Everything You Should Know Before Getting a Fourchette Piercing

A fourchette piercing is positioned at the rear opening of the vagina, close to the perineum. The fourchette — French for “little fork” — refers to the small fold of skin that connects the labia minora, or inner lips.

When jewelry is placed, a fourchette piercing appears to sit just below the vaginal opening.

It’s comparable to the guiche piercing found on people with penises.

What does it look like?

Are there sexual benefits?

Yes!

While a fourchette probably won’t produce the same level of direct stimulation as clitoral hood piercings, it can still offer sexual advantages for the pierced person and their partners.

For your benefit

Many people with genital piercings report increased confidence, which often translates to enhanced sexual enjoyment. There’s evidence to support this link.

Research indicates that how people view their genital appearance relates to sexual function; those satisfied with their genitals tend to find it easier to become aroused and reach orgasm.

In terms of sensation, people with a fourchette piercing describe distinct and pleasurable feelings from it during both sexual and nonsexual activities.

For your partner’s benefit

The impact on a partner isn’t always direct, but they can still gain pleasure from it.

The visual appeal of a fourchette piercing — or any genital piercing — can be enough to spark arousal in some partners.

Paired with your increased sexual confidence, it frequently leads to greater pleasure for both people.

Your partner might also enjoy the tactile sensation of the jewelry during penetrative vaginal sex or oral sex.

Can anyone get one?

Unfortunately, no.

Those who’ve had an episiotomy during childbirth aren’t suitable candidates for a fourchette piercing because of the scar tissue in that region.

Beyond that, fourchette piercings are uncommon because many people don’t have enough tissue to pierce safely.

To be eligible, the edge of skin must be well-defined and substantial enough to provide as much distance as possible between the tissue edge and the piercing.

Per the Piercing Bible, this typically requires roughly 3/8 of an inch of natural elevation.

To check if you’re a candidate, try gently pinching the skin in that area. If there isn’t enough tissue to pinch, the piercing likely won’t be suitable.

If you’re uncertain, book a consultation with an experienced piercer who can assess you.

What types of jewelry are used?

Jewelry for a fourchette piercing should be thick enough to avoid cutting into the delicate skin, which is especially susceptible to tearing.

A curved barbell or a ring is commonly advised.

Remember that some shapes and sizes might interfere with penetration, so choose your piece carefully. Your piercer can help you pick the right option.

What are my options for metals?

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) advises using solid 14-karat gold or higher, or implant-grade metals that meet ASTM International or ISO standards.

Here are the preferred choices:

• Solid 14-karat gold or higher. Though more expensive, gold is safe for most and offers options like white, yellow, or rose gold. Make sure the piece is solid gold rather than gold-plated, which can flake and reveal base metals, including nickel.
• Stainless steel. Frequently used, especially for initial piercings, because it’s affordable and safe for most people unless they have a severe nickel allergy. Choose stainless steel that complies with ASTM-F138 or ISO-5832-1.
• Titanium. More costly than stainless steel, titanium is hypoallergenic since it contains no nickel. Look for ASTM-F136 or ISO 5832-3 compliance.

How much does it cost?

Typically, female genital piercings range from $50 to $100 for the piercing service alone.

Fourchette piercings are rare and demand a skilled, highly trained piercer, who often charges more than less experienced practitioners.

The studio and your geographic area can also affect price.

Other costs to consider include:

• Jewelry. Often not included; expect to pay an additional $20 to $60 depending on material and style.
• Evaluation fee. A reputable piercer will evaluate whether you have sufficient tissue for the piercing. Some charge an extra fee for this assessment.
• Tip. If you’re pleased with the service, tipping your piercer is customary. A 20 percent tip is common.

How is this piercing done?

After completing paperwork and signing a waiver, you’ll be brought to a private room and asked to undress from the waist down.

If an evaluation hasn’t already been done, the piercer will check to ensure you have enough tissue for the fourchette piercing and the jewelry you’ve chosen.

