Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing

The most popular female genital piercing done in our shop, the vertical hood piercing (VCH), not only looks great, but it has a good chance of making the wearer feel great. It is easy to sit through and heal, and adds extra stimulation for the wearer. Rumors about spontaneous orgasms from walking and other physical activities are usually exaggerated, but this piercing can undoubtedly give you a little something extra! Like the name implies, the piercing goes through the hood vertically. Since it sits top-to-bottom, it tends to be unobtrusive and rests comfortably within the anatomy of the wearer. Jewelry is a curved barbell, with the bottom ball resting on the clitoris and the top ball exiting on the topside of the hood. For many, the jewelry creates a wonderful sensation from the direct contact of the jewelry on the clitoris, and larger jewelry, or even just larger ends, can help intensify this sensation. Like all female genital piercings, the vertical clitoral hood piercing is anatomy-dependant. While most clients requesting this piercing have enough tissue to get pierced, smaller hoods may make this piercing ill-advised. Come in and talk to one of our staff and we’ll set you up with the piercing that’s best for you.

 

Female Genital Piercing FAQ:

Does it hurt?

While they may seem scarier than other piercings, most female genital piercings are the easiest piercings to sit through and heal. The skin pierced is relatively thin and has a generous blood supply, so this area heals very quickly, often in just a couple of weeks.

That said, some piercings are easier to handle than others. Clitoral hood and inner labia piercings tend to be extremely manageable and are excellent choices for first-time piercees. No genital piercing is beyond your ability to handle, if you want it.

Which piercing should I get?

This depends on what you’re hoping to get out of it. Are you looking for something more for decoration or for sensation? Is this for you or a partner—or a little of both? What sort of sex do you have, and what piercing will work best with both your anatomy and lifestyle? There are a lot of variables that go into choosing which genital piercing is right for you. If you’re unsure, or even if you have a basic idea what you’re looking for, come in and have a consultation with one of our piercers. He or she can talk to you about exactly what you’re after, take a look at how you’re set up, and make a recommendation on which piercing will work the best for you. Before you consult with a piercer, though, you may want to spend some time with a hand mirror. If you’re not already, get familiar with your vulva. What piercing do you envision? What kind of jewelry would you like to see there? Just keep in mind, different women will have quite different genitals; you’ll need to figure out what genital piercing works for you.

Which piercing will give me the most sensation?

For most people (depending on anatomy) the vertical hood piercing is the choice that best balances aesthetics, ease of healing, and clitoral stimulation. With a prominent hood and exposed clitoris, a horizontal hood piercing can provide direct clitoral stimulation as well. A prominent hood and shrouded clitoris often means a triangle piercing will provide the most sensation. Inner labia piercings are largely decorative, but heavier jewelry can provide indirect stimulation. A clitoris piercing provides the most direct stimulation, but it is anatomy-dependant.  Different people like different types of sensation. Talk to your piercer about what you’re looking for; he or she can help you choose what will work best for you.

Is there a chance I can lose sensation?

If these piercings are done properly, no. Getting any piercing from an unskilled piercer puts your health at risk, but because of these piercings proximity to sensitive nerve bundles, they should be done with the utmost care and skill, and extra care should be taken when choosing your piercer. 

Do I have to shave before the piercing?

No. With the possible exception of outer labia and, hair shouldn’t affect healing. (You don't need to shave with these two piercings either, but getting hair caught on the jewelry or in the discharge during healing can pinch and be a bit painful.) If you normally shave you can continue to do so—just keep shaving creams and hair clippings out of the piercing, especially during the initial healing. If you prefer a more natural look, that’s fine with us too.

Is it okay to get pierced during my period?

Yes. We're all adults; there's no reason to feel awkward about it. Just be aware that you may bleed a little more than normal and/or be more prone to dizziness. Definitely make sure to eat a good meal beforehand, to keep your blood sugar steady, and avoid anything that thins your blood, like alcohol, aspirin, Tylenol, or caffeine.

Does urine affect the piercing?

Not really. It may sting a little the first couple times you pee, but usually nothing drastic. If it bothers you, squirt warm water on the piercing while you urinate or rinse the piercing off afterwards with a saline solution. And don’t worry about germs from your urine; it’s sterile to your own body, so it has the same effect on your piercing that warm water would.

Do I have to abstain from sex for the entire healing period?

No, but giving yourself some time off will definitely speed healing. Take it easy during the healing period, and make sure you listen to your body. This includes masturbation as well. The only sexual activity that is off-limits during healing is unprotected oral sex. (It’s the fastest way to piss off your piercing.) Any sexual activity during the healing period should be fluid-safe, so this means dental dams, plastic wrap—for oral sex and condoms for penetrative sex. This is important even if you are monogamous or already sharing fluids with your partner, as everyone's body has its own natural bacteria levels and you can still pick up an infection from the other person. If you cheat and rush into sex too quickly, as people often do, make sure you take care of your piercing afterward. A good saline rinse or a salt-water soak can work wonders to soothe a sore piercing—and help you remember to take it slow next time.