Male Body Piercing

History of Male Body Piercing

History
Placement
Recommended Jewellery
Healing Information
Aftercare

History

Male genital piercing have a wild and varied history, with instances showing up in numerous cultures and times as the samples below will bear out.

The piercing of the glans of the penis for the insertion of jewellery is a very ancient practice. The apadravya piercing is mentioned in the Kama Sutra (700AD) and the palang piercing has been practised in SE Asia for several hundred years. Several genital piercing originate in Asia where piercing has been practised since antiquity

The palang (also called ampallang) is a piercing that occurred among the Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Dayak, and Iban tribes of Sarawak on the Island of Borneo. It involves piercing the glans of the penis horizontally, and the insertion of a barbell. The term "palang" translates as "crossbar" in Iban and can be related to the timber roof supports of the longhouses of the tribes of the area, and symbolises the protective power of the male over the family.

The word "guiche" is supposed to mean "an opening" in French. The actual translation is "window." This piercing is supposed to be a Samoan puberty ritual. However, there is little evidence for that. The puberty ritual practised in Samoa is subincision, this is where the underneath of the foreskin is cut down to the frenulum.

The hafada piercing is a scrotum piercing on the side of the scrotum, where there is a crease. It is supposed to have originated in Arabia and spread through Northern Africa and the Middle East. The piercing is carried out as a puberty ritual, and it is generally done on the left hand side. The piercing was supposedly bought back to Europe by French Foreign Legionaries when they were stationed in what is now Lebanon and Syria.

Piercing of the foreskin for the insertion of jewellery is as old as circumcision. It goes back far beyond the earliest recorded history. During the games of Ancient Greece, the athletes performed nude, and to prevent their penises moving about they bound the foreskin with a ribbon and tied it to the base of the penis. This ribbon, or leather thong was called the "Kynodesme" from the Greek "Kuon" for foreskin, and "Desmos" for fastening band. This temporary practice probably led to the permanent piercing of the foreskin, either to prevent slaves and athletes from having sex, or to prevent them from having erections. The Roman's used a practice called Infibulation. It involved two piercing going through the foreskin (or Labia in women) and a lock (Fibula) being placed therein.

The Prince Albert piercing is named after Prince Albert, who was the husband of Queen Victoria of England. He was reputed to have had this piercing done prior to his marriage to the queen around 1825, at that time Beau Brummel started the craze for ultra tight men's trousers. Because the pants were so tight, the penis needed to be held to one side or the other so as not to create an unsightly bulge. To accomplish this some men had their penis pierced to allow it to be held by a hook on the inside of the trousers. This piercing was called a "Dressing Ring" at the time because tailors would ask if a gentleman dressed to the left or the right and tailor the trousers accordingly.
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Placement

Male piercing is less anatomy dependent than female ones but still requires an experienced piercer to ascertain whether a piercing will be appropriate.

There is some debate among piercers regarding the placement of the ampallang. This piercing is placed horizontally through the head of the penis (glans) and may or may not intercept the urethra, depending on the positioning chosen. The piercing is said to greatly enhance sex for both partners. As it is a long piercing, it can take six months or more to fully heal, although ampallangs placed through the urethra tend to heal more rapidly.

Apradravya

This is a vertical piercing through the penis head, often placed so that the underside emerges from the same hole in a Prince Albert piercing. The piercing is discussed in the "Kama Sutra," the ancient Hindu writings on love, as a source of supreme pleasure to the male and his partner. It is a major piercing and will take several months to heal.

Dydoes

Dydoes, usually worn in pairs, is piercing around the coronal edge of the penis head. Barbell studs are worn in the piercing, and should have small heads as the pressure from standard large head barbells could pull the piercing to the surface. This piercing is only appropriate for a man who has been circumcised, and is said to return some of the sensation lost with the removal of the foreskin. Dydoe piercing is less likely to migrate or reject if the corona is very pronounced.

Foreskin

Foreskins can take single or multiple piercing. Because the tissue is so thin, healing is rapid. The foreskin piercing can be used both to increase sensation or to ensure chastity. This piercing can be very stimulating as the jewellery rubs against the glans.

