vertical clitoral hood piercing

I received this message from a Facebook friend:

Well, it was not my photo (this time), but a 3-page spread I wrote about erotic piercing, with photos of some other lovely pierced individuals. You can read a brief write up about it here on the ModBlog website. Run out and get a copy today! It talks about the Prince Albert, Frenum, and Dydoe for men, and explains the erotic possibilites for stimulation from certain iercings. It also goes into a little about VCH piercings as well.

I found that The Piercing Bible had been quoted in this article in The Daily Cardinal, the University of Wisconsin online newspaper. I was delighted to see that a great deal of factual information was included and that the piercers  were quoted in the piece were knowledgeable and provided accurate facts. For example, this part, where I'm quoted:

Elayne Angel, the author of The Piercing Bible who estimates she has performed over 40,000 piercings, echoes this last point: “I have had more than one client confide in me that she had never had an orgasm ... until after I had performed her [piercing]!” However, every one of these experts is quick to note that the clitoris is usually not what’s pierced in a “clit piercing.” Instead, it is the clitoral hood that is bedazzled. The clitoral hood is the fold of tissue that covers the clitoris. Since the clitoris itself is so highly innervated, Ziebell cautioned, “If one false move is made, all feeling is lost forever, and I don’t want that on my conscience.” Indeed, Piercer X explained many women who come in requesting “clit piercings” are actually looking for a clitoral hood piercing: “I sometimes spend part of the time going through the names of the hills and valleys down there so I’m sure I know what [a client] wants,” he said.

The piercer mentions how frequently women requesting "clit piercings' actually want hood piercings. I've definitely found that to be the case. Also, the piercer said that he does 95% vertical clitoral hood piercings (VCH), and that is similar to the percentage I do (vs. horizontal hood piercings). I'm not sure why he or she didn't want to be named, preferring to be referred to as "Piercer X," but at least the information was sound!

I just received email from a reader who had a question or two about VCH piercings:

hello angel, I have emailed you before and I have your book--great book! I have been thinking about getting a VCH in a couple of weeks. I know you said in the book that you do not have to be stimulated in the clit to have this done. My question is would it be better to have this done so that I know how big the jewelry should be? I would like go  as big as I can in size. Also, can this be done without a receiving tube (free hand)? I have checked this out with a piercer and he said that it can. I would like your comments on this please. P.S. might be fun too....................karen in pa

Hi Karen, Different piercers use different techniques. I favor the receiving tube, but if your piercer is trained and experienced at freehand technique, then that should work fine. Because the piercing passes through so little tissue, the proper measurement for the jewelry is the distance between where the piercing will be placed and the edge of your clitoral hood. A skilled piercer will be able to determine the appropriate measurement with no problem. The hood area may actually shorten or draw back when you're stimulated, because it is primarily the clitoris that enlarges during arousal. (Think of how a foreskin works on a penis.) My principle is to start at a minimum gauge (14 or 12) to preserve the maximum tissue in the area and if desired, stretch later as your anatomy allows. The jewelry should fit properly when your piercing is fresh (the way it looks in the illustration in my book) and then you can go larger after healing, if you like. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Sincerely, Elayne

I received this question today:

Hi, I have a few questions about the Vertical Hood Piercing. How long is it recommended before having sex or exercising? I have heard that some people aren't able to run or walk upstairs without nearly having an orgasm. How common is this? Also I have heard from someone who had one that when they took it out, there were bumps that formed. Is this something that often happens upon removing the piercing? Thank you very much. Akilah

Hi Akilah, Thanks for your email. Whether you think of it as fortunate or unfortunate, most women do not have any problems climbing stairs or exercising as a result of enjoying their piercings "too much." There is often a period of heightened sensitivity or hypersensitivity for a short time after piercing, but this tends to normalize over a short period of time. There is more information about sensation, sensitivity, and related subjects in my book. There is no required period for abstaining from sexual activity or exercise, but there are some very important rules to which you must adhere. This passage is from The Piercing Bible:

Yet another botched piercing causes pain and suffering:

Hi there. I am hoping you can help me. I had a what was supposed to be a vertical hood piercing in September. As I was browsing your website today I realized mine may have been done incorrectly, or I was not given the piercing I asked for. My piercing not only includes my hood but also the top skin where my inner labia meets. Is this correct? Also you say this piercing shouldn't cause much pain, but I've gotta say childbirth was more pleasurable!!!! Did this guy totally screw me up? I can send a pic if necessary. Thanks for your time and hopefully your help............ Julie

Hi Julie, Oh goodness! I'm so sorry to hear about your piercing. Yes, please do send me a photo--I'd like to evaluate it for you. It certainly sounds like you didn't get the piercing you wanted. What you describe sounds like maybe it is an Isabella piercing?  I don't actually do those, and if it isn't what you asked for they certainly shouldn't have given you one! A VCH should just pass through the very thin skin of the hood that covers the clitoris. Does it seem to be healing? Is it still very painful? Please send a photo at your earliest convenience and I'll let you know what I think. If you aren't happy with the placement, then you should take it out and let it heal. (Though I am curious to get a look at what was done to you.) Sincerely, Angel