In light of recent news that genital piercing among women has become more popular than ever, the Icelandic Women’s Rights Association has warned against the practice.
Seselía Guðmundsdóttir, who works at the piercing and tattoo parlor Tattoo Og Skart, recently told Vísir that more young women than ever have been seeking clitoral piercings, at an increase of some 800% since last year. She speculates that this is because many porn stars have such piercings, although she said she hasn’t asked how many of the young women seeking the piercings watch porn.
She says most of the women seeking the piercings are between the ages of 18 and 40, and is now performing the procedure on about 16 women every month. The piercings are reputed to increase sexual sensitivity.
In response, the Icelandic Women’s Rights Association has warned against genital piercing. In a statement to the press, they also speculate that an increasing spread of pornography has led to an increase in demand for such piercings, adding that such piercings can cause serious health problems for women.
The greatest health risks posed by piercing the clitoral hood take place during the piercing itself. If equipment isn’t properly sterilized, serious infections can result. After the piercing has taken place, the client has to take care to keep the area clean and avoid sexual activity until it has completely healed. Most clitoral hood piercings take 4 to 6 weeks to heal. By contrast, a pierced navel can take up to 12 months.