I've been wanting to get my belly button pierced but I don't know when to do it. Some people say do it after summer in case it gets swollen that way you can enjoy your summer but other people say that you can just do it and it will be fine.

I'd like to get it done soon, but if I wait I will have to get it done when school starts. My only problem with that is that I'm a cheerleader and I don't want something bad happening to it when practices are more intense.

What do you think I should do? Also if you've had it done, does it hurt and what are tips on cleaning it after its pierced. Thanks!

If I were you I wouldn't do it myself. That's the straight and narrow down to infection, and believe me, navel piercings are one of the easiest to get infected. Try and do it prior to summer. If u can't don't stress. Try not to hit it in practice though. Those bumps aren't pretty.

What does the piercer suggest? I've read that late Summer is best - it will still get air but you won't be swimming and risking infection.

I agree with Judy. Late summer. Especially if you like to swim or do any kind of water sports.

As far a cheer leading is concerned, if you are the one that gets tossed around, I would be very careful. As this piercing can be easily ripped out.

I had mine pierced many years ago. It was pierced in the winter. I remember this because I got it done for my 16th birthday. I don't recall the amount of pain that I was in, but I do remember that it bled an awful lot. When summer rolled around I would duct tape it down if I did any water sports. i.e. tubing, water skiing, jet skiing.

I agree with Judy. Late summer. Especially if you like to swim or do any kind of water sports.

As far a cheer leading is concerned, if you are the one that gets tossed around, I would be very careful. As this piercing can be easily ripped out.

I had mine pierced many years ago. It was pierced in the winter. I remember this because I got it done for my 16th birthday. I don't recall the amount of pain that I was in, but I do remember that it bled an awful lot. When summer rolled around I would duct tape it down if I did any water sports. i.e. tubing, water skiing, jet skiing.

My mom has agreed to take me to do it, but I don't want it done during cheer cause I'm the one throwing the girls and my flyer in particular likes to grab. I heard that if I clean it as soon as I was finished swimming it would help, what do you think?

I realize you aren't asking me but the piercer is going to tell you not to swim with a new piercing.

I've posted this before - I'm a liability investigator and I worked on a case where a girl developed a very nasty infection following a piercing and swimming in a local Lake. She was hospitalized for weeks.

I wouldn't recommend swimming after getting a new piercing. There are tons of bacteria that live in water.

I would ask your piercer. But if you still go ahead with it, and decide to go swimming, I guess we will see your next post on AMHD.

"My New Belly Button Piercing Is Infected Because I Went Swimming. What Do I Do?"

So I will give you advice in advance for that. Go see your Doctor.

I posted a question on something like this earlier,but I want to get answers on a specific part of the subject. My parents have agreed to let me get my belly button pierced but now I'm second guessing myself because I am extremely afraid of it getting infected. If you have any tips and tricks on how to prevent infection and how to spot it immediately, please let me know.

When you get it done the person who does it will give you that information. Follow the instructions they give you, keep it clean and you should be OK.