Great question. While there's no scientific research that a nipple piercing will change the nerves in the area or increase nipple sensitivity, a lot of women say they notice a difference afterward. But know that just how painful the piercing is varies from person to person. "Some people feel excruciating pain for a split second; others are like, 'Oh, that was it?'" says Thompson. Don’t use any medications or substances that can thin your blood for the first weeks after the piercing. This includes, aspirin, alcohol, or a lot of caffeine. These can all make it harder for the piercing to clot and heal, making bleeding more likely.

Don’t hit any snags: Be extra careful not to catch the piercing on your clothing or jewelry. Snags can be painful and potentially catastrophic for a still-healing piercing.It may come as no surprise that a nipple piercing passes through the nipple. One might think that nipples offer only a small repertoire of placements, due to their anatomical simplicity. But even something as straightforward as the orientation of the piercing makes a great difference in its expression. A horizontal nipple piercing may convey a sense of ease and stability, while a vertical one has a more energetic vibe. Or how about a diagonal piercing to show off a quirky personality? You’ve got 360 degrees to play with, so find the angle that’s just you.

A nipple bar makes great use of both piercing holes by showing two visible, decorated ends. This allows for a double-whammy composition of separate bar ends working together to shine twice as brightly. It might be a couple of gemstones in your favorite color. This is not possible with a ring, since its circumference is closed, but a nice midway is a horseshoe, which gives you the exposed ends as well as the general curved shape of a ring. Feel free to experiment with the many options to see what suits your personality - who knows, you may even surprise yourself.A nipple piercing is a type of body piercing, centered usually at the base of the nipple. It can be pierced at any angle but is usually done horizontally or, less often, vertically. It is also possible to place multiple piercings on top of one another. People have practiced body modification for literally centuries, but nipple piercings are a trend that come and go. Thompson recommends the "less is more" approach, keeping the area clean by showering once a day (with gentle, fragrance-free soap). "Your body doesn't really need help to heal the area, aside from maintaining a healthy lifestyle"—you know, staying hydrating, eating clean, sleeping well, managing stress, and exercising.