What is a Prince Albert Piercing? The Ultimate Guide

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If you’re looking to dive into the world of intimate modifications or have a client asking for the “Royal treatment”, then you’re in the right place. The Prince Albert piercing is one of the most iconic male genital piercings, known for its aesthetic. It carries a legendary backstory that’s as interesting as the piercing itself.

Whether you’re a professional piercer looking to sharpen your technique or you’re curious about what the Prince Albert piercing is, our guide steps away the mystery.

We’ll cover everything there is to know, from the Prince Albert name origin to the nitty-gritty piercing and healing process.

The female version of this piercing is called the Princess Albertina piercing (more information about this piercing can be found here.

What is the origin of a Prince Albert piercing?

Urban legend suggests the Prince Albert piercing name origin traces back to Queen Victoria’s husband. As the story goes, the prince had a piercing so he could use a dressing ring to secure his anatomy to a trouser button.

This meant he could wear the tight military trousers that were fashionable in the 1800s, without any visible bulges. While historians might raise an eyebrow at this tale, it’s a story that has cemented the PA’s status in piercing history.

How do you get a Prince Albert piercing?

The technique used for a Prince Albert genital piercing can vary slightly depending on a person’s anatomy. It’s a precise process that requires a steady hand and the right equipment.

Piercing a circumcised vs an uncircumcised penis

In the case of a circumcised penis, the piercing is placed exactly at the point of the removed foreskin frenulum.

 

• The cannula method — A cannula (a hollow needle covered with a plastic tube) is inserted into the natural opening of the urethra. To avoid any injury, the needle is pulled back into the cannula during the insertion process. Once the cannula is correctly placed, the needles are pushed out, and the piercing is complete.
  
  
• The receiving tube method — A receiving tube (protective tube) is first inserted into the urethra. By applying some pressure outward, the position inside the urethra becomes visible and can be punctured at the exact right place with a piercing needle. This is a great method for preventing accidental injury to the urethra.

What size needles are used for a Prince Albert piercing?

Accuracy is everything when it comes to intimate work. The Prince Albert piercing is normally performed with a needle thickness of 2.4 mm. And we’ve got the professional gear to help you get it right every time; specialised tools, such as a dedicated Prince Albert Piercing Kit, make the process even easier and more efficient.

Please make sure that these procedures are always carried out by professional piercers to reduce the risk of serious infections.

Once that fresh opening is created, a ball closure — also known as a segment ring — is usually the go-to jewellery. After the area has successfully healed, your client can branch out into other styles, like curved or circular barbells.

If they want to go even more next level, a specifically made Prince’s Wand (penis plug) as seen above, can also be considered to really make a statement.

Does a Prince Albert piercing hurt?

While the idea of a needle in such a sensitive spot might make you wince, the truth is a relief. Because the PA is a fairly uncomplicated and quick piercing, the pain, contrary to popular assumptions, is actually quite bearable.

The puncture point can even be anaesthetised if necessary. In rare cases, blood vessels running next to the frenulum can make things a bit more sensitive, but for the most part, it’s a fast pinch, and then it’s over. Compared to a heavy-duty cartilage piercing, many people find that the PA is surprisingly easy to sit for.

How long does a Prince Albert piercing take to heal?

One of the best things about this piercing is its healing timeline. While some piercings take an age to settle, a PA usually heals within 4 to 8 weeks with the right care.

Because the area is repeatedly exposed to urine — which acts as a mild, natural disinfectant — the healing process isn’t particularly strenuous. The quick turnaround makes it a favourite for those who don’t want to wait months on end for their new modification to settle.

Prince Albert piercing aftercare and advice

To keep things moving along smoothly and make sure your new modification stays as regal as its name suggests, you need to be diligent during those first few weeks. While the Prince Albert piercing is known for being a relatively easy healer, skipping the basics is a one-way ticket to discomfort.

Make sure to follow these essential steps to keep your healing on the right track:

• Chamomile baths — This isn’t just a relaxing tea; it’s a game-changer for intimate piercings. Submerging the area in a warm chamomile bath can support the healing process, soothe the delicate tissue, and help reduce any initial inflammation.
  
  

• Sea salt soaks — Cleanliness is everything in the piercing world. Standard saline soaks or sea salt solutions are great for keeping the area clean and flushing out any debris from the puncture site.
  
  

• Keep it dry — After your soaks or showers, don’t just pull your clothes back on. Gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel; moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria, and we want to keep things fresh and dry.
  
  

• Listen to your body — You know your anatomy better than anyone else. If something feels off or the initial ‘sting’ doesn’t start to fade as expected, it’s always best to check in with your professional piercer to see how they can help or give any guidance.
  
  

For a deeper dive into the world of healing and looking after fresh work, take a look at our top tips for tattoo aftercare. While the location might be different, the core principles of hygiene and proper aftercare remain exactly the same for any body modification.

How to identify a Prince Albert piercing infection

While complications are incredibly rare when you choose a pro who uses the right gear, you still need to stay sharp. A Prince Albert piercing infection can happen if hygiene isn’t a top priority or if the area is irritated during the early stages of healing.

Some red flags to watch out for:

• Persistent heat and throbbing — While some tenderness is normal for the first day or two, persistent, heavy throbbing or a feeling of heat in the glans could be a sign your body is trying to fight something off.
  
  

• Unusual discharge — Don’t confuse lymph (the clear/white fluid common during healing) with an infection. If you see yellow scabbing that itches excessively, looks unusual, or is accompanied by green or foul-smelling discharge, it’s time to take action.
  
  
• Heavy bleeding or swelling — A little spotting is expected initially, but heavy bleeding or significant swelling that doesn’t start to go down after the first few days needs professional attention.

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t panic, but don’t wait either. Reach out to your piercer or a healthcare professional to get it sorted.

How to choose the right jewellery

As we mentioned before, you’ll start with a 2.4 mm gauge. However, once the area is fully healed, the Prince Albert is usually stretched, as a thicker ring is more comfortable for long-term wear.

A thickness of about 4mm or more is recommended to prevent the ring from growing out or causing any irritation. 

Shop all things Prince Albert piercings with Barber DTS Tattoo Supplies

The Prince Albert is a classic for a reason. If you’re a professional piercer looking to stock your studio with the best equipment in the UK, we’ve got everything you need to deliver a royal result, from furniture to body jewellery, instrument trays and piercing equipment.

Or, head over to our Advice Hub to have all of your questions answered with help from industry experts.

Prince Albert piercing FAQs

Can you still use the bathroom normally with a PA piercing?

This is one of the most common worries, but don’t panic! You can still urinate perfectly normally, though you might find the aim takes a little bit more practice initially, as the jewellery can cause the stream to divert.

How soon can you be sexually active after the piercing?

We know you’re excited, but patience is a virtue. It’s generally recommended to wait at least 2 to 4 weeks before engaging in any sexual activity.

Even then, you should use some form of protection to prevent any foreign bacteria from entering the fresh piercing and to keep the jewellery from causing any accidental friction or irritation.

What happens if you want to remove the piercing later?

If you decide the royal look isn’t for you anymore, you can simply remove it. The hole will generally shrink once the jewellery is removed, though it might not close up entirely.

Is there a female equivalent to a Prince Albert piercing?

There certainly is. The female version of this piercing is known as the Princess Albertina piercing.

While the PA passes through the male urethra, the Princess Albertina is a similar intimate piercing that is placed through the female urethra and exits between the urethra and the vaginal opening. Much like a PA, it’s often chosen for its aesthetic appeal and its potential to increase stimulation.