Britney Speared
Dear
Dr. Dick,
Is it
safe to fuck with a penis piercing? My wicked Prince Albert is just about
healed...
-Britney
Speared
Dear
BS,
There
isn't much known about the safety of penis piercings and how they might affect
your risk of getting HIV or other STIs. Therefore, the best way to reduce your
chances of these infections is to care for your piercing and practice safer
sex.
LET IT HEAL
- A penis piercing is an open wound until
it heals. An open wound is a perfect entry way for STIs like HIV. Follow
your piercing aftercare instructions so the wound heals right.
- Experts say you should wait to have sex until
the wound is healed. Dried blood and other fluids can spread
infection, and the piercing might also travel (move from its original
position) during sex--especially rougher, longer crystal sex. Ouch!
- Watch for signs of infection. Warning signs of infection
can include bad-smelling discharge, redness, pain, swelling, and fever.
Visit your doc if you think you have an infection.
KNOW
YOUR RISKS
Possible
problems from piercing are:
- Bacterial infection.
- Bleeding.
- Nerve damage.
- A buildup of scar tissue at the site.
- The piercing site might become hypersensitive (very
sensitive).
- Reaction to the jewelry (your body may reject the
piercing).
- Interruption of your urine flow when you pee.
- Hepatitis B, C, and HIV from piercing equipment that's
not properly sterilized.
USE A CONDOM
Oral
Sex
Be
careful during oral sex. A piercing can cause tissue damage if you're deep
throating---and can lead to broken teeth and choking. Use a condom or avoid
deep-throating altogether.
Some
evidence suggests that if you're pierced, you may have a greater risk of
getting HIV when someone gives you head. Protect yourself and your
partner(s) by using an oral sex condom. Leave space at the tip of the
condom so that it's not stretched tight over the jewelry (this could tear the
condom).
Anal
and Vaginal Sex
The
tissue in the vagina and anus are delicate and easily damaged. Condoms and lots
of lube will help reduce friction and prevent the jewelry from tearing or
damaging the skin. Some guys take the piercing out for sex if it causes
discomfort. Just be sure to put a condom on before you dive in, because
bacteria and fluids can still get in the piercing site even when it's healed.
If
crystal is in the mix, prepare ahead of time with a stash of condoms and lube.
If you see or feel any signs of infection, get it checked out by a doc ASAP.
Thank you for your shlong-tastic question!
-Dr.
Dick