I received this message from a woman who had questions about her healed vertical clitoral hood (VCH) piercing:
I have a well healed vch that is over five years old at this point. I've known from the start that it's a bit on the shallow side, but not extreme shallow. I have a relatively deep hood which can completely cover a q-tip, and the exit point of the vch is maybe 1/8" off from the apex. It looks fine from the front and feels fine, the bottom ball does rest squarely on my clit.
The only issue I ever have is that it sometimes likes to pop up like a turkey timer, which can feel a bit odd but doesn't hurt. It's not that it's ever bothered me per say, but I do wonder if I'm missing out on sensation because it doesn't go through the apex and if it would be less inclined to pop up if it did.
But I worry about rejection since there's an established fistula from the current piercing so close to where the new one would go. I mean really established; at one point a few years ago, I didn't wear jewelry in it for over a year, yet it never shrunk down past a 16 (was pierced at 14g). So I don't think it will ever close up on me. I also worry a little about the aesthetic of having a hole from the old piercing in front of a new one. Call me vain, but I don't want to ruin the look of things as I happen to be rather a fan of my vulva.
Would I likely be running into any problems if I opted for a redo? Am I even really missing out on much since the ball sits where it's supposed to? I don't know if it's worth the effort to try for perfect placement or if I'm splitting hairs with this. What's more important for the sensation, the placement of the bottom ball or the placement through the apex? Thank you so much for your time, A.
My reply:
Hi A.,
If the new position would be within a few millimeters of your existing piercing, I would advise you against repiercing as they would be too close together and the new hole could merge with the old one.
With your build, it should be more than just the ball that rests on your clitoris. Nearly the whole post should rest against it too. (That is, all of the bar that isn't passing through the tissue should be resting underneath your hood, against your clitoris.)
Have you considered trying a J-curve as an alternate jewelry style? That shape is likely to produce more sensation than the gentle curve that you're wearing.
Also, a J-curve would probably prevent the pop-up phenomenon you're experiencing. Or, you could put a larger ball on the bottom, which should help with the latter issue as well. The ball size you're wearing appears quite small (and tinier than usual).
I suggest 14 gauge as a minimum for the VCH piercing, as 16 gauge is on the thin/wiry side for an area that can be subject to a lot of friction and activity.
Sincerely,
Elayne
Elayne Angel, Author
The Piercing Bible--The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing
Business Member at Large, Association of Professional Piercers
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