Frenum

Frenum piercing is made through the loose web of skin between the foreskin and the head of the penis. Sizing and placement is extremely important, and the procedure and healing are rapid. The depth of the piercing should be made with regards to how much tissue is available to support the jewellery. The frenulum itself, which is sometimes left intact after circumcision, is too thin to support jewellery. The width of the piercing is usually between 3/8" and 1/2" wide. It is not necessary for the penis to be erect during placement; however, the placement may change when the penis is erect.

A series of frenum piercing is called a frenum ladder. The skin of the lower half of the penis tends to be thinner and tighter, increasing the chance of migration or rejection. Tension is increased if the barbell balls exert pressure against the skin behind them.

A frenum piercing made at the base of the penis has acquired the name lorum, short for "lower frenum."

If the wearer is uncircumcised the piercing is placed inside the foreskin. A ring is usually chosen to be more comfortable than a barbell. The piercing should not be made through only the frenulum which is too thin to support jewellery. Some uncircumcised men have naturally occurring holes through the frenulum.

Guiche

The guiche piercing is made horizontally at the base of the scrotum, through the perineum, just in front of the position of the inseam of a pair of pants. Attaching weights to this piercing is said to be extremely stimulating.

An outward facing fold of loose skin is optimum for this piercing. For most men the area is flat which increases the risk of migration or rejection.

Guiche piercing can be difficult to heal because of friction and pressure against the wearer's thighs and pants. Guiche piercing is also easily irritated by perspiration and lack of air circulation. Occasionally a ring or protrusion of soft, inflamed tissue will form around the entrances of the piercing. Keep the piercing as dry as possible and wear non-restrictive clothing that allows air circulation. Usually the inflamed tissue recedes as the piercing heals.

Prince Albert or P.A.

The Prince Albert piercing placed on the underside of the penis behind the glans in the centre of the triangle which can be visualized in the "V" of the glans. If a frenulum is present, the piercing should be made slightly to one side; the piercing is usually made on the opposite side of the direction the wearer "dresses" (the direction the penis leans in pants) to reduce friction.

This piercing is usually performed with the aid of a needle receiving tube inserted into the urethra; the piercing is made from the outside and pushed into the tube far enough that the tip of the needle is outside of the urethra when the tube is removed. Some piercers have devised alternate methods of piercing from the inside out.

It is possible to have a successful P.A. piercing if the wearer is not circumcised. A curved barbell is suggested if the foreskin is not loose enough to accommodate a ring. Pressure exerted by the foreskin on a ring often causes the piercing to migrate or reject. If the foreskin is too tight to be completely retracted, the bottom edge of the foreskin can be cut or removed. This procedure can, in some cases, be considered medically necessary if the foreskin is so restrictive that it is painful during erection or sexual activity. This procedure should be performed by a physician.

The piercing itself will not leak when the wearer urinates unless the piercing has been stretched beyond the thickness of the ring. The urine drip that is associated with the PA is a result of the urine dripping from the jewellery. Turning the penis 90 to 180 degrees while holding the ring to the side often prevents dripping.

It is not uncommon for a Prince Albert piercing to stretch two or more gauges within the first year with frequent sexual activity or heavy jewellery. Wearing jewellery that is too thin or too heavy can cause the urethral lining to deteriorate

The reverse Prince Albert piercing is made through the top of the glans, usually about 3/8" to 1/2ｲ from the top edge of the urethral opening.

The dolphin is essentially two Prince Albert piercing with a single piece of jewellery, usually a curved or U-shaped barbell. Because the second piercing may be fairly deep into the shaft, it may take longer to heal than a standard Prince Albert piercing and may cause urethral irritation and swelling.

Scrotum/Hafada

While piercing can be made anywhere on the scrotum, piercing made through an outward facing fold of loose skin is more successful. The piercing must not puncture the testicle sac itself which can lead to very serious infection.

Scrotum piercing can be difficult to heal. The scrotum expands and contracts which exerts stress on the entrances of the piercing. Scrotum piercings are easily irritated by perspiration, lack of air circulation, and friction against the wearer's clothing, thighs and penis. Occasionally a ring or protrusion of soft, inflamed tissue will form around the entrances of the piercing. Keep the piercing as dry as possible and wear non-restrictive clothing that allows air circulation. Usually the inflamed tissue recedes as the piercing heals.
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Recommended Jewellery

All jewellery for the genital region should receive an OK from your piercer. He will be able to best ascertain if a certain type or style of jewellery will be effective for the piercing you want.

