Everything You Should Know Before Getting a Clitoris Glans or Hood Piercing

There are several approaches to piercing the clitoral glans or its hood. Piercings of the clitoral glans and hood can increase arousal and pleasure during solo or partnered stimulation and sexual activity.

If you appreciate body jewelry, you might be curious about adorning one of your most sensitive areas.

While it’s possible to have the clitoral glans pierced, piercing the clitoral hood is generally safer and more commonly performed. When people talk about a “clit piercing,” they’re most often referring to a hood piercing.

Genital jewelry can create noticeable sensations, but here are the essential things to consider before you decide to get pierced.

Are there different types?

• Glans: A clitoral glans piercing penetrates the actual clitoris — usually through the clitoral head for a vertical placement, or through its midpoint if performed horizontally.
• VCH: The vertical clitoral hood piercing is the most popular choice for clitoral adornment. It passes vertically through a thin portion at the tip of the hood.
• HCH: The horizontal clitoral hood piercing goes horizontally through the base of the hood.
• Triangle: The triangle piercing travels horizontally through the base of the hood and beneath the clitoral shaft, according to early practitioner Elayne Angel, author of Piercing Bible.
• Princess Diana: Coined by Angel, Princess Diana piercings are often done in pairs and may complement a VCH. They’re essentially VCH-style piercings placed slightly to each side. For instance, a VCH might be flanked by PD piercings.
• Christina: The Christina, sometimes called a Venus, isn’t technically a clitoral glans or hood piercing but is often mentioned as an alternative. One end is placed through the front of the vulva — the cleft of Venus — and exits through a small area of the mons pubis.

What does it look like?

Are there sexual benefits?

Clitoral glans and hood piercings can amplify arousal and pleasure during solo or partnered touch — and sometimes even when you’re not actively being stimulated.

For your benefit

VCH, Princess Diana, and triangle piercings are most likely to intensify sensation for the person pierced.

VCH and Princess Diana pieces often employ a bead that sits against and lightly taps the clitoris, particularly during stimulation of the hood or glans.

The triangle can enhance pleasure with direct clitoral touch or during vaginal or anal penetration. That’s because internal components of the clitoris extend downward, wrapping around the vaginal canal and even reaching toward the anus.

With a triangle piercing, the ring can stimulate from behind the clitoral shaft and even contact the external clitoral structures, producing pronounced sensation.

Although you might assume a glans piercing would deliver the strongest sensation, it carries a greater risk of nerve injury to the delicate tissue during the procedure, even when performed correctly.

For a partner’s benefit

Any glans or clitoral hood piercing can increase pleasure for a partner by creating extra friction against their genitals in certain positions.

A partner may also find stimulating your genital piercing with fingers or mouth arousing. Simply seeing the jewelry may boost their excitement.

Christina and HCH piercings are mostly decorative because they don’t directly rub the clitoris. Still, a Christina can provide enjoyable clitoral stimulation for a partner during vulva-to-vulva contact.

Can everyone get it?

Just as noses vary, so do vulvas. Certain glans or hood shapes and sizes may make some piercings unsuitable for some people.

Have a qualified piercer evaluate your anatomy to see if you’re a candidate for a specific piercing. Consider the following points.

The glans piercing is rare

Finding a piercer willing to perform a glans piercing may be difficult unless you’ve had prior genital piercings without complications.

Many people don’t have a clitoris large enough for this piercing, and even if they do, the hood and surrounding tissue might be too tight to accommodate jewelry comfortably.

Other piercings may be a better choice

Most clitoral hoods are deep enough for a VCH, but if you have prominent labia majora or outer lips, an HCH could be uncomfortable.

Your piercer should make sure there’s room

Your studio should perform a Q-tip test before any glans or hood piercing. A sterile cotton swab is placed under the hood to confirm there’s sufficient space for the procedure and that the jewelry can rest comfortably.

What types of jewelry are used for this piercing?

Although there are many jewelry types, only a few shapes are ideal for glans or clitoral hood piercings.

Curved pieces generally fit the anatomy better than straight ones because they follow the body’s contours more naturally, according to the Axiom.

• A circular barbell: A semicircular or horseshoe-shaped ring with two removable beads or balls on the ends.
• A captive bead ring: Also called a closed ball ring, this is a ring that holds a bead in place between a small opening; the ring’s ends press into indentations on the bead to secure it.
• A curved barbell: A gently curved bar with beads or balls that screw off at each end.

What material options are available for your jewelry?

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) recommends implant-grade metals or solid 14-karat gold or higher for body piercings. These materials reduce the risk of infection, toxic exposure, allergic reactions, degradation, and other complications.

Metals that meet ASTM International or ISO standards satisfy implantation requirements. Ask your piercer if they carry trusted brands like Anatometal.

• Implant-grade titanium: Lightweight, resistant to corrosion from bodily fluids, and nickel-free for those with sensitivities. Look for ASTM-F136 or ISO 5832-3 compliance.
• Implant-grade stainless steel: Another reputable option; it contains nickel but often has a protective surface layer that separates the metal from the body. Seek ASTM-F138 or ISO-5832-1 compliant pieces.
• Solid 14-karat gold: Yellow, white, or rose gold that’s free of nickel or cadmium is also acceptable.

How much does this piercing usually cost?

Price varies by location, studio, and the piercing’s complexity.

• Procedure: Most genital piercings fall in the $100–$200 range for the service alone. Expect to pay more for complex procedures like a triangle or for multiple placements, such as a paired Princess Diana.
• Tip: It’s customary to tip at least 20% of the piercing fee.
• Jewelry: Basic jewelry may be included in the studio’s price, but confirm that it’s implant-grade. If bought separately, jewelry often starts around $50.

