These piercings are worn on the sides of the vulva in the thick, fleshy folds of tissue where hair grows. Labia mean “lips” in Latin; the awkward singular form of the word is labium. Outer labia piercings are often done in pairs, with one on each side, or in multiples, to form a ladder.
General Information
Unless you're configured in such a way that the jewelry can be placed to touch your clitoris, you are not expected to experience erotic sensations of the sort that are often derived from wearing jewelry in a piercing of the hood such as the Vertical Clitoral Hood (VCH) piercing or triangle piercing. Outer labia piercings are primarily visually pleasing for the wearer. Depending on placement and jewelry, a partner with a penis might feel them during penetration.
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Placement
These piercings can be situated nearly anywhere along the pliable rim of the outer lips. They pass through denser tissue and take longer to heal than hood and inner labia piercings. If placed next to the clitoris, they might provide direct stimulation from the sides. You can wear them higher up on the lips, to make them more visible, or lower, next to the vaginal opening, where a partner might feel them during intercourse.
To determine the most comfortable spot for your piercing(s), consider the size and shape of your anatomy when your legs are together and apart. A curved bar is generally a better choice if you have large thighs and the space between your legs is crowded. The jewelry diameter is dependent on the size and shape of the area. If your labia are more defined and convex, then a smaller diameter can be used because it will encompass sufficient tissue. When the area is flatter, a wider diameter is needed to include the optimal width between entry and exit. If you have undefined lips or large thighs, you might find outer labia piercings hard to heal.
You can make a statement with multiple labia piercings—inner and outer— depending on your build. Six or eight is not unheard of, and some piercees have even more. If you plan to wear a single piece of jewelry to join both sides together after healing, let your piercer know so the placement can be aligned accordingly. Matched piercings can be directly opposite one another. The tissue is malleable, so pairs need not be offset.
Jewelry
Both ring style jewelry (captive, fixed bead ring, or circular barbell) or curved bars can be worn for healing of outer labia piercings. Most commonly I start with 12 gauge, though I will use 14 gauge at times, and occasionally 10 gauge by request, for well-developed anatomy.
The diameter of the jewelry is dependent on the size and the shape of the area. For initial jewelry I use 1/2" to 5/8" diameter for ring-style jewelry, or 7/16" or 1/2" diameter for a curved bar. If you have large thighs and the space between your legs is more crowded, a curved bar may be a better jewelry choice.
For labia that are more defined and convex-shaped, then a smaller diameter can be worn because it will encompass sufficient tissue. When the area is flatter, a larger diameter is needed to safely include the optimal width of tissue between entry and exit.
It is common to downsize to a smaller diameter after healing, as the initial jewelry must have enough space so that it doesn't pinch on the tissue. Swelling in this area is always possible during initial healing, so this must also be factored in to the jewelry selection.
Unless you are very flexible or your piercings are located closer to the front, you may require assistance to change your jewelry. After healing, adding weights, bells, or charms on your piercings could be pleasurable. Some piercees also enjoy the feel of tugging on these sturdy labia piercings during sexual activity.
Wait six to nine months from the initial piercing before stretching to a thicker gauge. If you have had troubled healing, wait a year or longer. This is sturdy tissue, and if the width of the piercing is substantial enough, you can safely wear jumbo jewelry. If you have especially pliable skin, or wear weights (or attach your stockings to your jewelry), you might be able to skip a gauge when stretching.
Procedure
I use a forceps technique to perform outer labia piercings, though some prefer freehand. Even when a pair is done directly across from one another, they are pierced one at a time. Many would describe the feeling of getting outer labia pierc- ings as “biting and pinchy.” Once the procedure is over, you may experience some tenderness or bleeding afterward. When you receive a pair of outer labia piercings, it is normal if one side bleeds, and the other doesn’t.
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Healing and Troubleshooting
Your bleeding could continue for a week or so, and swelling may remain for longer. Snug underwear helps to support the jewelry, but tight pants will cause discomfort and irritation, so wear loose or stretchy clothing at first.
You might experience thickened or hardened tissue, excess scarring, or other problems around the openings during healing; don’t panic. This is generally caused by the unavoidable trauma of walking and sitting. It tends to come and go throughout healing. Try one or more of the troubleshooting techniques suggested in chapter 16. If your problem is persistent, a change in the size or style of your jewelry is warranted. These complications frequently resolve over time, and the piercings heal without ill effects—except for a drain on your patience.
What My Happy Clients Say
I wanted a VCH but Elayne determined I wasn't built for the piercing. However, she suggested a labia piercing & angled it right next to my clitoris. & OH man is it wonderful!!!
I read that labia piercing are largely aesthetic but thanks to Elayne's expert markings I am VERY pleased to say that mine's is more than just an ornamental piercing. In short, it feels marvelous!! As for the pain, it was brief & just a sting.
DO IT! & make sure it's by Elayne because she is the best!!
Elayne, you are so informative, relaxed, precise and quick as lightening. The piercings barely hurt.
I'm in love with my new matching outer labia set and my VCH. They are beautiful and healing fast.
My expectations were exceeded:) Thank you so very much!
I want to thank Elayne for a great experience with outer labia piercings. I'm quite middle-aged and I've only ever had my ears pierced before, so I was very nervous.
She was very professional about the piercing in terms of timeliness and sterility, etc. but she was also warm and helpful about me being nervous.
The piercings are healing beautifully. If I ever decide to have additional genital piercings, I would certainly go back to Elayne.