People go to great lengths to express themselves as individuals and stand out from the crowd. A more reserved person may choose to dye their hair a unique color or get a tattoo, while a more adventurous soul may engage in body modifications such as piercings, plugs, or implants. Many forms of body modification revolve around enhancing sexual pleasure or attractiveness for the opposite sex; e.g., a boob job or penile piercing. While certain body modifications are out in the open for everybody to see, plenty of modifications are happening out of public view. Penis pearling is one such modification that takes place below the belt. Any man who is considering pearling needs to have a lot of guts, and a penchant for a healthy penis - as this is one modification that is sure to get a second look by his partners!

What is pearling?

Pearling or penis beading is a type of body modification in which small pearls or beads are inserted under the skin of the penis. Don’t worry -- ladies don’t have to miss out on all the fun - pearling can also be done on the labia. Also known as speed bumps, penis pearling creates bumps under the skin that are meant to enhance sexual pleasure, as well as creating aesthetic interest. Both the wearer and his partner can enjoy the happy benefit of increased stimulation and sensation; a man can have the pearls implanted on his shaft, under his foreskin, or in the scrotum.

Beads of different sizes and shapes can be used to create different visual patterns, as well as unique sensations. Beads of unusual shapes or larger sizes can be implanted through a small incision, while smaller, more uniformed beads are inserted via a standard large gauged needle - similar to the way that other piercings are administered.

What are the risks?

Penis beading is generally safe, when implanted by a professional who is using the proper tools. Of course, all tools, and the implants themselves, must be sterilized to prevent infection. Common side effects of the implants are inflammation, tenderness, redness, and infection; luckily, the time for healing is speedy for most people, provided there is sufficient blood flow to the area. Rarely, the body rejects the pearls altogether; this typically happens when inexperienced individuals place the pearl improperly. When beads are rejected, a bruise and blister forms above the bead, and eventually, the implant pushes itself out of the skin in the same manner as a splinter ejecting itself from one’s thumb. Penis pearls are considered a permanent implant, as they do have to be surgically removed.

One risk that many men do not consider, though it is an important one, is the fact that their current partner - or future partner - may not like the sensation of having sex with a studded penis. If one’s partner does not enjoy a studded dildo or ribbed condoms, there is a good change they will not enjoy a permanently pearled penis.

Penis pearling aftercare

If a professional, in sterile conditions, properly inserts a penis pearl, it is likely to heal just as well as any other penile piercing. It is, however, vitally important to engage in proper penis hygiene throughout the healing process in order to avoid infection or rejection and to speed healing. Daily washing of the penis with a gentle cleanser, taking special care around sutures if they are present, is the only necessary treatment for an uncomplicated penis implant procedure. Adding a penis vitamin cream, particularly one containing vitamin A for its antibacterial properties (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil), can help further protect the penis from infection once the initial sutures are healed. A penis vitamin cream should be used daily after the site of implantation is fully healed, as it will help keep the skin of the penis smooth and supple, adding to the appeal of the manhood and enhancing the appearance of the pearling.