Initial Jewellery:

The specific initial jewellery for male genital piercing is:

Ampallang

• Barbells in 12 to 10 gauge. The length of the barbell must be determined by measuring the penis while it is erect.

Apradravya

• Barbells in 12 to 10 gauge. The length of the barbell must be determined by measuring the penis while it is erect.

Dydoe

• Barbells in 14 gauge and 3/8" to 7/16" in length; the barbell should be 1/16" longer than the width of the piercing. Curved barbells are more appropriate if the corona is not very pronounced. Many dydoe wearers find rings very uncomfortable.

Foreskin

• Captive bead rings in 12 to 10 gauge and 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter; the diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" wider than the width of the piercing when the foreskin is retracted. A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to migrate and scar.

Frenum

• Barbells in 12 to 10 gauge and 1/2" to 5/8" in length; the barbell should be 1/8" longer than the width of the piercing.
• Rings can be worn only if enough loose tissue is available. The diameter of the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the width of the piercing. No more than 1/4 of the ring should be through the piercing. A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to migrate and scar.

Guiche

• Captive bead rings in 12 to 10 gauge and 9/16" to 5/8" in diameter; the diameter of the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the width of the piercing. No more than 1/4 of the ring should be through the piercing. A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to migrate and scar. Guiche piercing can swell considerably during the first 4 to 6 weeks, and the ring must be wide enough to accommodate swelling. Circular may have a tendency to unscrew with friction from walking.

Prince Albert

• Captive bead rings in 10 gauge and 5/8" to 3/4" in diameter; the diameter of the ring should be 1/8" wider than the distance between the piercing and the urethral opening. A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and possibly tear the urethra when the penis is erect.
• Curved barbells in 10 gauge and 1/2" to 3/4" in length; the length should be approximately equal to or 1/16" longer than the distance between the piercing and the urethral opening. The ball at the urethral end should be large enough to prevent it from slipping into the urethra.

Scrotum/Hafada

• Captive bead rings in 14 to 10 gauge and 9/16" to 11/16" in diameter; the diameter of the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the width of the piercing. No more than 1/4 of the ring should be through the piercing. A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to migrate and scar. Scrotum piercing can swell considerably during the first 4 to 6 weeks, and the ring must be wide enough to accommodate swelling.

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Healing and Aftercare

The estimated healing times for nose, septum and bridge piercing is:

• Ampallang: 6 - 10 months; may require a year or more to completely heal
• Apradravya: 6 - 10 months; may require a year or more to completely heal
• Bridge: 2 - 4 months
• Dydoe: 2 - 4 months
• Foreskin: 2 - 4 months
• Frenum: 2 - 4 months
• Guiche: 4 - 6 months
• Prince Albert: 2 - 4 months
• Scrotum/Hafada: 4 - 6 months

Many men considering getting genital piercing are put off by the idea that it must be painful. However the pain is minimal with most of these piercings. The piece of skin where the piercing is done is very thin and the pain that results in piercing is just a very short sharp pain which lasts a second or two.

The Prince Albert piercing is a very easy piercing to heal, because every time you urinate you clean and disinfect the wound. Urine is sterile when it leaves the body because it has been purified by the kidneys, and it contains a large amount of ammonia which is a strong antiseptic. The more water you drink the quicker the piercing will heal. Try to drink at least 8 glasses a day. The Prince Albert, Ampallang and Apadravya piercing usually bleed and occasionally bruise during the first 3 to 5 days.

Frenum piercing heals very quickly (usually take 8 - 10 weeks) with minimal trouble, although if the frenum is very small, the piercing can migrate or grow out of the skin. Foreskin piercing usually takes longer to heal (10 - 12 weeks). This is because of the constant movement of the foreskin. More care must be taken with foreskin piercing, because the wound stays moist inside the foreskin and this delays the healing process.

