I got this message today:
My wife loved her HCH. Although she took it out to visit the Gynocologist. She then forgot to put it back in and subsequently grew shut in about 5 days. My question is-- can she get it done again? Will it have to be in a different spot above or below the original to avoid the scar tissue? Does she now get a VCH instead? Thanks for any and all suggestions.
Thanks,
Randy
Hi Randy,
How long did she have the HCH? Sometimes a piercer can use a tool called an insertion taper to reinsert jewelry, even when you cannot get it back in yourself. The smallest taper available (usually 18 gauge) should be attempted first. If the channel is open, it may not go back up right away to the gauge that she was wearing previously. But it can be stretched back up over time.
This is a brief passage from The Piercing Bible:
Will It Close?
Depending on the size, age, and location of a healed piercing, along with the course of stretching, if any, it may not seal up completely. Most holes contract fairly rapidly and can continue to shrink over time. Over the ensuing weeks, the area will stabilize and the channel is apt to remain in whatever state it has achieved within a month or two— smaller, or fully closed.
If it really needs to be repierced, everything will depend on whether there is significant scar tissue or not. If not, then it can likely go back in the same spot. She will need to be evaluated by a comptetent piercer.
I've got to ask: why did she remove her jewelry? Most gynecologists are certainly familiar with genital piercings by now. I leave all 9 of my genital rings in when I see my gyno... They do not get in the way or prevent appropriate care. I encourage women to leave in their jewelry to help to educate medical professionals about how many people are pierced (and about the incredible diversity of piercees!). Greater familiarity brings increased acceptance.
Best of luck to you and your wife,
Elayne
Elayne Elayne Angel, Author The Piercing Bible--The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing
Medical Liaison, Association of Professional Piercers
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