There are a wide variety of options available for piercings of the vulva (female genitals). Some options are more for decoration, while others may offer additional stimulation. All piercings in this category are anatomy-dependent and require an anatomical consult with our piercers. We factor this into your appointment time. If one piercing isn’t the best for your anatomy, we’ll let you know what other options are available to you.
And don’t worry about your anatomy being “normal”, everyone’s is. In fact, size and shape vary so much that doctors can’t say what’s “average”. See the Labia Library for more info.
During healing, expect there to be some tenderness and swelling the first couple of weeks. You may also experience some bleeding for a few day to a week or so. We recommend abstaining from sexual activity until the initial tenderness and bleeding goes away, then using barrier protection (condoms, gloves, dental dams, etc.) until your piercings are fully healed. It’s also important to avoid baths, swimming, or any other standing water until the piercings are fully healed.
Vulva
VCH/Vertical Clitoral Hood
This is the most common piercing of the vulva and is generally a good place to start. While not everyone will have the anatomy to support this piercing, some variation is available to most. This piercing goes through the thin, stretchy tissue of the clitoral hood and rests on the clitoris. This makes this piercing relatively easy to receive, easy healing, and can provide some stimulation.
Initial jewelry will generally be a curved bar. For some, a straight bar or (rarely) a captive ring is more comfortable once the piercing is healed.
AVERAGE HEALING TIME: 6-8 WEEKS
HCH/Horizontal Clitoral Hood
For those with a prominent clitoral hood, a horizontal placement may work for you. This tends to be best for those with a hood that protrudes above the outer labia. Otherwise, the jewelry can get torqued or pinched. This piercing is generally just for looks.
Initial jewelry will be a captive bead ring. Gem options are available.
AVERAGE HEALING TIME: 6-12 WEEKS
Triangle
The triangle piercing is another option for stimulation, as it goes horizontally under the clitoris. It is less common to have the anatomy to accommodate this piercing than the VCH. There must be enough room in the hood under the clitoris and enough space between the hood and outer labia for jewelry to comfortable sit without pinching/pressure.
Initial jewelry will generally be a circular barbell spread to fit around the inner labia. In a healed piercing, a full ring or straight barbell may be a better option.
AVERAGE HEALING TIME: 10-16 WEEKS
Christina/Pubic Mound
The christina piercing has gained in popularity in recent years. As this piercing goes vertically through the external pubic mound, it’s a much more decorative and flashy option. It’s often a good second choice for those that aren’t a great fit for a VCH. This piercing does require a prominent fold where the outer labia come together.
Initial jewelry will be some sort of curved barbell. Depending on anatomy, we may have double gem or top gem curves available.
AVERAGE HEALING TIME: 3-6 MONTHS
Initial jewelry will generally be a curved bar. For some, a straight bar or (rarely) a captive ring is more comfortable once the piercing is healed.
AVERAGE HEALING TIME: 6-8 WEEKS
Inner Labia
Often done in multiples, inner labia is another decorative option. Similar to the VCH, this tissue is very thin and stretchy, and easy to heal. We will perform up to 3 piercings in one sitting.
Initial jewelry will be a straight barbell or captive bead ring. Piercings can be stretched to larger sizes after healing.
AVERAGE HEALING TIME: 6-8 WEEKS
Initial jewelry will generally be a curved bar. For some, a straight bar or (rarely) a captive ring is more comfortable once the piercing is healed.
AVERAGE HEALING TIME: 6-8 WEEKS
Outer Labia
The outer labia can also be pierced, and multiples are common, similar to the inner labia. We will perform up to 3 piercings in one sitting.
Initial jewelry will be straight or curved barbells.
AVERAGE HEALING TIME: 3-6 MONTHS
Fourchette/Perineum
The perineum (fold at the rear of the vagina) may be pierced to give a fourchette. A prominent fold is necessary and is more common in those who’ve given birth. This piercing can stretch easily once healed, sometimes resulting in jewelry falling out.
Initial jewelry is generally a curved bar. A ring shape may work better once healed because of stretching issues mentioned above.
AVERAGE HEALING TIME: 8-16 WEEKS
**Because of the risks involved, we do not offer actual clitoral piercings or princess albertina piercings.
VCH Piercing
Vertical clitoral hood (VCH) piercing service. This is the most common first genital piercing. Jewelry priced separately.
HCH Piercing
Horizontal clitoral hood (HCH) piercing service. Jewelry priced separately.
Christina Piercing
Vertical pubic mound piercing (aka christina). The jewelry for this piercing may be a curved bar, l-bar, or surface bar depending on your anatomy. Jewelry priced separately.
Labia Piercing, Single
Inner/minora or outer/majora labia piercing service, one piercing. Jewelry priced separately
Labia Piercing, double
Inner/minora or outer/majora labia piercing service, two piercings. Jewelry priced separately
Labia Piercing, Triple
Triangle Piercing
Triangle (horizontal sub-clitoral) piercing service. This piercing requires specific anatomy to be successful. If you are traveling far, you may want to consider another piercing as a backup option. Jewelry priced separately.
Vulva Piercing FAQs
Every piercing has a certain amount of discomfort, but most of our clients express that the piercing hurts much less than they expected.
Do I have to avoid sex while my piercing is healing?
We do advise waiting for any type of sexual contact at least until the initial swelling and/or bleeding goes away, but you can engage whenever you are ready. It is important to use barrier protection like condoms, gloves, and dental dams during healing to keep partner’s and your germs away from the piercing. Resuming activities too soon can result in extra swelling or bleeding, and could prolong your healing if you over do it.
Will the piercing bleed?
The genital area has higher blood flow than most other areas of the body, so some bleeding is expected. We will place some gauze on your piercing before you leave to help manage this. VCH, HCH, and triangle piercings may have more noticeable bleeding for the first couple of days or longer. You may need to change your gauze several times a day as the bleeding slows. A panty liner or maxi pad can be used instead of gauze.
Be advised that taking pain relievers like advil/motrin/naproxen/aspirin and/or consuming alcohol can thin your blood and cause additional bleeding and/or bruising.
Do I need to shave/wax before the piercing?
That’s mostly your personal preference. We can perform most piercings around any body hair you may have. For christina/pubic surface or outer labia piercings, it may be more comfortable if you at least trim hair around the piercing site so it won’t tangle with the jewelry. If you normally shave or wax, it may be easier for your routine to complete your hair removal just before the piercing, so you don’t have to worry about it for a little while.
Which piercing should I get?
This will depend on your anatomy, what look you prefer, and if your looking for a piercing to increase sensation. We recommend VCH piercings as a good place to start, as it fits most folks anatomy, is quick to heal, and tends to increase sensation.
Will I lose sensation because of the piercing?
A properly performed piercing will not go through any important nerves, blood vessels, or anything else. During the initial healing, the area around the piercing may be “extra” sensitive, but will return to normal or almost normal once healing is complete. It’s easy to get used to the initial “extra” sensation, and forget what “normal” felt like, but loss of sensation is almost impossible. For VCH piercings, changing your jewelry style and/or size periodically may help you keep that “new” sensation.
How should I prepare for the piercing?
Eating a good meal with 2-3 hours of your appointment will help keep your blood sugar steady and help prevent feeling faint or lightheaded after the piercing. You need to avoid alcohol and medications like Advil, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin for at least 12 hours before the piercing. Wear comfortable clothing that will make it easy to get to the piercing location. Supportive underwear can make bandaging more comfortable and stay in place easier. We do appreciate showering before your appointment if you’re coming straight from the gym or working out.