Guiche and Hafada piercing are notoriously hard to heal, since the groin is very moist and prone to bacterial and fungal infections even without the addition of piercing. Another reason for the poor healing is the constant movement to which the piercing is subjected. It must be remembered that both piercing originate in areas where men wear very loose clothes and the weather is warm all year round.

Ampallang and apradravya piercing also take a long time to heal because they go through a lot of tissue, and because they become aggravated by movement during sex. The healing time is extended greatly if you are uncircumcised because the piercing can't breath if it's inside the foreskin and the movement of the foreskin aggravates the wound.

You should always check with your piercer if you have any questions or problems with your piercing. He will be best able to help you and give you additional information or instructions not included in this document.

Aftercare

The leading cause of infection for any piercing is the improper handling of it or playing around with it. You should only touch your piercing with clean hands, and only when you are cleaning it.

The following instructions will help you care for and maintain your piercing.

• Choose one gentle liquid antibacterial soap containing triclosan, such as: "Dial" liquid antibacterial, "Lever 2000" liquid antibacterial, "Softsoap" antibacterial or "Almay Hypocare" antibacterial. If you are sensitive to triclosan, you may want to try one of these alternatives: "Clearly Natural" antibacterial (iodine) or "NutriBiotic" antibacterial (grapefruit seed).
• Your piercing should be cleaned thoroughly once a day every day for the entire healing time. The best time to clean your piercing is before bedtime. Prepare the area for cleansing by removing any dried secretions (crusties). This is easily accomplished by soaking the piercing in warm water for 1 to 2 minutes. When the crust has softened, use a Q-tip to gently remove the matter. Never pick at the crust with your fingernails.
• Work a small amount of soap with water and apply to the piercing. Gently push the jewellery up and down, through the piercing a few times making sure the soap is entering the piercing. Allow the soap to remain in the piercing for one minute. Keep all other soaps, shampoo, and conditioner from entering the piercing. Remember, the soap does not have to lather to be effective.
• Rinse the area thoroughly under running water, while pushing the jewellery up and down a few times to remove all traces of the cleanser. Never put any kind of soap on your piercing without rinsing it off.
• Gently pat the area dry with a Kleenex or other disposable paper product. Use a Q-tip to dry difficult to reach areas.
• Clean the piercing no more than once a day. Cleaning more frequently may damage the delicate skin cells, and cleaning less frequently may invite an infection. When you're not cleaning your new piercing leave it alone.
• If the piercing is a genital piercing, you may wish to urinate after rinsing to remove any residue from the sensitive urethra.
• Mild salt water soaks are strongly suggested as a supplement to your once a day cleaning. Do this once or twice a day. Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon sea salt into 8 ounces of warm distilled water in a clean cup. Invert the cup over the piercing to form a vacuum. In male genital piercing, soak the piercing directly in a cup. Females can use clean paper towels or gauze, saturated with the sea-salt solution. Soak the piercing for 10-15 minutes. Rinse or splash the salt from your piercing. If any whitish fluid remains around the piercing, gently remove it with a clean Q-Tip. Do not rotate the jewellery.
• Clean under the foreskin regularly, at least twice a day when you shower. Dry under the foreskin with a clean tissue or piece of toilet paper after bathing.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and try to refrain from excessive consumption of coffee, tea, and alcohol, because they make your urine cloudy, making urination painful and hampering healing.
• Wear a condom during sex for the first 4 weeks, even if you are in a monogamous relationship. The natural flora of the vagina can cause the wound to become infected; use a lubricant on the condom and also put a little on the jewellery so that it doesn't get caught on the inside of the condom as this can be uncomfortable.
• Wear clean loose cotton underwear for 4 weeks, as cotton allows the area to breath and clean underwear reduces the chance of an infection.
• Avoid sex for 3 - 4 days and be very gentle during sex for the first month.
• Make sure that you wash the piercing carefully after exercising or sweating a lot, as sweat acts like acid and can cause the wound to become aggravated.
• Don't allow your partner to play roughly with the piercing for the first 2-3 weeks, and never allow your partner to suck on the piercing until it is healed, as the bacteria in the mouth can cause a nasty infection.

back to top Male body piercing includes male genital piercing, scrotum and forskin piercing. Males can also pierce their nose, eyebrow, navel, nipples and tongue and ears.