Disclaimer: Many confuse the oral frenulum piercing with the frenum piercing, but the correct term for the oral piercing is the oral frenulum piercing. If you're looking for information on lip piercings, oral piercings, upper lip piercings, this guide isn't for you. This blog is about the frenum piercing, which is a genital piercing. If you're here for that, keep reading.
Not sure whether to get a Prince Albert or a Frenum Piercing? Whether you’re considering this piercing for its potential benefits or simply for personal expression, it’s essential to understand everything involved. In this guide, we’ll cover what you need to know before getting a frenum piercing for men.
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The frenum piercing is a male genital piercing placed on the underside of the penis, specifically on the shaft. It consists of a single horizontal piercing that goes through the loose skin of the frenulum area, just below the glans, but it can also be placed along the shaft. For circumcised individuals, the placements will often be positioned along the circumcision scar. This traditional placement is about half an inch below a Prince Albert, which gives enough space to get both a Prince Albert and a frenum.
If one frenum piercing isn't enough, individuals can also get multiple frenum piercings along the underside shaft of the penis to create what is called a frenum piercing ladder. This is also known as Jacob's Ladder or the Devil's Ladder.
These piercings need to have enough space between them to avoid any pinching. Each piercer will have their limit on how many frenum piercings they'll do at a single time. The more piercings you get at once, the harder your body has to work to heal them. If you’re considering multiple frenum piercings, consult your piercer to plan the placement.
Yes, uncircumcised men can get a frenum piercing. The jewelry used should sit comfortably within the foreskin. The placement may be higher and closer to the glans or further back depending on anatomy.
However, if the frenum piercing is placed closer to the glans, there may not be enough room to accommodate both a Prince Albert and a frenum piercing. In this case, your piercer can assess your anatomy and recommend the best placement options.
Male frenum piercings are popular for both aesthetic and pleasurable reasons for both the wearer and their partner. For the wearer it can enhance sensitivity and sensation during sexual activity whether self-pleasuring, as well as oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. For their partners, it can enhance pleasure during penetrative sex.
While the exact origins of the frenum piercing are unknown, recorded documents from 1884 show that the Timorese tribe in Indonesia practiced this piercing for the sexual benefits. They used brass rings to enhance stimulation. As BDSM culture has grown, this piercing has become more widely accepted and popular in modern body piercing.
Before getting this piercing, find a professional piercing studio that specializes in genital piercings. The piercer will take a look at your anatomy and determine the best spot for the piercing. If you are considering getting multiple frenum piercings (a frenum ladder) or a Prince Albert, let your piercer know. This way, they can plan and mark the spot for any other genital piercings you may want later.
After assessing your anatomy, the piercer will decide on the gauge and type of initial piercing jewelry to use. The best jewelry for a frenum piercing while it heals is usually a straight barbell between 12g to 8g. The length of the post will be slightly larger to accommodate any swelling.
Once the spot is marked, the piercer will clean the area, and use a sterile hollow needle to complete the piercing. Piercers may use forceps or freehand the procedure. They'll pierce the skin with the needle and follow through with the initial piercing jewelry. After it's done, the area is cleaned and bandaged up.
How to prepare for your piercing appointment:
This piercing goes through the frenulum which is a very thin and flexible piece of skin, so it's usually less painful than other genital piercings like the Prince Albert. You'll feel a quick pinch and many say that the pain is brief and easy to handle. However, everyone's pain tolerance is different.
The frenum piercing price depends on the piercing studio, location and the piercer's experience. On average, the cost ranges from $80 to $150 for a single frenum piercing, not including the initial piercing jewelry. The cost will be higher for multiple frenum piercings.
Since this is a genital piercing, opt for high quality jewelry like implant grade titanium. And don't forget to budget for aftercare products like saline spray.
If you're searching for "frenum piercing near me," check reviews and pricing to find a reputable and experienced piercer.
The frenum piercing healing time is usually between 12 weeks to 16 weeks, but it can take up to six months. Factors like hygiene, aftercare, and sexual activity can affect healing time. Proper care will help avoid complications and ensure smooth healing.
