Prince Albert Piercing

The Prince Albert piercing (often abbreviated as "PA") is the most well-known and most frequently performed male genital piercing worldwide. It ranks among the classics of intimate piercings and has been the unchallenged most popular piercing in this category for decades.

With the Prince Albert, the jewellery is inserted through the urethra and exits at the underside of the glans, typically near the frenulum. The piercing channel therefore runs from the urethral opening at the tip of the glans downward to the ventral side of the glans.

According to legend, the name goes back to Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, who allegedly wore such a ring to discreetly position his member in the tight trousers of the Victorian era. Historians consider this story to be a modern myth — nevertheless, the name has persisted to this day and has become a worldwide synonym for this piercing.

A unique feature of XS Piercing: We offer the Prince Albert piercing directly in larger gauges — 3mm (8ga), 4mm (6ga) or 5mm (4ga). While most studios start with a standard gauge of 1.6mm or 2mm and then have the client go through a lengthy stretching process over months, we can achieve the desired result in a single appointment.

The advantages of larger gauges are significant:

• ✓ More comfort: Thinner rings can uncomfortably cut in or chafe in daily life. Larger gauges distribute the weight better and are significantly more comfortable to wear.
• ✓ Less migration: Thicker jewellery has a lower tendency to migrate through the tissue or grow out (the so-called "cheese cutter effect" with jewellery that is too thin).
• ✓ No stretching needed: The entire stretching process — which normally takes months and requires multiple visits — is completely eliminated.
• ✓ Better proportions: For most men, a slightly thicker ring or barbell looks more proportional and aesthetically pleasing than very thin initial jewellery.

Piercing a Prince Albert is a quick and straightforward procedure that at XS Piercing is virtually painless thanks to local anaesthesia. The entire process is clearly structured and transparent:

1. Consultation: We discuss your preferences regarding jewellery type (ring or curved barbell), gauge and placement. Your anatomy is discreetly assessed.
2. Preparation: The area is thoroughly disinfected. The exit point is marked and shown to you for confirmation.
3. Local anaesthesia: A local anaesthetic is applied. It takes effect within a few minutes and is included in the price.
4. Piercing procedure: Once the anaesthesia is fully effective, a sterile disposable needle — a so-called receiving tube — is inserted into the urethra and the needle is pushed through from inside to outside. The actual piercing procedure takes only a few seconds.
5. Inserting jewellery: The chosen initial jewellery made of implant-grade titanium is inserted immediately.
6. Aftercare: You receive detailed care instructions both verbally and in writing.

You can choose between a ring (BCR / Ball Closure Ring) and a curved barbell as initial jewellery. The ring is the classic choice and offers a more striking appearance, while the curved barbell sits more discreetly under clothing.

The Prince Albert piercing is one of the fastest healing intimate piercings. The average healing time is 4 to 8 weeks, with many wearers reporting hardly any discomfort after just 4 weeks.

The reason for the rapid healing lies in the excellent blood supply of the glans tissue. The strong blood circulation promotes cell regeneration and significantly accelerates the healing process. In the first days after the procedure, slight bleeding may occur — this is normal and no cause for concern.

Important care instructions during the healing phase:

• Cleaning: Gently rinse daily with sterile saline solution (0.9% NaCl). Do not use perfumed soaps or disinfectants.
• Sexual abstinence: Abstain from sexual activity for at least 4 weeks to minimise infection risks and mechanical irritation.
• Avoid bodies of water: Avoid swimming pools, saunas and open waters for the duration of healing.
• Do not change jewellery: Leave the initial jewellery in place throughout the entire healing phase and do not remove or swap it yourself.

The Prince Albert piercing forms the basis for various variants and extensions:

Living with a Prince Albert piercing requires a few small adjustments that quickly become routine:

Urinating

In the first few weeks, the urine stream may be slightly deflected by the jewellery. Many wearers get used to urinating while seated or keep toilet paper handy. Over time, most men learn to hold the jewellery slightly to the side while urinating, allowing a normal stream. With larger rings, it may be easier to briefly lift the ring during urination.

Hygiene

Regular, thorough cleaning is important — even after complete healing. The jewellery should be regularly moved and the piercing channel flushed with water during showering to prevent build-up. Implant-grade titanium is corrosion-resistant and hygienically safe.

Condom Use

Condoms can be used with a PA. Make sure the jewellery has no sharp edges and fits well. Curved barbells are generally more condom-friendly than rings. If in doubt, the jewellery can be removed after complete healing before intercourse and reinserted afterwards.

Long-term Jewellery

After complete healing, numerous jewellery options are available: from simple titanium rings to segment rings to jewellery made of gold or niobium. Most wearers find their preferred style within the first few months. A jewellery change should always be done with clean hands and ideally with sterile gloves.