Looking for a piercing that's both stylish and stimulating? If you have a vulva, the vertical clitoral hood piercing might pique your interest. This clit piercing has gained popularity for both its aesthetic appeal and potential benefits.
But what exactly is this piercing, and is it right for you? We'll cover everything from the VCH piercing anatomy needed to the piercing process, plus answer questions like, "what's a VCH piercing ring?" and "what are the benefits of a VCH piercing?"
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A VCH piercing, or vertical clitoral hood piercing, is a popular female genital piercing. The VCH piercing location passes through the thin skin of the clitoral hood. It sits above the clitoris and is pierced vertically, allowing jewelry to rest against the clitoris, which can enhance sensitivity. Many people get this piercing for both its visual appeal and added stimulation.
Getting a genital piercing is empowering and can be a confidence booster. However, one main reason this vaginal piercing is popular is for its sexual benefits. With the barbell jewelry used, one of the balls is visible while the other one comfortably rests under the hood. This means the jewelry makes direct contact with the clitoris enhancing sexual stimulation.
So, what does a VCH piercing mean for those who get it? It's an attractive and empowering accessory that adds extra excitement in the bedroom.
While most people with a vulva are able to get this piercing, it is anatomy dependent. The person getting pierced must have a deep enough hood to support the jewelry, and the pubic mound shouldn't put too much pressure on it. A professional piercer will first check your anatomy to see if you’re a good candidate for a VCH piercing. Not everyone has the right clitoral hood shape for this piercing to sit comfortably.
Make sure you do your research and find a reputable piercer with experience in VCH piercings. If done incorrectly, this piercing can lead to reduced sensation, tearing, migration, rejection, excessive scarring, or other complications.
Before you begin the procedure, ask the piercer to explain the entire process. If they use forceps, leave and find another piercer. Clamping down on the tissue with forceps can harm your clitoris.
If the piercer plans to pierce a small pinch of skin, it can result in a surface piercing, which is incorrect placement and can lead to complications.
If you can get a VCH piercing, the piercer will mark the placement. They may use a needle receiving tube under the hood to help protect your clitoris. Once they insert the hollow needle, they'll follow with the initial piercing jewelry.
Another technique is freehand piercing, where the needle is inserted under the hood and pushed upward, followed by inserting the jewelry.
For the initial piercing, a curved barbell is usually used, but a straight barbell or ring may also be an option, depending on anatomy.
Overall, the experience is fast and doesn't have much discomfort afterwards. Some slight bleeding may occur at the piercing area, so bring a panty liner just in case. Just remember to go to a reputable piercer for the best results.
It's a genital piercing, so it's going to hurt. However, many people report that this is one of the least painful genital piercings. Since the clitoral hood is a thin layer of tissue, the piercing is quick, and most describe the pain as a brief pinch rather than prolonged pain.
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, however. If you have thicker skin in that area, you may experience more discomfort during the procedure.
The price of a VCH piercing depends on the piercer's experience and location. On average, it costs between $50 and $125, not including the jewelry. This piercing is in a sensitive area, so opt for high-quality jewelry like implant-grade titanium to avoid allergic reactions. Don't forget to budget for aftercare products like saline spray solution.
It’s important to choose a professional piercer experienced with genital piercings, even if it costs more, to reduce the risk of infection and ensure correct placement.
How long does it take a VCH piercing to heal? The healing process is relatively quick compared to other body piercings. A VCH piercing typically takes four to 12 weeks to fully heal. However, healing time can vary based on aftercare, jewelry size, and your anatomy.
During the first couple of weeks, the piercing may be red and feel more sensitive. The discomfort should subside afterwards. However, if the piercing continues to feel uncomfortable, you may need to change the jewelry size or style.
If you have an exposed hood, healing may take longer, and you might experience increased sensitivity during the process.
Following your piercer's aftercare instructions is important. Taking care of and cleaning the piercing is crucial.
Generally, you'll want to clean your piercing twice a day with saline solution. Spray or soak for a few minutes, use a clean paper towel to wipe away any excess, and let it dry.
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Just like any piercing, watch it closely. Look for signs of an infected VCH piercing. This can include swelling, redness, discharge, and pain. If you suspect an infection, go see a professional piercer or doctor for help.
