The client needs to find a professional body piercer. Visit local tattoo shops and ask for a tour of the facility. Look over portfolios of the artist's past work. The work in the portfolio should be healed piercings that are not red or swollen. Check the piercings in the photos to see if they look straight. Ask questions about how long the piercer has been working professionally and about any education in anatomy and blood bourne pathogens. The piercer should have documentation of this education.
When comfortable with the piercer, a client needs to have a consultation for the procedure. During a consultation, the piercer will view the client's anatomy. Every woman's anatomy is different and not all women can heal every type of genital piercing. For example, women with large outer labia may not be built for a hood piercing, because the outer labia may put constant pressure onto the hood causing it to not heal. The piercer will point out what piercings the client can have, and answer questions about jewelry, healing times, and any other concerns or issues the client may have.
Come into the tattoo shop for the piercing after a good night's sleep, a full meal, and a shower. Abstaining from illegal drugs and alcohol is important, for a professional piercer will not proceed with the piercing if the client is under the influence. Fill out the legal paperwork, answering each question honestly. The body piercer needs to know if you have any medical conditions that could affect the healing of the piercing. For example, clients who have diabetes or are anemic cannot be pierced without a permissive note from a physician.
Piercings are not recommended for clients with immune deficiency diseases. If the client is pregnant, the piercer will refuse to do the piercing. Pregnant women generally cannot heal a piercing correctly because the body is concentrating on the growing fetus and neglects the piercing. This can lead to infection and harm the fetus and the mother. The piercer will copy state issued identification proving the client's legal age of eighteen to adhere to the paperwork.
The client will be in a private room for the genital piercing. The piercer will have the client pick out a specific color of jewelry. Sterilized tools, needle, and jewelry should come from an autoclave in protective packaging. The piercer should also wash their hands and adorn gloves while the client undresses from the waist down.
The genital area will be cleaned with sterile gauze and an antimicrobial soap. A mark is placed on the site of the genital piercing with a sterile surgical marker, and the piercer instructs the client on how to breathe. The genitals are pierced with a sterilized needle, following with sterile jewelry.
Blood will be cleaned up after the piercing and the piercer will throw all disposables away in a biohazard trash can, dispose of the needle in a sharps container, and explain aftercare procedures to the client.