Vertical Clitoral Hood (VCH) Piercing
A vertical clitoral hood (VCH) piercing is a genital piercing that passes vertically through the protective skin fold above the clitoris. This allows jewelry to rest against or near the clitoris without piercing the clitoris itself. A surgical steel bar or small ring is typically used.
The VCH is the most common vulva piercing. It is often chosen for its look, and because its positioning can increase sexual pleasure. Some people report increased sensitivity or stimulation from the jewelry during everyday movement or sexual activity, though experiences vary from person to person.
Within kink and fetish communities, a VCH piercing may also be considered a form of body modification. In this case, it be done as a form of sexual expression, a symbol of ownership, or a way to adorn the body.
Why People Are Into It
Why do people get a VCH piercing? Here are a few different reasons:
The Look
Many people love the look of a VCH piercing, saying it looks cute, pretty, or badass. Many get the piercing largely for aesthetics.
Easier Orgasms
Some people love how their clitoral hood piercing feels. They may feel it when walking, wearing tights clothing, or during oral sex, penetrative sex, or when using sex toys. Most people say it makes their clitoris more sensitive, and some say it helps them orgasm more easily.
Body Confidence & Self-Expression
Some people feel that their piercing gives them confidence, or fits into their personal style or sexual identity. Some also like the playfulness of having this sexual secret.
Easy Healing and Low Pain
Compared to other genital piercings, vertical clitoral hood piercings tend to be less painful and quicker to heal. Because the clitoris itself isn't pierced, this piercing tends to be safer and lower-risk than most other genital piercings.
VCH Safety
Considering getting a vertical clitoral hood piercing? Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
Choose an Experienced Piercer
Do your research and find a professional piercer in your area with experience in genital piercings. Your piercer should assess your clitoral hood to ensure it's appropriate for this type of piercing, communicate clearly, and make you feel comfortable. Good reviews can help you find someone who's successfully pierced others. Some people also recommend finding a piercer who belongs to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
Keep Aftercare Simple
A good piercer will cover aftercare for your piercing, so make sure your follow their instructions to ensure proper healing. The routine typically involves sterile saline soaks/saline spray and gentle rinsing. It's best to avoid harsh soaps, aggressive cleaning of the area, or touching the piercing while it's healing.
Be Careful About Friction
Be careful about what clothing you wear and activities you do while your piercing is healing. Lace underwear, pads, and tight seams can all cause irritation and delay healing. The same goes for riding a bike, using clitoral sex toys, or other rough movement (including sex!)
Check Jewelry Regularly
VCH jewelry can get loose or fall out, so keeping an eye on it can help avoid this. If you do need to remove your or re-insert your jewelry, it's often best to schedule an appointment with your piercer.
While pain and personal experiences with VCH vary widely, the piercing generally heals within three weeks.
VCH Piercing Q&A
Does a VCH piercing hurt?
Yes, vertical clitoral hood piercings hurt for most people, but the pain is generally brief and the piercing heals quickly. That said, some people find it much more painful than others depending on their anatomy and pain tolerance.
How does a VCH piercing affect sex or other intimacy?
A VCH piercing affects everyone differently, but many people say it increases clitoral sensitivity and enhances sensation and orgasm during sex and solo play. Others notice little sexual change.
What is a Lady Diana piercing?
A Lady Diana piercing is a genital piercing placed through one side of the clitoral hood, typically either the left or right side of the outer hood tissue.
Unlike a vertical clitoral hood (VCH) piercing, which passes vertically through the center of the hood, a Lady Diana piercing sits off to one side. Some people choose to get one Lady Diana piercing, while others get a matched pair on both sides.
Like a VCH piercing, the Lady Diana piercing can be done for appearance or to increase clitoral sensitivity or stimulation.
What is a Nefertiti piercing?
A Nefertiti piercing is a genital piercing that passes vertically through the clitoral hood and exits higher on the pubic mound above the vulva, creating the appearance of a longer vertical piercing.
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