Sex and Pancakes

Royal Family Jewels

OpinionsMelissa Fuller — Published December 6, 2011

I was fooling around with a guy I kind of like the other night and things were going great, until I realized that he has a Prince Albert piercing. I’m actually scared of his dick; I don’t want to touch it and I don’t want it in me. He says it’s perfectly safe, but what are the actual risks when it comes to with having sex with him?

— Afraid of Albert

Genital piercings can be pretty intimidating, so I definitely understand your fear. For those of you who don’t know, a “Prince Albert” piercing involves a ring that is inserted through the base of the penis head and comes out through the urethra. Sounds like a fun time, right?

Right! While getting your dick pierced or seeing your partner’s dick pierced might not sound awesome, it’s done for a reason. The piercing increases sensation for the pierced partner and can also create new sensations for the penetrated partner.

Think of it as an ultra-ribbed penis tip. So while your initial reaction is to freak out, you might actually really like his Prince Albert in the end.

Like most piercings, the risks are minimal if it’s cared for and was initially done correctly. With this in mind, it’s good to know how long your guy’s had the piercing and if it’s all healed up.

In terms of oral sex, your only real significant risk is discomfort. Since it’s a ring, there shouldn’t be any sharp edges to the piercing, and it’s always good to make sure the piercing is securely in place before getting started.

With this type of piercing, you should absolutely use a condom, not only to prevent STIs, but also since, depending where he is in the healing process, a piercing is essentially a healing wound—so it’s extra vulnerable and is an opening between you and your partner.

If you’re planning on giving him head, just go at your own pace and see what you’re comfortable with.

For penetrative sex, you should again make sure there’s nothing potentially sharp, and that the piercing is secure. This is also definitely the time to use a condom. If used properly, a condom isn’t likely to break, but if a regular one fits too snugly with the piercing, consider using a bigger condom.

You should also have lube on hand because, depending on the size of his ring, it might be a bit difficult at first. If he’s had penetrative sex with it before then he probably has an idea of how it will go down. Which brings me to my next point…

Talk ! Talk about your fear with him before doing anything. Sure, it might seem unsexy to talk about it, but are you going to feel comfortable and safe doing this if you don’t?

He must also expect that not every partner will be super eager to just stick it in right away. He might even be a little nervous the first time someone sees it—so remember that while you might be freaked out, this is his dick. Don’t judge or be rude, and whatever you do, don’t cock your head to the side and say, “Ewwww.”

It’s also fine if you never become eager to do it. So you “kind of like” this guy. Big deal. If you’re not down to try this out, then there’s nothing wrong with that. Just let him down nicely—don’t tell him it’s ‘cause you’re scared of his dick.

—Melissa Fuller
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