I recently did a consultation for a woman who previously had nipple piercings that experienced problems and she gave up on them. She was considering getting her nipples repierced and wanted some input and advice. Below is our correspondence, which includes issues a discussion of issues that could affect healing, including hormones (birth control methods), medical history, and other aspects of nipple piercings.
She wrote:
So, history wise, they often felt sore, and I really didn't get any pleasure out of them. Since then I've had a breast uplift with implants where my areolas were also reduced in size. Incisions were around the areolas and straight down the middle of each breast. I had issues with scarring afterwards as a result of me being allergic to dissolvable stitches, so some revision had to be done.
Health wise, I had ulcerative colitis, and had major bowel surgery. I'm telling you this in case anything is relevant body / medical wise. I have had no pregnancies, and not nursed. Medication wise, I take Imodium, a blood pressure pill, and have the minera [birth control--IUD] coil. With the previous piercings I was on depo provera injections.
Previous piercing wise, I can't remember if I had bars or rings to begin with. But I do remember some kind of yellow or orange liquid soap type thing that was a USA brand that I was recommended to use to clean them with. I also used warm compresses and moved the jewellery to prevent sticking. I never had any problems with the holes, no raised scarring or anything like that.
I also wonder if placement was wrong previously.
In recent years I've become more sexually confident and enjoy nipple play a lot, including the occasional use of light clamps and pumping. Hence my apprehension over whether to pierce again or not, as I don't want to lose the fun and the turn-on of nipples.
Many thanks.
This was my response:
From what I can see, it appears that your previous piercings were properly placed at the base of your nipples where they meet the areolas. Though the photos were a little fuzzy for me to be 100% certain. The jewelry fit looks a bit close for healing piercings. But just so long as there was no pinching of the tissue, even when your nipples were fully relaxed, then the post length should not be cause healing problems. Though the quality of the jewelry certainly could. If it is not of an appropriate material, or if it doesn't have a mirror finish, complications are more likely.
It is possible that your prior birth control method may have increased nipple tenderness/sensitivity to uncomfortable levels. Apparently sore nipples are a possible side effect of Depo Provera. Also, I don't know how long you’d left jewelry in for, but you should be aware that nipples can take quite a long time to heal. It is common that they’re in the healing process for 6-9 months or even a year or longer, occasionally. So it does take some patience.
High blood pressure and wound healing don't go well together because it robs your body of oxygen and nutrients. But if the condition is well-managed with medication then this may not be a problematic factor.
I don’t see anything locally that makes me think you shouldn’t be repierced. But, one of the other questions/considerations would be whether you eat a healthful diet and if fully derive their nutrient benefits due to your GI condition? It has been said "we are what we eat" but the truth is: we are what we absorb. If your intestinal issues prevent you from optimally absorbing nutrients, this could impact your ability to heal effectively.
It sounds like you may have used Dial antibacterial soap, which I have never advocated as it is overly strong. The original soap formula with Triclosan was banned in the US; it led to antibiotic resistance and harms the environment as well. For aftercare and troubleshooting I HIGHLY suggest the use of Briotech rather than soap or saline-only approaches.
I’ve done a great deal of research on it, and my clients have been using it for several years now. And it it absolutely amazing stuff. It is the first aftercare product that has been used for piercings that has significant scientific research proving its safety and effectiveness for wound healing! It even kills MRSA and other antibiotic resistant strains in a matter of seconds, without harming tissue. Nor does it cause resistance, like the strong soaps.
The spray can be ordered for US delivery directly from this site here. But since you're not in the country, I just need your address to supply an accurate international shipping quote.
Note that appropriate, quality body jewelry won’t become stuck, so it is not suggested that you move your bars or rings around; that could have contributed to healing delays and sensitivity issues for you.
