky option: a hood piercing. If I had a client who was dead set on getting the piercing, I would refer them to someone like Elayne Angel, who has the knowledge and experience with piercings. If you are determined to get the piercing, I suggest you first review this page on her site and then contact her. 

Vertical Vs. Horizontal:

There are some things to that should be considered before choosing a Vertical over a Horizontal Hood Piercing.:

• Anatomy - Female genitals tend to come in a significant number of varieties of shapes and sizes. Still, at the base, they can be divided into two categories, the hill and the valley. The Hill type of anatomy protrudes from the body with less pronounced Labia Majora, and this anatomy type is more suited for both vertical and horizontal. While the valley type, where the Labia Majora are more pronounced and almost completely cover the genitals, is not going to allow the extra room for a horizontal piercing. So, the vertical hood is the best option.
• Goals - If you are seeking increased stimulation of the clitoris, then having the jewelry against the clitoris itself will increase stimulation. Depending on the piercee's anatomy, this may be against the top of the clitoral glands that may have had little or no contact in the past. This might be too much stimulation or risk a reduction in sensitivity over time. With the horizontal, the jewelry's bead or ball is in contact with the bottom or exposed part of the clitoris, and it may involve trying different sizes and shapes of jewelry to find the jewelry contact that works for you.
• Risks - There is always a risk of loss of sensitivity over time. Now, part of this could be over time, the "newness" of the stimulation wears off, but you need to consider the possibility that having a complex piece of metal rubbing against one of the most sensitive parts of your body could reduce the sensitivity of the clitoris. For more information, see the next section.

What is the Clitoral Hood?:

The hood, which is often called the preputium clitoridis and clitoral prepuce, is in fact the upper apex of the labia minora. A loose membrane of skin is formed where the two labia minora attach at the top of the Vulva and covers or partly covers the clitoral glands. This tissue, much like the male foreskin, covers and protects the sensitive nerve-rich glands and shaft of the clitoris from contact with clothing and other objects that would reduce sensitivity over time. Also, like the foreskin, the hood itself is Composed of Mucocutaneous tissues, and like the lips, vagina, and anus, it is a nerve-rich erogenous zone.  Often, the clitoris itself never comes in contact with anything other than the hood, even during sexual activity, with a majority of the stimulation being with the hood. Some woman find direct contact with the glans clitoris to be to the point of painful. Female Genital Mutilation can involve partial or complete removal of the hood in much the same way that Circumcision is done on males. I won't go into the cultural and impact of FGM, but it was often done just like Male Circumcision to reduce a child's desire to masturbate or to reduce the sex drive of the person. 

As I mentioned above, especially with Vertical Hood Piercing, where the jewelry is in complete contact with the usually completely covered sensitive area of the glans clitoris, it can be overwhelming for some women. It could result in a reduction of sensitivity over time. The piercing and jewelry are creating contact with the area that nature never intended, so there are risks. However, a majority of my clients over the years have stated that they have noticed no loss of sensitivity or only a slight reduction once the newness of the piercing has worn off. Everyone is different, and thus the outcome will always be different from one person to another. 

Migration, Anatomy, Marking, and Placement:

With female genitals, there is often a great deal of difference in anatomy from individual to individual. Usually, when I've shown photos of the piercings I've done, they respond with, "but mine doesn't look like that." As i mentioned above there is usually two basic types hills and valleys and both types usually will only effect the difficult the piercer will experience getting to the area. 

One significant fact is that the hood is loose enough and pronounced enough to pierce safely through and still allow the jewelry to comfortably fit into the space. The hood is like a pocket, and it needs to be loose enough to allow a needle-receiving tube for the piercing to be done safely and provide space for the jewelry to sit comfortably. The most common test is the "Q-tip Test". This is where a cotton-tipped applicator is placed under the hood to ensure there is enough skin to pierce through and sufficient space for the jewelry. The bottom of the hood is typically shaped like an upside-down letter V. Once the hood is identified, we remove any loose or excess cotton, apply a small amount of lubricant to the tip, and insert it under the hood. If the hood covers a majority or all of the tip, then it is safe to pierce; however, if it doesn't, another piercing should be considered. It is my experience that a majority of women have the anatomy to get the piercing. Still, from time to time, there isn't enough to pierce, and not only will the piercing not be placed correctly, but it will also be more prone to migration and rejection. If you are unsure, you can try this test at home beforehand. 

Jewelry Size and Types:

With Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercings, sizing is often pretty standard, with the focus more on the shape and size of the piercing area. Since the piercing only passes through a small thin piece of skin, the concern is more about allowing the jewelry to be wide enough or long enough to extend beyond the bottom of the hood. The jewelry should be lightweight and free of any elements that could catch on clothing or cause damage to the surrounding area. With genital piercings, simple is always the best option.

