I received a message from a woman who had questions about exercise and sex after a VCH piercing:

Hi Elayne!!!

I want to get a VCH but I have some questions and after reading some parts of this page I think you can solve them. I would like to know how many days do I need to stop working out so my piercing doesn't suffer (I'm a Crossfitter) and also how many days should I wait before having sex.

Thanks a lot!!!

My response:

Hi M.,

First, you need to determine whether you're anatomically suited for a VCH piercing as not all women are configured for one. You'll need to try the q-tip test and if you're unsure, you are welcome to sign up for an anatomy consultation and I can provide you with my professional opinion. I require a consult to book an appointment with me and the consultation fee will be applied to the cost of your piercing.

Do you have a trusted piercer or do you need a piercer referral?  

If you do get pierced, it all comes down to listening to your body, and being hygienic, of course. The following excerpts are from my book, The Piercing Bible--The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing:

VCH Piercing: Physical Activity

Engaging in physical activities after getting a VCH piercing is fine, though a one- or two-week break from bicycling or horseback riding is surely advisable. With the exception of these activities, you will probably find that your new piercing doesn’t cause any discomfort while exercising; in fact, you may not even notice it. Then again, it may inspire you to work out. More than a few women have discovered that the stair-stepper or other gym equipment holds new interest for them after genital piercing!

• Physical Activity and Exercise

Generally, you can exercise during healing if you avoid extremes of motion and prevent impact to the pierced area. Still, your activities often need to be modified—at least for a while—if they cause problems with your piercing.

A direct blow can cause delayed healing, excessive scarring, or traumatic tearing. Especially in exposed areas like the ear and face, jewelry could be snagged or possibly torn out during rough play. Soiled, sweaty equipment such as helmets can expose piercings to bacteria, resulting in infection. Friction from body motion or protective equipment can cause irritation and migration. Before wear, thoroughly clean any sports gear that comes near your piercing. Regular workouts enhance your overall health, which has a positive effect on your healing process. Don’t stop all fitness endeavors; just discover what works for you and take extra care during healing.

As far as how long you need to wait to have sex, I often remark that piercees need to wait until they leave the studio. After that, once you feel ready (physically and mentally/emotionally) it is up to you if you are following these utterly critical rules: 

This is also from The Piercing Bible--The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing:

Safer Sex

There is no set period for abstinence from sexual activities while genital piercings are healing. There are, however, two nonnegotiable rules:

1. Be gentle. Pay attention to your body. If your piercing feels sore, you must stop what you’re doing, or at least ease up. As you begin to heal and the piercing feels less tender, you must still be vigilant to avoid injuring the fragile new cells.

2. Be clean and hygienic. Protective barriers must be used to prevent the sharing of bodily fluids. For oral sexual contact, use a dental dam (sheet of latex) to shield female genitalia and a flavored or unlubricated condom during fellatio. Thoroughly wash hands and sex toys before contact near a healing piercing, and use condoms for all intercourse and on insertables like dildos and bullet-type vibrators. If other barriers aren’t suitable, apply a waterproof dressing such as a Nexcare or Tegaderm before sexual activities to keep your partner’s body fluids from getting on your piercing. All of these precautions are mandatory to prevent infection during the entire initial healing period, even if you and your partner are monogamous and healthy.

Appropriate body jewelry is smooth, so high-quality condoms that fit properly should perform well. Water-based lubricant helps reduce excess friction to protect the integrity of the latex. The sensitivity of your healing piercing can make up for the addition of an unfamiliar barrier. Pleasure Plus condoms are made with extra room that is suited to frenum and Prince Albert jewelry. Avoid condoms and lubricants with the spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9), as this harsh chemical may burn or sting and can harm the delicate cells of a fresh piercing (as well as vaginal or rectal tissue).

These are the care instructions I suggest. And to facilitate healing, you may also want to do saline-soaks