Prince Albert Piercing: Things to Consider Before Getting One

Before getting a Prince Albert piercing, it's crucial to be well-informed and aware of the various factors. This article explores the essential information about this type of penile piercing, from understanding the risks and benefits to exploring the piercing process and aftercare to make an educated decision and ensure a safe and satisfying experience.

What is a Prince Albert piercing?

The Prince Albert piercing is a popular type of penis piercing where a barbell or other piercing jewelry is inserted through the urethra and exits on the underside of the glans, otherwise known as the head of the penis.

Other types of Prince Albert piercings

While the Prince Albert piercing may be the most popular penile piercing, there are two other variations.

The Reverse Prince Albert piercing is a variation of the original Prince Albert piercing. In this variant, the piercing enters the urethra and exits through the top of the glans.

The Shaft Reverse Prince Albert piercing is a variation of the original Prince Albert piercing. In this variant, the piercing enters through the urethra and exits at a higher point on the upper side of the shaft of the penis.

Prince Albert jewelry

For a Prince Albert piercing, different types of jewelry can be used based on personal preference and the healing stage. Common types of jewelry include:

The following options are commonly used materials for piercing jewelry to ensure body safety:

It's essential to consult with a professional piercer when considering jewelry for a Prince Albert piercing. They can provide expert guidance on the most suitable jewelry based on preferences, anatomy, and healing progress. A professional body modification artist can discuss the needs of the person getting a piercing to ensure they select the most appropriate jewelry while prioritizing body safety and optimal healing.

The piercing process

The piercing process for a Prince Albert piercing typically follows these steps:

Preparation

Before the piercing procedure, the piercer reviews the piercing process, including potential risks, pain levels, and aftercare instructions. They ask for a signed consent form to ensure the person getting the piercing is fully informed and providing their consent to the procedure. Next, the body modification artist ensures proper hygiene by sanitizing their hands, wearing gloves, and meticulously cleansing the genital area with an antiseptic solution.

Marking

The piercer carefully marks the entry and exit points for the piercing on the penis using a surgical marker or another suitable method. This step is crucial to ensure accuracy and alignment.

Piercing

To facilitate a secure grip, the piercer may use forceps. With a sterile needle or piercing instrument, they carefully insert the jewelry through the designated entry point, the urethra. Depending on the specific piercing type, the needle exits at the corresponding exit point on the underside, top, or shaft of the penis.

Jewelry placement

Once the needle has passed through, the piercer promptly replaces it with the selected jewelry, such as a barbell or captive bead ring, ensuring it is securely positioned.

Aftercare

Once the piercing is complete, the piercer cleans the area and may apply a covering to reduce the risk of infection and irritation. Additionally, they will provide detailed cleaning instructions to promote proper healing and care of the piercing.

Does it hurt?

The pain level during a Prince Albert Piercing varies from person to person. Generally, it is commonly perceived to be more uncomfortable than an ear-piercing due to the higher concentration of nerve endings in the glans of the penis. However, individual pain tolerance and perception vary.

Cost of a Prince Albert piercing

The cost of a Prince Albert piercing ranges from approximately $50 to $150 — or even higher, depending on various factors such as the location, expertise of the body modification artist, and quality of the jewelry.

Additionally, when considering the overall cost of a piercing, it is standard etiquette to tip the body modification artist. While tipping practices vary, it's generally recommended to tip around 15% to 20% of the service's total cost as a gesture of appreciation for the piercer's skill and professionalism.

Aftercare for a Prince Albert piercing

Aftercare is essential for ensuring the cleanliness and proper healing of a Prince Albert piercing. Depending on individual factors, it typically takes around four to eight weeks for the piercing to heal. Following these steps helps facilitate the healing process and minimizes the risk of complications.

• Hand hygiene. Before touching the piercing or performing any cleaning, thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria.
• Saline solution cleaning. Soak a clean cotton ball or sterile gauze pad in a saline solution (a mixture of non-iodized sea salt and warm distilled water). Gently apply the soaked pad to the piercing, allowing the saline solution to cleanse the area for a few minutes.
• Rinse with clean water. After the saline soak, rinse the piercing with clean, warm water to remove any residue or debris. Ensure that all traces of saline solution are thoroughly rinsed away.
• Gentle drying. Use a clean, disposable paper towel or a soft, lint-free cloth to pat the piercing dry. Avoid rubbing the area, as it can cause irritation.
• Avoid harsh products and over-cleaning. Refrain from using harsh soaps, alcohol-based solutions, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments on the piercing. These products can disrupt the healing process. Also, avoid excessive cleaning, which can lead to dryness and irritation.
• Consistent cleaning. Clean the piercing twice daily, preferably in the morning and evening or as your piercer advises.

What not to do

During the healing phase of a Prince Albert piercing, it is crucial to prioritize activities that promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. The healing time for the piercing usually falls within the range of four to eight weeks, varying on individual factors.