Some issues should be considered before choosing jewelry size and type: 

1. First, consider the size and shape of the hood itself. The jewelry should be curved or circular to fit the curve of the body. You should never pierce the area with a jewelry style that is flat or straight because it will add additional force outward that could cause discomfort, prolonged healing, migration, and rejection. The jewelry should be sized so that only a third of a circle is covered by the hood. 
2. The second consideration is the thickness or gauge of the jewelry itself. The thickness can add the advantage of increasing the resistance against the body migrating or rejecting the piercing, or the piercing being ripped or torn if the jewelry is caught on something. However, thicker jewelry will add weight to the piercing, which can also increase the risk of problems. I would suggest nothing thinner than 14g and nothing thicker than 12g. Both are thick enough to give us the resistance we need without the weight that may cause issues.
3. The third is that the jewelry will not cause damage to the surrounding area or get caught on clothing. The jewelry should be of a fundamental design. There should be nothing hanging off the jewelry, and there should be no sharp edges or shaped charms. The last thing you want to experience is splitting your hood into two halves by tearing a thick piece of jewelry. This is not only to protect your own sensitive areas, but also those of your partner.
4. Fourth, since the jewelry may come into contact with urine and bodily fluids, as well as plastic, organic materials, and synthetic stones, they may be damaged or erode over time.
5. The fifth thing to consider is the weight of the jewelry. Curved Barbells with large balls, like the style used with navel piercings, will increase the weight of the jewelry and could cause problems such as prolonged healing, rejection, and migration. 

Jewelry Styles: 

• Curved Barbells - A curved post that is about a third of a circle with a threaded ball or end on each side. Another option is the threadless or pressure ends, which I do not suggest wearing in genital piercing. For the Vertical Clitoral Hood piercing, the best option is the simplest design available, featuring matching ball sizes. Curved barbells with a small gem on the top and a larger ball with a gem on the side are not a good option because of the added weight, especially during healing. I can't express enough to avoid large ends, shapes, have sharp edges, or anything that hangs off the jewelry. Even after the piercing has healed, "Novelty" style curved barbells can cause a nicely healed piercing to have issues, making it impossible to wear at all. These were designed for navel piercings and are often produced by lower-end manufacturers using substandard materials, such as large gem settings or other large objects. Here are some styles that should be avoided:
  1. Shaped charms or settings - Since Implant Grade Steel and Titanium can be very difficult and expensive to mold into shaped objects and polish. So, even if the packaging states that the jewelry is made of a body-friendly material, they are only referring to the packaging itself. These settings and charms are often made of substandard materials and then attached to the post. It is common to find that charms and settings are made of Chrome-Plated Plastic, Pot Metal, Silver, Pewter, Bronze, Copper, Cadmium, Chromium, and Tin. Some of these materials are toxic, while others can cause reactions, infections, or other health issues. Understand that there are better manufacturers, such as Anatometal, that produce shaped objects and settings in Titanium, implant-grade steel, and Gold. However, you won't find them at the department store or the "Alternative" shop at the mall. Also, the price will be higher to reflect the skill and craftsmanship that went into manufacturing the jewelry.
  2. Dangling Charms - Often, the chain and charms are made of substandard materials that are not body-friendly, but the real issue is that they act like a boat anchor. Dangles, as they are often called, will catch on just about everything they come in contact with, increasing the risk of damaging the piercing.
  3. Silver and Sterling jewelry should never be worn on the genitals because it can lead to silver poisoning, also known as Argyria or argyrosis. Since silver gives off silver salts, which can be absorbed into the tissue of the genitals, it can lead to a permanent discoloration of the area. The jewelry should be Implant Grade Stainless Steel, Implant Grade Titanium, or 14kt solid gold or better. However, gold is not suggested during healing,

For more detailed information on what Jewelry to buy, go to my blog, Post Healing Jewelry Guide 

Procedure:

I always do the piercing with Needle Receiving Tube or NRT, which is a hollow metal tube that protects the other tissue in the area from the needle and allows a safe way to route the needle through the piercing. Do not be sold on the idea that a freehand piercing is going to be less painful. The reality is that NRT is needed to pull the tissue away from the body, support the tissue, and ensure the angle of the piercing is correct.  With freehand, there is a greater risk of the piercing being angled wrong, with the piercing deeper on one side than the other, or the piercing being crooked. Also, the piercing has to be done more slowly to route the needle and avoid damaging the clitoris glands and other tissue in the area.