Many people wonder how a VCH piercing affects intimacy. Wait until the piercing heals to resume any fun in the bedroom. It'll be worth it.
If you can't wait until the piercing fully heals, wait at least four weeks before engaging in any sexual activity, including oral sex or masturbation. Make sure to use protection to prevent an infection or STI. You don't want your partner's bodily fluids all over your fresh piercing.
Clean the piercing area after any sexual activity. Always practice safe hygiene and listen to your body during the healing process.
After your piercing heals, get ready for a stimulating experience. Many people find that the jewelry enhances clitoral stimulation, resulting in more orgasms.
What about the wearer's partner? The physical benefits for your partner can vary based on positioning and anatomy. For example, activities like scissoring or other vulva-on-vulva contact may enhance clitoral stimulation for both partners.
So, what jewelry works best for your VCH piercing?
Your initial VCH piercing jewelry will likely be a standard titanium curved barbell, in either 14g or 12g. The exact length will depend on your anatomy plus a little extra to accommodate for swelling.
Once your piercing has fully healed, however, your options will expand a bit. While curved barbells are the standard, some people opt for straight barbells, captive bead rings or clicker rings. Barbells with gem or opal ends are also an option, though remember to go with bezel set ones rather than prong set. Read more about the difference in settings on our blog about gem settings.
If you're considering wearing a ring in your healed VCH, tell your piercer before they pierce you and they can make sure that your anatomy allows for it. Because of the location, and the pressure often put on this area by clothing, some people find rings to be uncomfortable in this piercing.
Implant-grade titanium is the gold standard jewelry material for this piercing, as it’s lightweight, nickel free, and safe for long-term wear. Make sure your jewelry is the correct length, as a bar that’s too long can shift and cause irritation, while a bar that’s too short can risk embedding. Also, opt for internally threaded jewelry for more comfortable insertion.
Not sure what gauge or length jewelry you need? See our body jewelry measurement guide.
If you’re looking for VCH jewelry, you can find a wide selection on our site!
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While many people with a vulva are able to get this piercing, not everyone has the anatomy for it. You should avoid it if your anatomy doesn't support proper placement.
If you have a hypersensitive clitoris, you might want to reconsider this piercing as the sensitivity or stimulation may become too much.
Even though the healing period is pretty short compared to other piercings, if you can’t commit to proper aftercare, this might not be the piercing for you.
Maybe. Even though it's unlikely that a VCH piercing and other hood piercings may interfere with childbirth, some doctors prefer that patients remove them beforehand. With your body going through many changes during birth, jewelry can potentially cause issues. It's best to talk to your OB/GYN or midwife to find out what you should do to prepare.
If you need to take out the jewelry, ask your medical professional if wearing a retainer is possible. If it's not, just remember that you can always choose to get repierced if the piercing closes. Your health and your baby's health is the priority above all else.
While rare, nerve damage can occur if the piercing is placed incorrectly. This is why choosing an experienced piercer is crucial.
A VCH piercing passes through the vertical clitoral hood and enhances stimulation by resting against the clitoris. A triangle piercing is a more advanced type of piercing. It is located beneath the clitoral shaft and stimulates that area.
Both piercings offer unique sensations and aesthetics, so choosing between them depends on personal preference and whether you have the right anatomy to support them. Unfortunately, most people don't have the right anatomy for a triangle piercing as compared to a VCH piercing.
A VCH (Vertical Clitoral Hood) piercing and a fourchette piercing are both intimate piercings, but they are placed in different areas. A VCH piercing goes through the clitoral hood and is often chosen because it may increase stimulation. A fourchette piercing is placed through the small piece of skin near the back of the vaginal opening. Fourchette piercings are usually chosen more for their look than for added sensation. Some people also choose a fourchette piercing as a complementary lower genital piercing to pair with their VCH. The healing process and jewelry styles can also be different for each piercing.
Yes, you can, but if you experience extra sensitivity to pain during this time, you might consider waiting until your period ends to get the piercing. If you choose to go through with it, use a tampon or menstrual cup to avoid irritating your fresh piercing.
It's best to be fully healed before changing your jewelry. If you ever need surgery, an MRI, or a dental procedure, see our guide to piercing retainers for medical procedures.
We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions, consult a professional piercer. As always, please remember to follow us on all our socials platforms @bodyartforms!