During this time, it is advised to abstain from any sexual activity, including intercourse, oral, and masturbation, as these activities can exert pressure and cause friction on the piercing site, potentially leading to irritation, infection, or delayed healing.

Additionally, avoiding wearing tight-fitting underwear or clothing that may rub against the piercing is recommended, opting instead for loose and breathable garments that minimize contact and friction. Engaging in contact sports or vigorous physical activities should also be avoided to prevent trauma or accidental pulling on the jewelry, which can result in complications.

How to change the piercing

Before attempting to change the jewelry of a Prince Albert piercing, it must be fully healed. Once the piercing is properly healed, it is safe to change the jewelry. Changing a Prince Albert piercing typically involves the following steps:

• Ensuring proper hygiene. Before attempting to change the piercing, it's crucial to thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm water to minimize the risk of infection.
• Loosening the current jewelry. Gently unscrew or unfasten the ends of the jewelry, such as the balls. Take care not to force or tug at the jewelry, as this can cause discomfort or damage to the piercing. If having trouble unscrewing the balls, using a rubber glove may help remove them.
• Removing the current jewelry. Slowly slide out the existing jewelry from the piercing. Be patient and gentle, allowing it to glide out smoothly.
• Inserting the new jewelry. Carefully insert the new jewelry into the piercing hole, guiding it through gently — without rushing the process.
• Fastening the ends. Once the new jewelry is inserted, securely fasten the ends by screwing on the balls or closing the rings to ensure they are snug but not overly tight.
• Cleaning and caring for the piercing. Clean the piercing with a saline solution or a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water after changing the jewelry. Avoid touching the piercing excessively, and follow any aftercare instructions from a professional body modification artist.

If uncertain or uncomfortable with changing the jewelry, consulting a professional piercer is always recommended.

Potential risks of Prince Albert piercings

Like any body modification, the Prince Albert piercing carries certain risks and potential side effects. It is important to be aware of these before getting the piercing. The most common side effects that can occur shortly after the piercing include bleeding and the risk of infection. However, it's important to note that these risks are minimized by following proper aftercare procedures and seeking professional assistance.

In addition to the more common risks, some rarer side effects are associated with the Prince Albert piercing. These include:

• Change in urine stream. Some individuals may experience a difference in the flow or direction of urine after getting a Prince Albert piercing. This can result in the need to sit down while urinating instead of standing.
• Urethral tears. In rare cases, the urethra, the tube that carries urine, can be accidentally torn during the piercing procedure. This can cause pain and discomfort and may require medical attention.
• Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. A piercing potentially increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, particularly if proper precautions are not taken during sexual activity. It is important to practice safe sex and use barrier methods, such as condoms, to reduce this risk.
• Bleeding after sexual activity. Engaging in sexual activity, particularly vigorous or rough activity, can lead to bleeding at the piercing site. This occurs due to friction or trauma. It is important to allow the piercing to heal fully before engaging in any sexual activity and to communicate with your partner about your piercing.
• Complications from trauma. In rare cases, trauma to the piercing site can damage nerves and blood vessels, which may cause pain, numbness, or other sensory changes. Infection-related complications can include scar formation that leads to an urethral obstruction, affecting urinary flow.
• Priapism. Priapism refers to a prolonged and painful erection unrelated to sexual arousal. While extremely rare, there have been isolated reports of individuals experiencing priapism after getting a Prince Albert piercing.

Benefits of a Prince Albert piercing

The Prince Albert piercing offers various benefits for individuals of different gender identities. Some choose this piercing for personal aesthetic reasons or as a means of exploration and self-expression.

Sexual benefits

One of the primary benefits reported by those with a Prince Albert piercing is an enhanced sense of sexual satisfaction. During sexual activity, jewelry can stimulate the urethra, increasing sensations and heightening pleasure. This can be particularly enjoyable during masturbation and oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. Additionally, the piercing has the potential to enhance the sexual pleasure of the partner.

The jewelry stimulates the genitals of the partner, contributing to a more pleasurable sexual experience for both individuals. It's important to note that while the Prince Albert piercing offers sexual benefits, care should be taken during intercourse to prevent any potential trauma to either partner. Additionally, there is a risk of the jewelry becoming dislodged in the partner during intercourse, which may require medical attention, for example, if the jewelry gets lost in the rectum.

What do I do if I no longer want the piercing?

If you no longer want a Prince Albert piercing, you can remove the jewelry yourself. Like any other piercing, if you remove the jewelry, the piercing may gradually close over time. However, it's important to note that closure can vary from person to person, and some may find that their piercing does not fully close. If you have any concerns or experience difficulties, it's always advisable to seek guidance from a professional piercer or healthcare professional to ensure proper care and healing.

Before considering a Prince Albert piercing, it's crucial to be well-informed about the various factors involved. By making an educated decision and following proper care instructions, you can ensure a safe and satisfying experience. Remember to prioritize hygiene and adhere to aftercare guidelines. With the right knowledge and care, you can enjoy the aesthetic appeal and potential sexual stimulation that the Prince Albert piercing offers.