To perform the piercing, the piercer will:

1. clean the area with a surgical-grade antiseptic
2. use forceps or a needle-receiving tube to position the tissue
3. push a sterile needle through the marked spot and out the opposite side
4. insert the selected jewelry and secure it
5. wipe away any blood and disinfect the area again

Will it hurt?

Yes, but only briefly, and generally less than a clitoral piercing.

The discomfort isn’t as intense as with some other piercings because the needle passes through a relatively small amount of thin tissue.

Most people find the process more awkward than painful, since the placement may require some internal manipulation.

Are there any risks involved?

Infection and migration are the main concerns with a fourchette piercing.

Because this piercing sits near the anus and potential fecal contamination, meticulous hygiene is crucial to keep the area clean.

Fourchette piercings can also migrate or be rejected, especially if the tissue isn’t ideal. Migration or rejection can cause the skin to split and result in scarring.

Other general piercing risks include:

• Bleeding. Skin puncture can cause bleeding. This area usually doesn’t bleed heavily, but it can occur.
• Infection. All piercings risk infection if aftercare and hygiene aren’t observed. There’s also a chance of blood-borne infections like tetanus or HIV if contaminated equipment is used.
• Allergic reactions. Some people react to certain metals, particularly nickel. Reactions range from mild irritation to severe allergy symptoms.
• Tearing and trauma. The fourchette is delicate, and sitting on the area increases the risk of irritation, tearing, and other trauma.

What’s the healing time like?

Fourchette piercings typically heal within 4 to 6 weeks.

Where you fall in that range depends on your general health and how well you care for the piercing.

What kind of aftercare is involved?

Proper aftercare is essential and can determine whether the piercing heals well. Because of its location, a fourchette piercing needs extra attention.

During healing, do the following:

• Be gentle and cautious with your piercing.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before touching the area.
• Spray or soak the piercing with saline solution three to four times daily.
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel after rinsing the area.
• Wipe front-to-back after bowel movements to move bacteria away from the piercing.
• Shower once or twice daily.
• Avoid sitting on unclean surfaces unless you have clothing between you and the surface.
• Steer clear of activities that press on the fourchette, such as biking, tight pants, or thongs.
• Wear panty liners or pads to keep the area dry and protected.
• Wait until the piercing is fully healed before resuming sexual activity.
• Use barrier protection for vaginal, anal, oral, or other sexual activity.
• Use protection with sex toys as well.
• Avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes, and similar bodies of water.
• Keep your jewelry in place at all times during healing.

While healing, avoid the following:

• Don’t fiddle with the piercing or allow others to handle it.
• Don’t touch it with unwashed hands.
• Don’t sit on dirty surfaces without clothing.
• Don’t have unprotected sex.
• Don’t let a partner’s saliva or bodily fluids contact the piercing.
• Don’t use harsh cleansers or wipes on the area.
• Don’t remove the jewelry.

Signs of a problem

Mild tenderness after a piercing is normal, but certain signs may suggest an infection.

Contact your piercer or a healthcare professional immediately if you notice any of the following:

• skin that feels hot to the touch
• increasing redness and swelling
• pain when cleaning or touching the area
• pus-like discharge
• a foul odor from the piercing
• fever

Changing the jewelry

Try to keep the original jewelry in place until the piercing is fully healed.

Due to the location, changing jewelry is difficult without assistance, particularly the first time.

Schedule an appointment with your piercer to have it changed. They can also teach you how to safely change it yourself later if you wish.

Retiring the piercing

Well-established fourchette piercings often remain open even after jewelry is removed.

If you retire the piercing earlier, its discreet placement means it’s unlikely to leave a noticeable mark, aside from perhaps a tiny indentation on the outer area.

Next steps

Fourchette piercings require a clear, sizable ridge of tissue that not everyone possesses. Attempting one when you’re not a good candidate can lead to painful complications. Choosing an experienced, reputable piercer is the best way to minimize risk.

Use the APP members directory to locate reputable piercers near you.

When evaluating a piercer, be sure to:

• Request photos of their work, including healed piercings.
• Visit the studio to assess cleanliness and professionalism.
• Ask about their sterilization and equipment procedures.
• Inspect the quality of the jewelry they offer.