You’ve probably heard of the Prince Albert. It’s the "gateway drug" of male genital piercings. But then there’s its rebellious, slightly more intense cousin: the reverse prince albert piercing.
Honestly, the name makes it sound like you just flipped the jewelry upside down. It’s not that simple. Not even close. While a standard PA is legendary for being a quick, relatively easy heal, the reverse version—often just called a Reverse PA or RPA—is a different beast entirely. It’s deeper. It’s touchier. And yeah, it’s going to hurt a bit more.
But for the guys who choose it, the payoff is huge. We’re talking about a look that’s arguably more striking and a functional boost in sensation that many claim beats the original. If you’re sitting there wondering if your anatomy can handle it or if you’ll ever be able to aim in a bathroom again, let’s get into the weeds.
What is a Reverse Prince Albert Piercing, Exactly?
Basically, a standard PA enters the urethra and exits through the underside of the glans (the head of the penis). The reverse prince albert piercing does the opposite. The needle enters through the urethra and pushes out through the top center of the glans.
Visually, it places a bead or a ring right on the "crown."
Because the tissue on the top of the penis is much thicker than the thin skin on the bottom, the piercer has to go through a lot more "meat." Experts like those at Infinite Body Piercing often point out that a Reverse PA is essentially half of an Apadravya. An Apadravya goes all the way through from top to bottom. The Reverse PA just handles the top half.
This means it's a more substantial procedure. You aren't just piercing a flap of skin; you’re navigating through the corpus spongiosum.
The Pain Factor (Let’s Be Real)
Look, I’m not going to lie to you and say it feels like a flu shot. It’s a genital piercing. It’s going to sting. Most guys who have both say the standard PA is a 3/10 on the pain scale, while the reverse prince albert piercing jumps up to a 6 or 7.
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Why? Because the top of the glans is dense with nerve endings. It’s designed to be sensitive. Pushing a needle through that takes a second longer, and you’ll definitely feel the "pop" as it exits the skin.
Anatomy: Can You Actually Get This?
Most men can. That’s the good news.
However, your piercer is going to look at a few things during the consultation. If you’re uncircumcised, the placement has to be carefully measured so your foreskin doesn’t Constanty rub or snag on the jewelry. That’s a recipe for irritation.
Also, they’ll check for "webbing" or specific vein structures. You don’t want a needle going through a major blood vessel. Honestly, the biggest hurdle for most guys isn't the anatomy—it’s the commitment to the healing process.
The Procedure: What Happens in the Room
First off, it’s going to be cold. Clinical settings usually are. Your piercer (hopefully an APP-certified professional) will clean the area thoroughly.
They’ll use a receiving tube. This is a small metal tube that goes into the urethra to catch the needle so it doesn’t poke the bottom wall of your penis. It feels weird. Not painful, just... "full."
- Marking the spot: They’ll have you stand or sit to mark the exit point on top.
- The Tube: The receiving tube is inserted into the urethra.
- The Poke: The needle goes in through the "pee hole" and up through the top.
- The Jewelry: They’ll follow the needle through with the jewelry—usually a curved barbell or a captive bead ring.
Pro tip: Bring a spare pair of dark-colored underwear. You will bleed. Maybe more than you think. It’s a vascular area, and the "first pee" after the piercing is a rite of passage. It stings. A lot. It feels like you're urinating glass for about three seconds. Then it passes.
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Healing and Aftercare: The Long Game
A standard PA might heal in 6 weeks. A reverse prince albert piercing? You’re looking at 4 to 6 months before it’s truly "settled."
Because the channel is longer, it takes more time for the body to build a "fistula" (the tube of scar tissue that holds the piercing). During this time, you have to be a saint.
The "No-Touch" Rule
You’ve got to leave it alone. No twisting. No turning. No "checking" to see how it’s doing. Every time you move that jewelry, you’re tearing the microscopic healing cells that are trying to bridge the gap.
Sea Salt Soaks are Your Best Friend
Don't use harsh soaps. Don't use alcohol. Get some sterile saline (like NeilMed) or mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt into a cup of warm distilled water. Soak the whole thing in a shot glass for 5-10 minutes twice a day.
What About Sex?
Stop. Seriously.
You need to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before any sexual activity, and even then, you must use a condom. Your partner's bacteria is a foreign invader to an open wound. Also, the friction of sex can cause "migration," where the piercing literally moves because the tissue is being tugged.
Jewelry Choices: Rings vs. Barbells
Most piercers start you with a 10-gauge (2.4mm) or 8-gauge (3.2mm) piece of jewelry.
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Never go smaller than a 12-gauge. If the jewelry is too thin, it acts like a "cheese cutter." Your body’s natural movements will cause the thin wire to slice through the glans. Thicker jewelry is actually more comfortable because it distributes the pressure over a larger surface area.
- Curved Barbells: Great for initial healing. They don’t move around as much as rings, which reduces irritation.
- Captive Bead Rings (CBRs): These look the "coolest" to many, but they can flip and flop, which might annoy you during the first month.
- Circular Barbells (Horseshoes): A middle ground. Easy to clean, but they can snag on your boxers.
Why Most People Get It Wrong: Common Myths
There’s this idea that a reverse prince albert piercing will make you lose sensitivity. Actually, most guys report the opposite. Once healed, the jewelry provides internal and external stimulation that wasn't there before.
Another myth? That you’ll "spray" everywhere when you pee.
Okay, this one is partially true. You now have two holes where liquid can exit. For the first few weeks, while there's swelling, your aim will be chaotic. You might have to become a "sitter" for a while. Once the swelling goes down and you learn how to position the jewelry, you can usually go back to the urinal without making a mess.
Risks and When to See a Doctor
It’s not all fun and games. You’re putting a hole in a very important piece of equipment.
- Migration: If the piercing is moving closer to the surface, it’s rejecting. You need to take it out before it leaves a nasty scar.
- Infection: If you see green or yellow discharge (not the clear/white "crusties"), or if the area is hot to the touch and you have a fever, get to a clinic.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Rare, but they happen because you're introducing a foreign object into the urethra. Drink tons of water.
Actionable Steps for Success
If you're serious about getting a reverse prince albert piercing, don't just walk into the first shop you see. This is specialist territory.
- Find an APP Piercer: Go to the Association of Professional Piercers website and find someone near you who specifically lists genital piercings in their portfolio.
- Buy the Aftercare Early: Have your saline spray and shot glasses ready before you go under the needle.
- Plan Your Wardrobe: Buy a pack of loose cotton boxers. Tight briefs or jeans will be your enemy for the first fortnight.
- Hydrate: Start drinking extra water 24 hours before the appointment. It makes the "first pee" less acidic and less painful.
- The "Paper Towel" Trick: Keep a small stack of paper towels in your bathroom. Pat the area dry after every time you urinate for the first week to prevent moisture buildup and bacteria growth.
This piercing is a commitment. It’s a test of patience. But for those who make it through the six-month mark, it’s a permanent upgrade that sets you apart from the crowd. Just respect the process and your body will do the rest.