Ed & Phoebe SwingerA Prince Albert (PA) piercing is a genital piercing that goes through the urethral opening on the underside of the penis. There are alternate versions of this piercing which penetrate the top of the head of the penis, or out though the shaft on the top side of the penis right behind the head. It is one of the most popular male genital piercings and is often seen as a symbol of masculinity and sexual virility. The prince albert piercing origin is fascinating, and as many things in history have been speculated on, especially because there is no official record.
The Origin of the Prince Albert Piercing
While there are many urban legends about the origin of the Prince Albert piercing, ranging from a form of chastity restraint to hygienic retraction of his foreskin, the most popular, and probable, story is:
“The origin of how the Prince Albert attained its name involves tight fitting trousers, which were fashionable during that era. Prince Albert was reported to have the penile piercing in order to hang his penis to one side of his trousers as this was more aesthetically pleasing.” –
AUA Journals
You want to stick a needle where?
PA piercings are typically performed by a professional piercer using a sterile needle. The piercing is made by inserting the needle through the urethra and then out through the underside of the glans into a cork. Then a slightly larger gauge piece of jewelry, usually a captured ball ring, is then inserted into the piercing. The slightly larger gauge seals off the hole and helps to reduce bleeding.
Healing… before you can “use” it
PA piercings can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks to heal completely. During this time, it is important to keep the piercing clean and dry. It is also important to avoid strenuous activity and sexual intercourse until the piercing is fully healed. Genital piercings, like mouth piercings, heal quicker than many other forms of piercing with proper aftercare.
The Ups and Downs of a PA
Increased sexual pleasure
Genital piercings stimulate more nerves in the genitals and can make you feel more pleasure. The jewelry will also rub on your partner’s genitals and stimulate their nerves providing pleasure to them. However, like most things, your mileage will vary.
In positions where you face your female partner the reverse PA is more suited to stimulate the clitoris and g-spot increasing your partner’s pleasure. For doggy or reverse positions, the traditional PA will stimulate the G-spot and clitoris.
Improved appearance
The PA is a distinct and stunning piercing drawing attention to the head of the penis. Depending on the size of the ring, or the style of the ring it’s an imposing silhouette and can be seen quite visibly through sheer clothing, and across the room. It also works as a surprise addition to the party when your partner unwraps your package. This added visual stimulation and attention can also increase your confidence. When people find out I have a PA oftentimes they will be curious about it, and sometimes ask to see it, always fun.
Downsides
Thinking about getting a Prince Albert piercing? It’s important to consider the potential downsides before making a decision.
First of all, some partners might not even notice the piercing or worse, find it annoying. Teeth and jewelry can also get entangled causing pain and discomfort during sexual activity. Chipped teeth from a large steel ring are a real possibility.
Getting a Prince Albert piercing is generally not very painful, but there is a risk of nerve damage and an increased risk of infections. STI risk also goes up because jewelry can damage condoms during sex. Additionally, the piercing can cause irritation of the urethra and piercing site, leading to UTIs and even rejection of the piercing.
Wearing jewelry can also be uncomfortable and even painful, especially when there are collisions or entanglements. Another annoying factor with this piercing is the interference with the stream of urine as it passes through the urethra. The jewelry, and additional hole, can cause the urine to drip or spray in unintended directions resulting in a messy bathroom experience, even at a urinal, especially a low one. One easy solution is sitting down to pee, but that’s not always convenient, or available.
Overall, while a Prince Albert piercing might look cool, and potentially feel great, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and downsides before going through with it.
Risks
In addition to the downsides there are also some risks associated with PA piercings, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Pain
- Damage to the urethra
- Foreskin discomfort
- Urethral irritation
If you are considering getting a PA piercing, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. It is also important to choose a reputable piercer who has experience performing genital piercings.
Interviewing the Piercer
When it comes to choosing a piercer for a genital piercing, it is crucial to prioritize professionalism, expertise, and safety. Here are some essential steps to take and questions to ask when selecting a piercer for this intimate procedure.
