Jacob's Ladder Piercing 101: Modifying Your Member

For the bold, daring, and slightly freaky, a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing stands out as a distinctive choice for those looking for extreme body modification. Surprisingly originating from a biblical reference, this piercing involves a series of vertical piercings along the shaft of the male genitalia.

If you’re here, you most likely already know what a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing is but we’ll go through all the essentials from how the procedure is done, healing time, cost, and pain levels.

What is a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing?

A Jacob’s Ladder Piercing, also known as a frenum ladder, is a form of body modification that involves multiple surface piercings (typically three rungs for the full ladder effect) along the underside of the shaft of a penis. The placement typically follows the path of the frenum, which is the connective tissue on the underside of the penis. The result is a ladder-like arrangement of piercings that can be both visually striking and erotically stimulating.

How to Do a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing

The process involves sterilizing the area with antiseptic solution, carefully marking the desired placement on the under side of the penis, and then using a sterilized needle to create the piercings. The piercer will guide a barbell or captive bead ring through each piercing, creating the characteristic ladder effect. It is crucial to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the piercer to ensure proper healing.

Where to Get a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing

A Jacob’s Ladder Piercing should only be performed by a professional and experienced piercer. Look for studios with experienced piercers who adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards. Not all but many well-established piercing and tattoo studios offer this service, and it’s advisable to do thorough research, read reviews, and even consult with the piercer before making a decision. Not all business websites advertise every piercing they do or genital piercings, so it may be best to call or walk-in for a consultation.

How Much Does a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing Cost?

The cost of Jacob’s Ladder Piercing can vary based on the piercing studio’s location, reputation, type of jewelry, and the number of piercings involved. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $300 for a complete Jacob’s Ladder Piercing (3 rungs, including jewelry, not including tip). It may cost less, $100 to $200, if you’re only getting one or two rungs or more if you opt for more rungs.

It’s important to consider the quality of service and hygiene standards when making a decision, as prioritizing safety over cost can save you a nasty infection.

Does a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing Hurt?

Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but it’s important to know that the Jacob’s Ladder Piercing involves multiple piercings in a sensitive area. There’s going to be a moderate amount of pain. Most people describe the pain as manageable, similar to a sharp pinch or sting with a few minutes of throbbing afterwards. There may be soreness that lasts 2-3 days around the piercing sites but the actual piercing of the frenum shaft isn’t as horrible as you’d think.

Do You Need to be Hard For a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing?

Many would think you’d need to be erect to get a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing for proper placement but the answer is no, you don’t need to be hard. The piercing is performed on a flaccid penis where the piercer will mark the placement to your agreement beforehand. If you have any concerns on placement, you may want to show your piercer a picture (or in person) of your erect member with your desired placement.

How Long Does a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing Take to Heal?

On average, you can expect the initial healing process to take around 6 to 12 weeks, with complete healing potentially extending to a few months. Strictly following the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer is crucial to ensure a smooth healing process. During this period, it’s important to avoid any activities that could disrupt the healing process, including sexual intercourse.

After the initial healing phase, some may still experience sensitivity, so it’s advisable to proceed with caution and communicate openly with your partner. Always listen to your body, and if you have any concerns or discomfort, it’s recommended to consult with your piercer or a healthcare professional before resuming sexual activities.

What Does a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing Feel Like?

Beyond the initial discomfort during the piercing process, people often say they experience heightened sensitivity after getting Jacob’s Ladder Piercing. Sex and masturbation is said to have a more intense feeling that’s pleasurable for both the pierced and their partner.

It’s also said that after the initial change of sensation of wearing jewelry down there, after a few months they’ll become unnoticeable just as any piercing would, so there isn’t a constant uncomfortable feeling while performing everyday activities.

Do Women Experience More Pleasure With a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing?

While the primary enhanced sensation is focused on the man wearing the Jacob’s Ladder Piercing, some partners may also find the added texture and sensations pleasurable during sex. Some women have described it as feeling like an extra ribbed condom which greatly increased sensitivity, while others have stated it’s hardly noticeable in feeling. It’s also been stated that performing oral can be a bit more difficult on a pierced frenum.

There have also been some women to report their experience as painful during coitus or leaving a sore feeling after, so it’s important to communicate with a new partner to understand each person’s comfort level.

