Men who get genital piercings not strange or aberrant: Study
A new study by researchers at Texas Tech University and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Centre found that the average man with a genital piercing is 31, white, heterosexual, college-educated and earns more than US$36 000 (about R265 000) a year.
"Some of the literature and stereotypes would lead you to believe that men who get genital piercings are strange or aberrant," said Alden Roberts, a professor in Texas Tech's Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work. "But if you look at the data, these men are not much different from the general population."
Still, the researchers said a paucity of medical literature exists about medical needs and health issues related to male genital piercings. So when problems arise, many men turn to a piercer or the Internet for medical advice, which the researchers said could put them at risk.
The online survey of 445 men from 42 states and 26 countries gathered information on risk behaviours, motives and post-piercing experiences. Among the findings:
• 89% of respondents identified themselves as Caucasian.
• 41% were married, and another 20% living with a significant other
• 56% reported a salary of more than $45,000 a year
• 28% identified themselves as having strong religious faith
• 82% identified themselves as heterosexual
• 87% said they didn't use drugs
• 74% said they had at least some college, and 20% had a graduate or doctoral degree
Source: Texas Tech University
