VCH (Vertical Clitoral Hood) Piercing Information & Aftercare Guide
When it comes to vulva piercings, the VCH is the most popular, and for good reason, too. In a study conducted by Dr. Vaughn Miller and associates at the University of South Alabama, vulva owners who got VCH piercings experienced increased sexual desire, frequency of intercourse, and arousal. Additionally, personal experiences of people with VCH piercings made it into the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
These days, all types of vulva owners get this piercing. You'd be surprised at how many people receive this below-the-belt piercing from sorority sisters who go together as a college experience to retirees. If you’re thinking of getting yours pierced, read this guide to learn about placement, proper anatomy, types of jewelry you can wear, and proper aftercare.
What Is a VCH Piercing?
VHC stands for vertical clitoral hood piercing.
VCH Piercing Location
In terms of placement, a VCH piercing goes vertically through the hood of the clitoris, which is centered above the labia on a vulva. One of the reasons this piercing is so popular is that the anatomy and the jewelry are oriented in the same direction, making the jewelry nestle comfortably.
It’s important to note that the piercing doesn’t go through the clitoral glans itself. Instead, it goes through the thinner tissue of the hood surrounding the clitoris.
VHC Piercing Benefits
Before we discuss the VCH piercing benefits, it’s important to note that not all benefits apply to each person who gets this piercing. Yes, the piercing is meant to be functional, but it is not magical.
Regarding benefits for those who get the piercing, it can boost self-confidence. If you’re self-conscious about your particular vulval anatomy, getting a piercing that helps beautify the area can inspire more confidence and make you want to show it off to a partner. And, when you’re more confident, it can bring about more sexual enjoyment.
In addition to boosting confidence, it does help with sexual stimulation as well. Considering some vulva owners need clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm, this piercing helps enhance stimulation, which can result in enhanced orgasms from solo or partnered play. How it enhances stimulation is through the jewelry, which rests under the hood and on top of the clitoris. During solo or partnered play, the jewelry makes direct contact with the clitoris, providing pleasing stimulation. However, if you would consider yourself hypersensitive to clitoral stimulation, this piercing may not be for you.
As for benefits for partners, the enhanced stimulation can turn your partner on. It can also enhance stimulation when it comes to vulva-on-vulva sexual play.
VCH Piercing Anatomy
As with many other piercings, the vertical clitoral hood piercing is anatomy-dependent. You need to have enough tissue to pierce through in order to get the piercing, and there needs to be enough space for the jewelry to rest comfortably. While you can do the Q-tip test at home to know if you have the proper anatomy for the piercing, your best bet is to visit a piercer experienced in performing VCH piercings and have them assess your anatomy directly during a consultation.
If you’d still like to attempt the Q-tip test at home, you only need to take a cotton swab and get it wet. Then, place it so it fits under your clitoral hood. If the tip of the cotton swab entirely fits, you have the proper anatomy for the piercing. Now, even if you don’t pass the cotton swab test, you can still visit a piercer to be assessed for appropriate anatomy; some people don’t pass the home test but still have the proper anatomy needed to get a VCH piercing.
What Gauge Is a VCH Piering?
Vertical clitoral hood (VCH) piercings are typically performed at 14 or 12-gauge. Sometimes, they are performed at ten gauge, the maximum this piercing should be performed at.
VCH Piercing Jewelry Options
Another reason why a vertical clitoral hood piercing is so popular is because of the many jewelry options available to wear in this piercing. The most common type is a curved barbell, which follows the shape of the clitoral hood and clitoris and can be tucked away nicely. Curved barbells also enable the jewelry to rest a little closer to the clitoris, which enhances stimulation, too.
However, straight barbells can also be used as initial jewelry. If you’d prefer ring-style jewelry, like a seamless ring or captive bead ring, it’s best to wait until your piercing has fully healed.
While plain ends are standard, you can decorate your vulva by opting for some cute gemstones, such as opals, rubies, or amethyst. However, opt for bezel-set gems rather than prong-set if you want to wear gemstones. With prongs, it’s easier for discharge and other secretions to get caught in the prong settings and build up. Prong-set gems can also be scratchier and more irritating during play, let alone getting caught on lacy underwear. Smoother-set gems tend to be safer and have less potential for irritation.
How Long Does It Take a VCH Piercing to Heal?
Vertical clitoral hood piercings heal very quickly, which is fortunate. On average, they can heal in four to eight weeks. While it may feel healed sooner, make sure you at least let it heal for a full month at the very least to avoid any irritation or potential damage.
VHC Piercing Pain: How Much Does It Hurt?
No two people are the same; therefore, no two people will experience the same amount of pain from this piercing. That being said, it is one of the least painful genital piercings for vulvas out there.
The pain is equivalent to a sharp pain that is over quickly. It’s similar to someone approaching you and flicking you in the ear.
How Much Does a VCH Piercing Cost?
A vertical clitoral hood piercing will range in price depending on the shop you choose to go to. All shops and piercers have different set prices for genital piercings. Typically, you can expect to spend between $50 and $100 for the piercing fee, but this doesn’t include the price of jewelry or a tip.
The price of jewelry can range from $30 to $60 or higher, depending on the material and the ends you select. Plain titanium jewelry will be cheaper than gold jewelry and gemstone ends.
As for a tip, it’s customary to leave 20% of the piercing fee as a tip. Sometimes, you can leave 20% of the total if you’re purchasing jewelry, too, but ultimately, the tip is up to you based on the quality of service you receive.
VHC Piercing Aftercare
Aftercare for a vertical clitoral hood piercing is relatively simple. You don’t want to do any activity that will cause movement or friction to the area, such as riding a bike, horseback riding, or anything of the sort. In terms of sexual activity, it’s best to wait until you feel comfortable enough to resume.
Speaking of sexual activity, when you resume it, it’s best to use protection for the first while, as your piercing is still in the healing phase. This isn’t to protect your piercing from STDs per se, but it is to protect your piercing from unwanted bacteria that could spread during sexual intercourse and play. If you use lube, select a water-based lube rather than a silicone-based lube, which is harsher for the healing fistula.
Hygiene will be very important as your piercing heals. To keep the piercing clean, shower every day. Purchase a saline wound spray, like the kind made and sold by Neilmed, and cleanse your piercing with it twice daily. Additionally, you’ll want to change out of sweaty clothes and underwear immediately to keep the piercing clean and free from the potential for bacteria to build up.
If you need to touch your piercing, wash your hands with water and antimicrobial soap.
Otherwise, just make sure you avoid public bodies of water while your piercing heals to avoid introducing unwanted bacteria to the area. This means no pools, beaches, lakes, rivers, hot tubs, or anything else until your piercing is 100% healed.
FAQ
What’s the Difference Between a VCH and Christina Piercing?
A VCH piercing and a Christina piercing are both genital piercings for vulva-having people. However, their placements are what make them different. A VCH piercing goes through the clitoral hood, whereas a Christina piercing goes through the pubic mound.