Connecting ink to kink

Abby Student Evergreen relationship columnist

 

Historically, people with tattoos and piercings have been characterized as promiscuous, mischievous and rough around the edges. But much like the blonde versus brunette debate, the question stands: Who has more fun?

Do individuals with tattoos and piercings lead a more sexually exciting life compared to their physically unadorned counterparts?

According to a 2012 Harris Interactive Poll, 30 percent of those with tattoos said they felt sexier following getting their tattoo. Twenty five percent said they felt more rebellious and 21 percent reported feeling stronger or more attractive.

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found commonalities across the board for both tattooed and pierced individuals in terms of their sexual activity.

The study involved 120 people, 60 of which were considered “controls” and had no body modifications (BMs include both tattoos and piercings) whatsoever. Of the remaining 60, 32 had piercings and 28 had tattoos.

Interestingly enough, researchers found that adults in the study between the ages of 20 and 35 with BMs had their first sexual experiences earlier in their life, had more sexual partners and had sex more frequently in comparison to the controls.

Tattooed individuals were likely to have more sex partners, while those with piercings were more likely to have steady partners.

Study participants with BMs were more likely to engage in anal and oral sex as a dominant sexual activity than the controls. They were also more likely to have sex outside of the bedroom, for example, in a car or other public place.

Of those with piercings, 78 percent said their body jewelry was sexually exciting for their partner. Of those with tattoos, 82 percent reported the same of their tattoos.

Many men and women also choose to pierce their genitals for enhanced sexual experience.

If done correctly, many of these piercings can be enjoyable and stimulating for both partners. As with any body-altering procedure, there are pros and cons to weigh before committing to a genital piercing.

It is important that you seek a piercing professional with experience in the area. He or she will be able to determine whether you are a good anatomical candidate and will know the correct way to pierce your specific body.

According to WebMD, the most common problems associated with genital piercings are bacterial infection, bleeding, nerve damage, allergic reaction to jewelry and thick scar tissue around the site of the piercing.

Assuming everything else has gone smoothly, aftercare is especially important. Hygiene, healing time and post-healing care can be the difference between a painful infection and a healthy set of genitalia.