Body piercings in general have been associated with a high rate of complications such as infection, bleeding and scarring.
Genital piercing can result in bleeding; nerve damage (which may cause pain or problems with sex) and infection at the site of the genital piercing (which can lead to blocked fallopian tubes and problems falling pregnant in the future).
Piercings also cause condoms to tear during sex and consequently increase the risk of pregnancy. Male piercings also increase this risk, and use of double condoms and a second form of contraception is recommended.
Because of the associated risks, piercings are not generally recommended, and should be avoided particularly in women with infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and C or diabetes, and those with pre-existing heart conditions, which increase the risk of infection of the heart valves (infective endocarditis).
Women with pre-existing skin conditions involving the genital region should also avoid piercings. You should speak to your doctor if you are considering a piercing and see your doctor as soon as possible if you have any concerns after it has been performed. If you are intent on going ahead with a piercing, it should only be performed by qualified practitioners under sterile conditions, and careful after-care of the pierced site is important. Otherwise there is the risk of blood borne infections such as hepatitis B and C as well as HIV.
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