Hafada & Guiche

On this page, we present two related but fundamentally different piercings: the Hafada on the scrotum and the Guiche on the perineum. Both belong to the less common male intimate piercings and each offer their own aesthetic and sensory qualities.

The Hafada is a surface piercing on the scrotum. It pierces the thin, mobile skin of the scrotum and is typically placed on the front or side surface. The Hafada is a primarily aesthetic piercing — it provides a decorative element in an intimate area without touching deeper tissue structures.

The name "Hafada" traces back to a Middle Eastern tradition in which young men received a piercing on the scrotum as an initiation ritual. Whether this historical attribution is entirely accurate is debated among historians — nevertheless, the name has become established in piercing culture.

The Hafada can be worn as a single piercing or in multiple arrangements. Multiple Hafada piercings in symmetrical arrangement create a decorative pattern reminiscent of body jewellery from traditional cultures. They can also be placed along the midline raphe of the scrotum (raphe scroti).

Anatomy and placement

The skin of the scrotum is thin, elastic and highly mobile, which makes placing the Hafada both simple and challenging. The piercer must grasp enough skin tissue to ensure stable seating of the jewellery. Too shallow a placement increases the migration risk.

Scrotal skin reacts to temperature — it contracts in cold conditions and becomes looser in warmth. The piercer takes this into account during placement to ensure that the jewellery sits comfortably in both states.

Jewellery

As initial jewellery for the Hafada, a Ball Closure Ring (BCR) or a Curved Barbell made from implant-grade titanium is suitable. The size is individually adjusted. After complete healing, various jewellery options are available, including segment rings, decorative rings and barbells in gold or niobium.

The Guiche (pronounced "geesh") is a horizontal piercing through the perineum — the area between the scrotum and anus. It is significantly deeper and more hidden than the Hafada and is among the less visible male intimate piercings.

Unlike the purely decorative Hafada, some Guiche wearers report a sensory component: The perineal area is rich in nerve endings, and the jewellery can produce subtle stimulation during movement, sitting or sexual activity. This effect varies considerably from person to person.

The Guiche requires precise placement, as the perineal area is anatomically complex. The piercer must position the barbell or ring so that it sits stably between the surrounding structures without causing discomfort when sitting or walking.

Daily life with the Guiche

The Guiche is a hidden piercing that is completely invisible under clothing. In daily life, it can be noticeable when sitting — especially on hard surfaces or when cycling. Most wearers get used to the feeling within a few weeks.

Hygiene in the perineal area requires special attention, as it is a moist and warm body region. Regular cleaning — especially after sports or in warm weather — is essential during the healing phase.

Jewellery

For the Guiche, a Ball Closure Ring (BCR) made from implant-grade titanium is typically used as initial jewellery. The ring adapts well to the curvature of the perineal area and allows mobility. Alternatively, a Curved Barbell can be used, which sits more comfortably with some anatomies.

Both piercings have a healing time of 8 to 12 weeks. Care requires special attention, as both are located in areas exposed to friction, moisture and warmth in daily life.

• Cleaning: Clean daily with sterile saline solution (0.9% NaCl). For the Guiche, pay particular attention to thorough drying after cleaning, as residual moisture can increase the infection risk.
• Clothing: Loose, breathable cotton underwear. Tight trousers and synthetic fabrics should be avoided during the healing phase.
• Sexual abstinence: At least 4 to 6 weeks recommended to avoid mechanical irritation.
• Sports: Avoid cycling and horse riding for at least 4-6 weeks. Other sports can generally be resumed after 1-2 weeks, provided there is no discomfort.
• Bodies of water: Avoid swimming pools, saunas and open waters for the duration of healing. The moist, warm area is more susceptible to infections from bacteria in water.