:: Nipple Piercings ::

Nipple piercings are most likely a very recent invention. There is no real documentation of their existence before about 25 years ago. Some have speculated that society ladies of the Victorian Era may have indulged in this modification, much the same way the European exploration of the "South Seas" sparked a tattoo fad among the well-to-do, but the lack of evidence suggests this may be no more than a rumor. Regardless, nipple piercings are not only very elegant piercings to behold, but also rather titillating to the wearer, so to speak.

The jewelry placement is the same for both male and female piercings, and is extremely important. Improper placement is most frequent cause of scarring or problems healing these piercings. The piercing should be done at the base of the nipple itself, where the nipple meets the areola (the larger, flat dark circle). If the piercing is done any deeper than the base of the nipple, healing can be extremely lengthened, often causing excessive tubes of scar tissue and misshapen nipples. If the piercing is done too far forward, e.g. in the tip of the nipple, there is a definite possibility of rejection (growing out). Done properly, this piercing should cause the nipple to stay erect, and possibly grow slightly, giving you that just-in-from-the-cold look all the time. Sexy. They will also get more sensitive. Yum.

For men, the smallest jewelry that should be considered is a 14g. Any thinner has a higher risk of growing out, or of tearing and scarring if played with too hard. A thicker size could be used if the nipple is large enough, and is particularly recommended if you know it will be subjected to heavy play. (Yes, this includes hanging charms or chains from it.) The smallest diameter ring for the average size nipple should be 1/2", and barbells are also an option.

Women will need slightly thicker jewelry, as their nipples are usually not only larger, but also subject to more abuse from bras, etc. Generally a 12g is sufficient, though 10g is possible for larger nipples. The average ring diameter should be no smaller than a 5/8", but with a wider nipple, a larger ring is often needed. Barbell lengths usually range from 1/2" to 3/4".

With female nipple piercings the decision between barbells and rings during healing is a particularly important one. For some shapes of breast, either type of jewelry will be fine, and the difference is negligible (unless you play contact sports, in which case you need a barbell). For other breast shapes (often larger breasts, or those with down-pointing or low nipples), a barbell is far and away the better choice. Essentially the ring needs to hang parallel to the body, rather than angled back towards it, even when you are wearing a bra. If you have enough space on your breast below your nipple that the entire ring can rest against skin and still be parallel to the body, you are fine. If, however, your breast curves under close below your nipple, so that wearing a bra would turn the ring back towards your body, you would do better with a barbell. Having the ring held in this twisted-under position can interfere with easy healing, and can also encourage the piercing to grow out. As the bottom part of the ring is pressed back and in, the top of the ring (which is through the skin) is forced forward, away from the body. In order to relieve this pressure, the body may simply stop resisting the force, and allow the ring to grow out. (Women with wide, flat nipples may also have this problem.)

Some women have tried other solutions to keep the ring hanging parallel, such as flipping it up above the nipple when wearing bras, or wearing sports bras or tight tanks instead. Putting a folded gauze pad or tissue inside the bra, supporting the bottom part of the ring, is also an option. But if you donÕt feel up to the hassle, or you like the sleek look of a barbell (as many of us do), barbells are a great choice.

Men's nipple piercings will heal up in about 2 - 4 months, while women's (being larger and more often compressed by clothing) will take at least 4 - 6 months. These healing times are only for initial healing, though, and many folks have some discharge from the piercing any time in the first year. For women, this may happen especially around their period. Many people also notice more discharge if they are getting sick, are overstressed, not eating or sleeping well, or are drinking/smoking/etc. too much. With all piercings, if your immune system is being overloaded, your holes will let you know. Extra warm salt water soaks will usually clear up the nastiness.

You will need to avoid touching nipple piercings with dirty hands (yours or your partnerÕs) during healing, and you must keep othersÕ mouths off them as well. Tempting as they look, they should not be played with until they are finished healing! They can (and often will) get infected if you abuse them too soon. If you are good to them, you can end up with beautifully perky, delightfully sensitive nipples for life.