- Interview Potential Piercers: To ensure a positive experience, begin by interviewing potential piercers. This allows you to gauge their competence and assess their suitability for the job. Consider asking the following questions:
- How long have you been in the piercing business? The piercer’s experience can provide valuable insights into their expertise and skill level. Generally, the more experience they have, the more comfortable you can feel entrusting them with your genital piercing.
- What is your reputation online? Conduct thorough research to determine the piercer’s reputation. Look for online reviews, testimonials, and ratings from previous clients. A well-regarded piercer with positive feedback and satisfied customers is more likely to provide a safe and satisfactory experience.
- What are the conditions of your shop, particularly cleanliness? A clean and hygienic environment is paramount when it comes to body piercings. Inquire about the shop’s cleanliness standards and sterilization procedures. Ensure that they use single-use, sterile needles, and follow appropriate safety protocols to minimize the risk of infection.
- Gather Information about the Procedure: Once you have shortlisted potential piercers based on their interview responses, it’s time to gather detailed information about the procedure itself. Ask the following questions to get a comprehensive understanding:
- How much does the genital piercing cost? Discuss the pricing structure with the piercer. Make sure to understand the breakdown of costs, including the initial piercing fee and the price of the jewelry. While price shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, it is important to have a clear understanding of the financial commitment involved.
- What is the expected healing process? Understanding the healing process is vital for ensuring a successful and comfortable recovery. Inquire about the estimated healing time, potential complications, and aftercare requirements specific to genital piercings. A knowledgeable piercer will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your piercing during the healing period.
- What aftercare steps should be followed? Proper aftercare is essential for maintaining the health and integrity of your genital piercing. Ask the piercer for a rundown of the aftercare routine, including cleaning methods, recommended products, and any restrictions or precautions you should be aware of during the healing process. Following these instructions diligently will help prevent infections and promote optimal healing.
- What size of jewelry will be used for the initial piercing? The initial jewelry size for a genital piercing is an important consideration. Ask the piercer about the gauge (thickness) and length of the jewelry they plan to use. They should select an appropriate size that accommodates swelling during the healing process without causing discomfort.
- What is the recommended final jewelry size? Inquire about the piercer’s recommendation for the final jewelry size. While individual preferences and anatomy may influence the choice, the piercer’s expertise can help determine the optimal size for long-term comfort and aesthetics.
By conducting interviews, gathering information, and asking these essential questions, you can make an informed decision when choosing a piercer for your genital piercing. Remember, selecting a skilled and reputable professional is crucial for your safety, well-being, and overall satisfaction with the procedure.
Ed’s Story
In my 20’s I was nervous about getting tattoos so I decided to get piercings instead. At the time it sounded like it would feel really good to have a PA so I went for it.
I was initially pierced with a 10 gauge hoop. It hurt a bit, but I don’t recall it hurting a lot. It healed fairly quickly, and I remember cleaning it and watching for signs of infection. After it had healed I decided to stretch up to a large gauge ring and I went up to a 6 gauge ring. If had jewelry in off and on for twenty years or so and if I put in a 10 gauge for a day, by the next day I can put the 6 gauge back in.
When Phoebe asked me if I would do it again… Meh, maybe, but probably not. None of my sexual partners have been over the moon about it, no extra orgasms. In fact, most partners hardly notice it. It does add extra stimulation to my penis, but it’s also usually a bit irritating, and can sometimes be painful. Especially when the barbell slips up inside my urethra, and the bar is dangling out the bottom (ouch). I’ve been able to prevent this, but that usually means putting a condom on. So for swinging, it’s no big deal, but the condom also smoothes it out so less bumpy – less stimulating for my partner.
I will say walking around with the jewelry in looks pretty hot, but a nice decorative cock ring would have the same effect so consider that.
This is just my experience, so talk with others to see how it’s worked out for them.
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