sarahkitty wrote:
Neither me or the hubby have any tattoos yet and are not really 'into' them but we have discussed and would both like one in our pubic areas. Has anyone got any experience of this and can anyone help with any info on how easy / hard this is to do please?
Hey sarahkitty
I'm heavily tattooed but don't have anything in my pubic area. Hopefully I can still offer some advice though.
Depending on where abouts in your pubic area you're planning to have tattooed, will have quite a large impact on the way it feels and heals. Tattoos in this area are pretty common though, so you shouldn't have much trouble finding someone to do it (unless you're planning to get a tattoo near the labia, vaginal opening or penis head).
Lots of tattoo parlours do have an open plan set up where everyone is in the same room, but obviously you would be booking this ahead of time. Any good tattooist will provide you with privacy so don't panic about a private room or anything like that. Your tattooist will make sure you're comfortable before they begin. Most tattooists have portable screens for modesty during intimate tattoos.
I would have to disagree with VirginAngel's point about 'no tattoo being perfect'. That's just not the case. If you research what you're getting done and find an excellent tattooist, there's no reason your tattoo shouldn't be perfect. As for moving during the tattoo, unless you have a very low pain threshold I really can't imagine you'll be writhing in pain or moving enough to ruin the tattoo. I always liken getting tattooed to touching moderate sunburn - sore, but not unbearable by any stretch of the imagination. Also the tattooist stretches the skin in the area before tattooing to make sure lines are straight and precise, so please don't worry about this.
It is a good idea to shave the area before you arrive at the tattooist, but chances are they will do this again for you before they begin tattooing. You will need to avoid shaving for a few weeks after the tattoo, but it will probably only be about 2-3 weeks before you can shave, rather than 6 weeks. Your tattooist will cover the area with cling film straight after the tattoo, so it won't stick to your underwear. By the way, the only time your tattoo should bleed is during tattooing, and just after the procedure. When you take the cling film off you'll have a gooey layer of sebum, blood and sweat in the area. This is totally normal (I call it human soup - gross I know!). You just need to wash this off. If you're cleaning and caring for the tattoo properly, you shouldn't scab or really stick to your undies at all. It might stick for the first day or so while the tattoo is moist, but other than that, the tattoo itself shouldn't stick to anything. You should clean the tattoo with warm soapy water and treat the area regularly with Bepanthen (if you use lanolin based products) or another reputable tattoo aftercare product. Obviously any creams you use can feel a bit gross under clothing, but it isn't going to damage or pull on you tattoo. Don't use Preparation H or Vaseline.
The most difficult thing about a tattoo in such a central area of your body is bathing. It's probably best to shower (rather than have baths) while the tattoo is healing. You should never submerge a fresh tattoo in water, but running warm water over it is fine. Having said this, don't worry too much about urine (if you're getting tattooed very close to the opening of the vagina or penis) as urine is sterile and can even help healing.
As far as getting the tattoo done, it should be pretty easy. You would be led down for the procedure and depending on how big the tattoo is, it shouldn't take too long.
Obviously this is the advice I can give from my knowledge of tattoos in general, but you would be strongly advised to check everything with your tattooist before you book, to make sure you're happy with what you can expect from the tattoo. I can't stress enough how important it is to research your artist, and follow the aftercare instructions they give you to the letter to get the best healing, best looking tattoo. And remember, you get what you pay for, so don't go for the cheap option. To give you a ball park price range, I never pay less than £80 an hour for my tattoos.
I hope that helps!