I wrote an article about embarrassing questions and got a ton of feedback—and even more questions! But I noticed a lot of you had questions about nipple piercings specifically. So, I thought I’d share some answers to the most frequently asked questions about ’em. Let’s dive in, shall we?”
Nipple piercings can be painful, but the level of pain varies from person to person. Swelling is a common side effect after piercing, and it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer. Common questions about nipple piercings include whether they hurt, if flat or inverted nipples can be pierced, and if they affect breastfeeding.
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The Pain Factor
Getting a nipple piercing is generally a quick and easy process. In fact, many people report little to no pain during the procedure. This is due to the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. Even if you do feel some discomfort, it will likely be minimal and over quickly.
How to Overcome Shyness
It’s perfectly normal to feel shy or nervous about exposing your nipples to a stranger. However, it’s important to remember that your piercer is a professional who performs this procedure on a regular basis. To make yourself more comfortable, consider wearing a button-up top so that you only have to expose the nipple being pierced.
Abnormal Nipple Shapes
If your nipples are abnormally shaped (such as inverted or flat), it’s best to consult with a piercer to determine if they can be safely pierced and what the outcome will be. They will be able to examine your nipples and provide guidance.
Healing & Soreness
After getting your nipples pierced, the healing process may take anywhere from 6-8 weeks. Factors that can affect healing time include the size and weight of your breasts, as well as how much your nipples are pulled or squished on a daily basis.
To alleviate soreness, you can use an ice pack or frozen vegetables to reduce swelling, and sea salt soaks can also provide comfort.
Jewelry Rejection
Unlike surface piercings, nipple piercings are not considered to be at high risk for rejection. This is because the nipple is fleshy enough to be securely pierced, and there is enough skin to prevent rejection.
However, if you’ve had your nipples pierced for several months and they still haven’t healed, it may be a sign of an allergy or sensitivity to the jewelry or that you’re aggravating the piercings. In this case, it’s best to consult with a professional piercer to determine the best course of action.
Wearing a Bra
Wearing a bra can actually feel better after getting your nipples pierced. Sport bras tend to provide the most comfort. It’s important to make sure that your bra does not trap moisture, as this can lead to infections. If you sweat, it’s best to change your bra frequently and cleanse your piercing before wearing a new one.
Bra Size
There’s no need to worry about the size of your bra. The ring from the piercing won’t make that much difference, and a snug bra will feel better during the healing process. If your piercing leaks a little fluid during the healing process, this is normal.
To avoid getting this fluid on your bra, you can use nipple pads designed for breastfeeding mothers. These pads are soft and disposable and can create a barrier between your nipple and your bra.
Nipple Erection/Hardness
It’s a common misconception that once your nipples are pierced they will stay hard (erect) permanently. This is not true. Your nipples may be hard for a while, but eventually your body will get used to the piercing and they will relax like normal.
If you have flat nipples, getting them pierced may help push them out a bit, but this doesn’t mean they will always stand erect.
Breastfeeding
If you plan on having a child and breastfeeding in the future, you may be wondering if getting your nipples pierced is a good idea. There are many misconceptions about breastfeeding with pierced nipples, but in most cases, it does not cause problems.
In fact, some women have reported that it increases milk flow, making it easier to nurse. However, it is important to consider the safety of the jewelry, especially when it comes to keeping it clean and free from bacteria. It’s up to you to decide if you want to keep the jewelry in or remove it during breastfeeding.
Sensitivity & Arousal
Many women report that their nipples become more sensitive after getting them pierced. However, this does not mean that you will be constantly aroused. The sensitivity will be most noticeable when you want it to be. And, it’s important to remind your partner to avoid touching or kissing the piercings for at least 2 weeks after getting them done, as this can lead to infections.