During the first couple of weeks, you can expect swelling, redness, and discomfort—especially around the head of the penis—as well as some bleeding. If you experience bleeding, use a sanitary pad or liner to help absorb the blood and keep the area clean.
Frenum piercings are known to slightly migrate during healing. Jewelry that fits well at the beginning can become too long and you may need to downsize for a more snug fit to prevent snagging.
Genital piercings, including the frenum, may cause slight thickening of the surrounding tissue. Don't worry, this is normal. While this can be permanent, there's a possibility it may diminish over time.
Make sure to follow your piercer's aftercare instructions during the healing period. Generally, you'll want to follow these steps:
If you see any signs of an infection like green or yellow pus, intense pain, fever or severe swelling, go see a doctor.
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This piercing is popular for its increase in sexual pleasure for both the wearer and their partner. However, you should wait until the piercing heals before engaging in any sexual activity, including masturbation.
If you decide to engage in sexual activity before your piercing has fully healed, wait at least a few weeks to allow for initial healing. Using protection and being gentle can reduce discomfort and lower the risk of infections, including STIs. Gently clean the piercing after any sexual activity to prevent irritation and infection.
If you experience friction or irritation during sexual activity, using Pleasure Plus condoms can help alleviate the discomfort since they have extra room in the frenum area.
Your piercer will determine the best jewelry based on your anatomy. A 12g-8g straight barbell is usually used. The length of the post will be determined by your anatomy. The jewelry will accommodate the area when it's fully erect, so you may see the post show a bit when flaccid.
For the initial piercing jewelry, opt for high-quality pieces like implant grade titanium for a smoother healing process. As the piercing heals, you may need to downsize your jewelry to ensure a snug fit.
Once your piercing heals, you can switch to a ring, such as a captive bead ring, if preferred. A circular barbell can also be used. A benefit of the circular barbell is that the two balls can provide stimulation for your partner and the diameter can be widened or made more snug to fit the wearer's anatomy.
Another popular choice is to add a frenum loop, which is a ring that goes around the entire shaft. These come in different designs and can include several balls around the ring to provide extra pleasure for your partner. If this is your goal, tell your piercer beforehand so they can pierce you in the appropriate spot.
Talk to your piercer about the different jewelry options to see what works best for you and your goals.
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Frenum piercings are generally safe and easy to heal, but they may not be right for everyone. Proper aftercare is crucial to prevent migration or rejection of the piercing. If you're not able to commit to the aftercare, you may want to reconsider this piercing. Discuss any concerns with your piercer.
Yes. Some people get multiple piercings along the shaft, creating a frenum piercing ladder. Tell your piercer about what your ultimate goals are, so they can help you plan accordingly. Also, each piercer will have a policy on how many frenum piercings they'll do at a time, so make sure to discuss this in advance.
A standard frenum piercing is located on the underside of the penis, while a dorsal frenum piercing is on the top.
Yes, but you should wait until your piercing completely heals. Straight barbells are used as the initial piercing jewelry because they're better for healing. Rings can move more, which might slow down the healing process.
Both piercings are very popular, with the frenum coming in as a close second. A Prince Albert goes through the urethra while a frenum is located on the underside of the shaft. People report that a frenum piercing tends to be a bit less painful and healing may be a little easier since it doesn’t go through the urethra like a Prince Albert. Both provide sexual stimulation to the wearer and their partners. If you're considering getting both piercings, talk to your piercer to ensure you have enough room for both. Learn more about the Prince Albert Piercing here.
It may be possible to stretch depending on your anatomy. If the frenum is pierced through very loose skin, it'll be easier to stretch. However, if the piercing is made further down the shaft or the tissue where it's located is more rigid, it may not be possible to stretch. Talk to your piercer about stretching and if your anatomy can accommodate it.
Since the frenum goes through thin and delicate tissue, retiring this piercing can leave a small scar like pitting or dimpling.
We hope this guide has been helpful! If you have any questions, be sure to ask a professional piercer. As always, please remember to follow us on all our socials platforms @bodyartforms!
