Dear Dr G,

It’s the season to be jolly and we’re all enjoying the festivities. Of course, it is also a time to think about getting special gifts for spouses.

My wife and I are newly married, and I’m blessed that we thoroughly enjoy our sex life. We have open communications about our likes and dislikes in bed.

We’ve recently experimented with adding spice to our sex lives and are getting more adventurous, considering genital piercing. I understand this idea originated in the Victorian Era, named after Prince Albert.

I hope to surprise my wife with a Prince Albert for Christmas. With the piercing intended to enhance our sexual pleasure, I hope to put Dr. G on the spot for some penile piercing enquiries.

Can you tell me why people get their genitals pierced? What is the origin of this practice and how is it performed? Is it purely for accessory purposes or are there sexual benefits?

Are the piercings for men only? What are the possible options for the piercing? Are they uncomfortable? Any risks involved?

The excitement and anxiety are equally piercing in my head. I hope you can help clear my mind.

Regards,

Piercing Peter

The practice of genital piercing is believed to date back as far as 2,000 years, as depicted in the writings of the Kama Sutra.

During the Roman era, genital piercings were also used to prohibit sexual intimacy.

Modern documentation of genital piercing has largely been found among tribal communities in Southeast Asia, especially in our own country.

Dutch explorers were the first to describe traditional genital piercing among various tribes in Borneo.

The Ampallang ring, which is passed horizontally through the glans penis, is common among different tribes throughout Sabah and Sarawak.

Apparently, Dayak women have the right to insist upon the Ampallang and, if the man does not consent, it can be grounds for separation.

Such practices were introduced to Western societies in the 19th century.

Historians believe that, in Victorian times, the primary purpose of genital piercing was to secure the penis in a certain manner, rather than for sexual or cultural reasons.

There were even suggestions that the ring was used to keep the foreskin retracted, ensuring no foul smell in uncircumcised men.

The association of genital piercing with the Prince Consort of Queen Victoria has no historical documentation; some suggest that such rumours were fabricated by Hollywood piercing artists in the 1960s.

In modern times, genital piercing involves passing a device through part of the genitalia as a form of ornament or jewellery.

Technically, genital piercing also includes other sexually related organs, including nipples, the pubis, anus, and perineum.

Such piercings are carried out in both men and women, mainly for beautification and individuality, although some argue that piercings can enhance sexual experience.

A Prince Albert piercing specifically refers to “a ring-style piercing that extends along the underside of the glans penis, from the urethral opening to where the glans meets the shaft”, while the reverse Prince Albert piercing “passes through the urethra and exits through a hole in the top of the glans”.

Piercings in circumcised men are usually performed through the frenulum in the midline.

An off-centre approach is common for uncircumcised men, as the surrounding skin repositions itself.

The initial piercing is generally performed with a small diameter (2.5mm), followed by gradual stretching for jewellery insertion up to 9mm.

Some piercers may opt for immediate stretching to accommodate wider rings during the initial procedure, but this may risk delayed wound healing or even a “cheese-cutter” effect.

Generally, healing time for genital piercings ranges from one to six months, with mild complications such as bleeding, swelling, and local inflammation to be expected.

Jewellery suitable for piercing may include circular barbells, curved barbells, captive beads, or a Prince’s wand.

Of course, the choice of jewellery ranges from stainless steel to implant-grade titanium or solid 18kt gold, depending on personal preference.

Most wearers find genital jewellery comfortable at all times and rarely remove it; this obviously depends on the weight and size of the jewellery, and the manhood to begin with!

There is no robust medical evidence to support claims of enhanced sexual performance in men with genital piercings.

Some anecdotal reports suggest that certain piercings, such as apadravya and ampallang (both passing through the head of the penis vertically or horizontally), may heighten sensation for female partners.

Conversely, many reports also highlight discomfort for female partners when the piercing encounters the cervix.

Genital piercings are predominantly decorative and an expression of non-conformist individuality.

Whether these decorative pieces are purely for aesthetic enhancement or for enriching sexual pleasure is open to debate.