The Procedure:

• Consultation and paperwork.
• Evaluating the client's anatomy to ensure that the piercing can be done safely and to size the jewelry.
• Setup
• Disinfecting the piercing area with a surgical scrub
• Marking the piercing
• Reclining the client and inserting the needle receiving tube under the clitoris hood while ensuring that it is lined up and between the hood and clitoris glands.
• Lining up the needle and having the client do a deep breathing exercise.
• Injecting the piercing needle through the piercing area
• For safety, I will often place a cork on the end of the needle to reduce the risk of a needle stick or damage to the area around the piercing.
• Insert and close the jewelry.
• Stop any bleeding and clean the piercing area.

Hassles and Aftercare:

Although they heal relatively quickly, within two to three months, during the first couple of weeks, they are prone to bleeding, redness, and swelling. Bleeding may last intermittently for one to five days after the piercing, and I suggest wearing a sanitary napkin or pad for the first week. This not only helps avoid staining clothing but also reduces the amount of moisture and bacteria, and provides additional cushioning during the tender period. Unlike other piercings that will throb and ache for some time after the piercing is done, genital piercings tend not to. However, it will be tender to the touch for up to a few weeks. 

Basic aftercare involves removing discharge by applying a sterile saline spray, such as Neilmed's Piercing Aftercare, twice daily, and rinsing the piercing at the end of your shower. Additionally, you will need to take steps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. For more details, go to Basic Aftercare Instructions. Due to the location of the piercing, you need to take precautions to avoid abuse, including heavy or tight-fitting clothing. Everyone reacts differently and of course is shaped differently, so experiment with different clothing to find what is comfortable for you. Since sweat tends to accumulate in the area, it is a good idea to clean the piercing after engaging in strenuous activity.  If you are wearing pantyhose or other clothing that is tight or covers the piercing, either roll them down below the piercing, cut out a hole for the piercing, or wear a hard plastic vented eye patch over the piercing. This can also be helpful during sporting activities to avoid trauma to the piercing. 

The most significant or most often asked question is "When can I have Sex?" The answer is when it is comfortable, and it should be gentle, avoiding abuse to the piercing until it is completely healed. A latex layer should be used during sexual contact for at least 6 months to prevent infection. If you use any lubricants, they must be water-based. it is also a good idea to clean the piercing after sexual activity. Understand that since the piercing is scar tissue and the unforgiving strength of metal, you are more prone to tears during sexual activities and thus more at risk of contracting STDs even after the piercing is healed, and will need to take precautions. 

It is essential to avoid stress and abuse to the piercing during healing and after.  Also, avoid wearing clothing and sports safety equipment, such as chest protectors and other heavy items, that are tight in the piercing area. If you are required to wear safety equipment for a job or sport that is tight-fitting in the area, you may want to consider a different piercing.

Pregnancy:

Pregnancy shouldn't affect the piercing, but your doctor, midwife, or medical provider may require you to remove the jewelry during birth. This also concerns how the metal in the jewelry may react if they have to perform a medical procedure on you, for example, using a defibrillator. Otherwise, the piercing shouldn't be affected.

Pain:

Since we are piercing genitals, there will be pain, but it is slight and often fades immediately, unlike other piercings that may throb or ache for up to an hour afterwards. Many find the Needle Receiving Tube the most uncomfortable part of the whole piercing procedure. Some female clients have stated that their Vertical Clitoral Hood piercing was less painful than their upper Ear Cartilage piercing. 

Risks & Concerns:

As with any piercing, the most significant risk is infection. However, since the area is very rich in blood, infections are sporadic. 

Due to the location of the piercing and if you are sexually active, changing positions and activities may need to be taken to avoid contact between the piercing and your partner. Make sure that they are aware of the piercing and understand that no part of their body can come in contact with the piercing. Also as I mentioned above a latex barrier should be used during any sexual contact for the first six mouths. 

I think I've covered this risk pretty well, but there is always a risk that the stimulation the jewelry causes can lead to a reduction in the sensitivity of the clitoris. 

Often, even a long-abandoned hood piercing will stay open for several years, and even in most cases will never close. Although this shouldn't pose a risk to the person's health, they should be aware that the piercing will alter their body.

Conclusion:

The Vertical Clitoral Hood piercing can offer the wearer an increase in sexual enjoyment that can last a lifetime. The piercing itself is mildly painful and quick, and with a little amount of care, it heals very quickly. There is also the advantage that it is a person whom you can keep private and only share with those you wish to, which makes it ideal for those working in industries that frown on visible piercings. There is also the marking of ownership over your body that the piercing experience can provide, and let's face it, it's about customizing your body and improving your enjoyment of your own body.