How to Wash a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing

Cleaning and proper hygiene are crucial for the healing process of Jacob’s Ladder Piercing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash a freshly pierced Jacob’s Ladder Piercing as well as how to maintain proper maintenance:

Jacob’s Ladder Piercing Immediate Aftercare

What You’ll Need:

Non-alcoholic saline solution or mild, fragrance-free liquid soap
Sterile cotton swabs or gauze pads
Warm water
Clean, disposable paper towels

Steps:

Wash Your Hands:
- Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. Ensure your hands are clean to avoid introducing bacteria to the piercing.
Prepare Saline Solution or Soap Solution:
- Mix a saline solution by dissolving non-iodized sea salt in warm water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water). Alternatively, use a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap.
Soak a Cotton Swab or Gauze Pad:
- Dip a sterile cotton swab or gauze pad into the saline solution or soapy water. Make sure it’s thoroughly saturated.
Clean Around the Piercings:
- Gently clean around each piercing site, removing any dried blood, lymph, or crusted discharge. Use a separate swab or pad for each piercing to avoid cross-contamination.
Rotate the Jewelry (if applicable):
- If your jewelry allows movement, gently rotate it during cleaning. This helps prevent the jewelry from adhering to the healing tissue.
Rinse with Warm Water:
- Rinse the piercings with warm water to remove any remaining saline solution or soap. Ensure there is no residue left.
Pat Dry with Paper Towels:
- Gently pat the pierced area dry with clean, disposable paper towels. Avoid using cloth towels that may harbor bacteria.
Avoid Products with Harsh Chemicals:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, alcohol-based solutions, or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the piercing and slow down the healing process.
Frequency of Cleaning:
- Clean your Jacob’s Ladder Piercing twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bedtime, or as recommended by your piercer.
Monitor for Signs of Infection:
- Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge with an unpleasant odor. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult with your piercer or a healthcare professional.

Jacob’s Ladder Piercing Healed Aftercare

After your piercing is fully healed, you can wash your Jacob’s Ladder Piercing as you typically would wash your body and penis in the shower. You can use a mild, anti-bacterial soap to rinse your piercing, rotating the jewelry if possible. Be sure to avoid moisture and keep the piercing dry to avoid build-up and infection.

Are There Risks to Getting a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing?

Like any body modification, Jacob’s Ladder Piercing comes with potential risks. Infections, allergic reactions, and rejection of the piercings are among the concerns. It’s paramount you have good aftercare and always maintain a clean piercing site to avoid infections. While not a common occurrence but still prevalent enough to cause concern, some men report their piercings never fully healed. After the initial healing phase, there should not be any pus, swelling, or discomfort. If these issues persists, it’s best to take the piercings out and consult with a professional.

It is also said there’s a heightened risk of being susceptible to catching sexually transmitted diseases. Even when fully healed, a piercing still creates an open wound on your body. It’s important to practice more caution in keeping genital piercings protected. Otherwise, the Jacob’s Ladder Piercing is only a surface level piercing that does not affect any sperm production or erection capabilities.

Best Jewelry For Jacob’s Ladder Piercing

The choice of jewelry for Jacob’s Ladder Piercing is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and the healing process.

When selecting jewelry for Jacob’s Ladder Piercing, consider the following factors:

Material: Opt for high-quality, body-safe materials such as surgical stainless steel, titanium, or niobium. These materials are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Avoid plastic materials which can cause bacteria build up.
Size: Ensure that the size of the jewelry is appropriate for your penis’s anatomy and the number of piercings. Jewelry that is too tight or too big can hinder the healing process.
Comfort: Choose jewelry that feels comfortable and suits your personal style. The right jewelry can enhance both the aesthetic and sensory aspects of a Jacob’s Ladder Piercing. Experiment with different types of jewelry for the right fit as this will be a completely new sensation.

Types of Jewelry For Jacob’s Ladder Piercing

Barbells: Straight barbells are a popular choice for Jacob’s Ladder Piercing. They consist of a straight rod with a ball on each end. The length of the barbell should be appropriate for the number of piercings and the anatomy of the individual.

Captive Bead Rings (CBRs): These are circular rings with a removable bead or captive ball. CBRs can provide a distinctive look to Jacob’s Ladder Piercing, and they are available in various sizes and materials.

Segment Rings: Similar to captive bead rings, segment rings consist of a circular piece that can be opened and closed with a small segment removed. They offer a sleek and continuous appearance.

Circular Barbells: These are circular in shape with threaded beads on each end. Circular barbells can provide a comfortable and stylish option for Jacob’s Ladder Piercing.

Surface Bars: Surface bars are specially designed for surface piercings, and they can be a suitable choice for Jacob’s Ladder Piercing. They have a flat or gently curved shape to accommodate the anatomy.

It’s essential to consult with your piercer to determine the most suitable jewelry for your specific anatomy and preferences.

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