I just got my navel pierced! It’s one those painful but cute things that some girls (and  boys) do, especially during the summer. The actual piercing didn’t hurt at all, but I must admit that I was terrified. I went to the salon with a couple of my friends so that I could have someone’s hand to hold. Honestly, the room and the equipment made everything seem so scary.

When I got the piercing I didn’t scream or cry, because like I said – you don’t really feel it… it’s just a pinch. It’s not until afterwards that it starts hurting, and you’re thinking “why in the world did I get this?” I guess it depends on the person. My friend got her navel pierced a couple of days before I did, and she said she doesn’t feel pain when she sleeps or sits, and only knows it’s there when she touches it. On the other hand, my piercing hurts when I’m laying down on my side, on my stomach, and even when I bend down too far.

The bottom line is that navel piercings look pretty, but you have to be aware of the consequences. Even though your friend doesn’t feel any pain, it doesn’t mean that you won’t. If you really want to get your navel pierced, the most important thing to remember is to do it safely.

This means:

• Going to a licensed piercer who uses sterilized, disposable instruments (you can get HIV from equipment that hasn’t been sterilized properly)
• Using the right kind of jewelry (implant grade stainless steel is reasonably priced and safe to use for new piercings)
• Keeping the area clean so it can heal (it takes 4 months to 1 year for a navel piercing to heal completely)
• Going to a health care provider if you have signs of an infection (such as redness, puss, swelling, or fever)

Also, don’t let anyone tell you that you are not “skinny enough” to get a navel ring, because it’s not true! Anyone can get one. I’m definitely not “skinny”, but I got one because I’m comfortable with my body. So, if you really want to get your navel pierced, know the facts, and do it safely.

Make sure to check out our body piercing guide before consider getting a piercing of your own.

-Erica