Page "Prince Albert (genital piercing)" Paragraph 4

As with many piercings, there is a small risk of the jewelry becoming caught on clothing and being pulled or torn out, but this is usually only a concern with small gauge rings ( smaller than approx.

8 ga ).

Very large gauge or heavy jewelry can cause thinning of the tissue between the urethral opening and the healed fistula resulting in an accidental meatotomy.

Conversely, extremely thin jewelry can cause the same tearing in what is commonly referred to as the " cheese cutter effect ", either during sudden torsion or over a long period of wearing, especially if the thin jewelry bears any weight.

In some cases this can be corrected surgically.