The eternal question! I've had both of my nipples pierced for 4 years. The initial healing was so easy, though I expected it to be tough based on everything I read.

I have 12g bars in that were measured by my piercer to fit comfortably and snugly. I've had the same bars (implant grade titanium) in for 3 years now. For the past year and a half, every month (sometimes to do with my menstrual cycle, sometimes not) I will get some sort of irritation. Red bump, discharge, crusties.

They're never sore or uncomfortable and I love the look of them and the increase in sensitivity - but I'm prone to keloids and I worry about changing jewelry from what I have in case it triggers the growth of one. I always assumed I'd remove them when I became pregnant, in advance of breastfeeding... But now I'm seriously considering retiring them.

Do I keep them and deal with monthly crusties and sores? Do I retire and mourn the great time they were in my life? I would like to know people's thoughts.