Why genital piercings are on the rise in Australia

What to know before getting a genital piercing.

Like personal style, hair colours and tattoos, piercings have long been a popular form of self-expression. Sure, there’s some momentary pain (it does involve a needle piercing your skin, after all), but many would agree the result is well worth it. In fact, I know far more people who have their ears pierced than those who don’t.

I remember going on my own piercing rampage in the later years of high school. I opted for a few cartilage piercings and then followed it up with a nose piercing and tongue webbing. Admittedly, it brought on an entirely new feeling of self-confidence in me. The piercings had nothing to do with beauty or catering to a male gaze, and everything to do with self-expression.

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Genital piercings, on the other hand, have always felt far too intimidating to even contemplate. The mere thought of being pierced in such an intimate area makes me shudder.

However, the tide appears to be turning. According to co-founder and director of Melbourne-based Body Vision Piercing, Mustafa Ozturk, more people are asking about genital piercings today than ever before.

This, he credits, is due to feelings of empowerment and people taking control over their own body.”The demand is coming from all directions, couples, solo clients, people exploring their sexuality,” he adds. If you’re curious to get one, read everything you need to know first below.

The different types of genital piercings

In total, there are around 15 standard types of genital piercings on offer. Some popular options include scrotum piercings, the ‘Prince Albert’, clitoral piercings and labia piercings.

In saying this, co-founder Kate Ozturk-Massey, notes that genital piercings can be deeply personal, and are often customised to suit the individual. “Because everybody is unique, all options are anatomy dependent, which is why we always begin with a private consultation,” she explains.

Though Ash* (32), one of Body Vision Piercing’s customers, had initially booked in for a vertical clitoral hood piercing, her piercer advised her anatomy wasn’t suitable for this option and suggested a labia piercing. Instead, she opted for two outer labia piercings. “Honestly, they’re some of the coolest piercings I’ve ever gotten and I can’t wait to add some more to the collection,” she says.

Most studios, like Body Vision, collaborate closely with clients to match each person’s body and specific goals, whether that’s functional or aesthetic. The ultimate aim is that the piercing feels empowering.

The uptick in genital piercings

Though ear curations and ear stacks remain among Body Vision Piercing’s most popular choices, the salon has noticed an uptick in alternative requests, including bridge, eyebrow and genital piercings.

Though data is limited, Body Vision Piercing reports a three-fold growth in consultations for intimate piercings over the past 24 months, with as many as four genital piercings performed per week across its four studios.

The reasons behind this growth are layered: on one hand, it can be about gender affirmation and self-expression, other times, it’s about aesthetics, novelty and sexual pleasure.

For trans and non-binary people, it can be about body autonomy and reclaiming ownership. For example, for those who have started going through hormonal therapies, it can open up new opportunities to have piercings they may not have had the anatomy for previously, or to distract from anatomy that may cause body dysmorphia.

“We believe we’re seeing a beautiful shift toward body reclamation,” Kate says. “Piercing is so much more than just an accessory. It’s a way to decorate the skin you live in.”

For others, it aligns with the rise of sex-positive culture, encouraging open conversations about pleasure and self-exploration. “Sexual wellness and body positivity are having a moment,” adds Mustafa. “Our job is to demystify intimate piercings and guide customers through every step of their journey.”

The healing process

Though the idea of having a needle pierce your intimate areas might feel scary, Kate assures me that healing is fairly manageable. In fact, many intimate piercings can heal faster than cartilage piercings due to the high blood flow in those areas.

“You might feel some minor discomfort for the first few days but as long as you listen to your body, and follow a simple aftercare routine from your piercer, the recovery is surprisingly straightforward,” she says.

On average, it can take anywhere between three and six months to fully heal. Like any other piercing, you’ll need to clean it twice a day and avoid touching or playing with it. “It’s all about a little extra patience and choosing breathable fabrics during those first few weeks, and being cautious of any physical activities you may be doing.”

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to take a vow of celibacy, but the general rule of caution is that any sexual activity should be approached slowly and carefully.

*Name has been changed for privacy.

For more on the history of piercings, try this.