Isabella Piercing FAQ

A diagram illustrating an Isabella piercing, showing a vertical barbell passing deeply through the clitoris.

An Isabella piercing is a extremely deep vertical clitoral piercing that passes through the clitoris and exits at the pubic mound. It is an advanced genital piercing and one of the most extreme and rare female genital piercings due to its high risk and intense healing process.

The origin of the Isabella piercing is unclear, but it is considered a rare and highly advanced genital piercing that few professional piercers perform.

Yes, but it is extremely rare. Due to its deep placement through the clitoris, only a few highly skilled piercers worldwide will perform this piercing, and many professional body piercers refuse to do it due to safety risks.

Pros:

  • Highly unique and visually striking
  • Potential for increased sensation (though this is debated)
  • Rare piercing, making it a distinctive modification

Cons:

  • Extreme pain during the procedure
  • High risk of nerve damage
  • Extended healing time (many months, or longer)
  • Difficult aftercare and high rejection risk
  • A VCH (Vertical Clitoral Hood) piercing only passes through the clitoral hood, not the clitoris itself.
  • The Isabella piercing passes directly through the clitoris, making it riskier and significantly more painful.
    

  • The area is prepped thoroughly via rubbing alcohol or povidone iodine.
  • A professional piercer marks the entry and exit points with a single-use sterile surgical marker.
  • The area is pierced using a sterile, single-use, disposable needle, sometimes braced by a NRT or other various instruments. Once pierced, the piercer inserts jewelry through the newly created piercing channel and exits at the pubic mound.
  • Extreme precision is required.
  • While all experiences involving pain are person-dependant, the Isabella piercing is often regarded as one of the most painful genital piercings due to the deep tissue and nerve-rich anatomy of the clitoris.
  • Most describe the pain as intense, sharp, and long-lasting.
  • Healing time varies significantly but typically takes 6 months to over a year.
  • Due to the depth of the piercing and its placement, healing is much longer than other genital piercings.
    

  • Drink water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
    • 

  • Pee frequently and normally.
  • Use a sterile saline solution as needed.
    • 

  • Rinse gently in the shower.
  • Do not use soap, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh chemicals.
  • Avoid unnecessary movement, friction, or touching the area.
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  • Refrain from sexual intercourse involving the piercing site and surrounding area.
  • Wear loose clothing to minimize irritation.
  • Extreme pain and prolonged healing
  • Risk of nerve damage that can cause loss of sensation
  • High rejection and migration rate
  • Potential for excessive bleeding due to the vascular nature of the clitoral area
  • Straight barbells, curved barbells or custom surface bars made of implant-certifed titanium, solid gold, or implant-certifed steel.
  • Jewelry size typically starts at 10g (2.5mm) or thicker to prevent rejection.

While there is no such thing as “standard genital jewelry” it is fair to say that most random jewelry is not appropriate for an Isabella piercing due to its deep placement and thickness.

Two beads/gems appears surrounding the clitoris and the pubic mound. Visually, its most similar to a VCH, however because of its depth, the entry and exit points are farther apart than most piercings.

Professional body modification websites and piercing community forums sometimes share images. Reddit and Tumblr have discussions, but explicit content may be removed on some platforms.

  • A VCH piercing passes only through the hood, while an Isabella piercing passes through the clitoris itself.
  • VCH piercings are much easier to heal with a heater margin for success, while Isabella piercings are significantly riskier due to nerve sensitivity and depth of placement.

A deep Isabella piercing often just refers to an Isabella piercing.

Very few piercers worldwide perform this procedure. Reputable body modification professionals in cities like New York City, London, and Berlin may offer it. Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website : https://safepiercing.org/find-a-piercer/

Some highly experienced piercing studios in NYC may perform it, but availability is limited due to the risks involved. Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website : https://safepiercing.org/find-a-piercer/

Finding a piercer for an Isabella piercing is tough, as few piercers worldwide perform it. Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website : https://safepiercing.org/find-a-piercer/

There is no historical evidence that Queen Isabella of Bavaria had this piercing. Some sources mistakenly associate historical figures with extreme piercings, but this is unfounded.

The meaning is largely personal, often symbolizing aesthetic preference or body autonomy. Unlike other genital piercings, it does not necessarily come with the guarantee that it will enhance sensation.

There are no songs or lyrics referencing the Isabella piercing specifically that are known to myself or any colleagues that I’ve asked.