How is this piercing done?

Procedures vary by studio, but you can expect several standard steps when getting a clitoral glans or hood piercing.

• Paperwork: You’ll need to present ID to verify you’re 18 or older and complete a waiver and intake form.
• Evaluation: If not previously assessed, the piercer will review your anatomy and the chosen jewelry. The piercer should wear gloves while handling you.
• Disinfecting: The area will be cleaned with a surgical scrub before the piercing.
• Marking: The piercer marks the exact spot to be pierced.
• Piercing: Techniques vary; a needle feeding tube may be used to guide the needle. For a VCH, for instance, the tube is placed under the hood. The piercer will confirm you’re ready; you might be asked to take a deep breath and exhale to help ease the sensation.
• Jewelry insertion: The jewelry is fitted in immediately after the needle passes through.
• Cleanup: Any bleeding will be controlled and the area cleaned before you leave.

Will it hurt?

Accounts of pain differ widely. How much it hurts depends on factors like the piercing type and individual pain tolerance.

Typically, a glans piercing produces more sensation than a hood piercing.

An experienced piercer will aim to reduce discomfort. Some people even find the experience pleasurable. If you’ve had other body piercings, you can often expect a comparable sensation: a brief intense moment followed by diminishing intensity.

What risks are associated with this piercing?

Many risks mirror those of other body piercings, including:

• Allergic reaction: Nickel in some jewelry can trigger allergies; choose implant-grade metals or solid 14K+ gold.
• Tearing: If jewelry gets caught, the piercing can be ripped out.
• Infection: Poor aftercare or unsterile equipment can cause infection. Proper sterilization and disposable tools should prevent this.
• Embedding: Jewelry that’s too short can become overgrown by skin.
• Migration and rejection: The piercing may shift from its original spot or be pushed out of the body if tissue won’t support it.
• Nerve damage: While possible with any piercing, it’s more of a concern with a glans piercing than with a hood piercing, per Angel.
• Botched piercing: An unskilled piercer might place the jewelry in the wrong anatomical location, such as piercing the clitoris when a hood piercing was intended.

There’s a belief that genital piercings increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections for the pierced person or their partners. However, research suggests any such increase is minimal — if it exists at all.

How long does it take to heal?

Healing times vary by piercing style and individual healing. Typical averages are:

• Glans: 4 to 8 weeks
• VCH: 4 to 8 weeks
• HCH: 6 to 8 weeks
• Triangle: 12 to 18 weeks
• Princess Diana: 4 to 8 weeks
• Christina: 24 weeks to up to a year

During healing you may see light bleeding or spotting for a few days, and some swelling or discoloration for a couple of weeks. Mild drainage and crusting are also common, as with other piercings.

How do you clean and care for the piercing?

Genital piercings need gentle, consistent aftercare, especially while healing. Follow the APP’s recommended aftercare guidelines.

You may wonder about resuming sex — many people have sex a few days after the piercing if they feel comfortable. During healing, follow these do’s and don’ts:

Do:

• Handle the piercing gently.
• Wash your hands before touching the area.
• Clean the piercing daily with sterile saline solution.
• Rinse with saline after sex.
• Urinate after cleaning the area or showering.
• Shower daily.
• Use clean bedding.
• Wear clean clothes.
• Use fresh towels.
• Change out of damp exercise or swimwear promptly.
• Use barrier protection, such as condoms and dental dams, during partnered sex.
• Cover sex toys with protection.
• Use water-based lubricants if needed.
• Keep jewelry in place at all times.

Don’t:

• Manipulate your piercing until it’s fully healed.
• Be rough or allow rough handling by a partner.
• Let a partner’s saliva or bodily fluids contact the piercing.
• Have unprotected sex during healing.
• Touch the area with unwashed hands.
• Use harsh soaps or cleaners on the piercing.
• Remove jewelry during healing.
• Swim in pools, lakes, or the ocean until healed.
• Wear clothing that rubs or irritates the site.

What symptoms should you watch for?

Some tenderness is normal while healing, but signs that could indicate infection include:

• skin that is red, hot, and inflamed
• pain when cleaning or touching the area
• pelvic pain with movement
• pus-like discharge from the site
• a foul smell around the piercing
• fever, body aches, or flu-like symptoms

If you suspect something is wrong, don’t remove your jewelry. The APP cautions that removing jewelry can cause the hole to close at the surface and trap an infection.

Instead, contact your piercer or a medical professional right away. If a clinician advises removing the jewelry, mention your concern about sealing in a possible infection.

How long will a healed piercing last?

Some piercings may migrate, but many remain for as long as you want to keep them in place.

How do you change the jewelry?

Have a trained piercer change clitoral glans or hood jewelry for you whenever possible.

Ask whether your piercer offers complimentary jewelry changes — many studios provide this to ensure safe handling.

Do not change jewelry during the healing phase.

If you need to remove the piercing for a medical procedure, consult your piercer first; they may have options to prevent the hole from closing.

How do you retire the piercing?

Once you’re well beyond the healing period, you can remove the jewelry yourself with thoroughly washed hands.

If the piercing is still healing, return to your piercer for safe removal. After any removal, clean the site with saline until it fully closes and heals.

The bottom line

Research local piercers thoroughly. Read reviews and check whether studios provide information about the specific genital piercing you’re considering on their websites.

If they lack information on genital piercings, that could be a sign to keep looking.

Request a consultation to have your questions answered and your anatomy assessed. A reputable piercer can tell you whether the clitoral glans or hood piercing you want is anatomically suitable and may suggest alternatives if it isn’t. Remember: every vulva is different, so what works for one person might not work for another.