Men have been modifying their bodies since the beginning of time, whether it’s a rebellious teenager getting a tattoo or lip ring or self-proclaimed professional freak Erik “the Lizardman” Sprague’s full body transformation. Humans are fascinated with how far they can push their bodies.

But what drives people to undergo such extreme operations, and more specifically, sexual body modifications?

According to MedicineNet.com, nipple piercings can be traced back to the Roman era, where legionnaires would put rings in their nipples to help support a cape.

Around 1825, Prince Albert of England pierced a ring through the tip of his penis so that he could attach it to a chain and keep his member on one leg while wearing tight trousers. This piercing is now named after him.

In the late 1800s, women in Europe began piercing their nipples with ornately designed caps and rings because of the titillating effect they had when walking.

Today, genital modifications are more common. A man can get different-sized bars and rings put horizontally and vertically through the head and sides of his shaft. The balls at the end of the barbells can be used to stimulate women in new ways and can be heated or cooled to create intense sensations.

In contrast to body modification, some men wear cases on their penises that are locked and can only be opened by a key that they give to someone else. Some couples believe this self-denial of pleasure can increase trust in relationships, but I find this to be an extreme measure. And if you lose the key, you’re going to have an awkward visit from the locksmith and will probably have to give him a tip afterward (no pun intended).

Others get body piercings, not because of enhanced sexual pleasure or aesthetic value, but because they were victims of sexual abuse. Some victims see this as an act of reclamation over their bodies, and this can make them more prone to body modification addiction.

Some practice shared suspension, the act of attaching two people by links to their piercings, usually with carefully placed hooks through the back. These people will then engage in a tug of war between their bodies, as they enjoy the rush of endorphins from the pain.

Women are a bit more limited in their variety of piercings. Getting the hood pierced with a ring is a relatively simple procedure that is easy to clean and heal. The ring can provide constant stimulation for the female during sex and even just while walking. Some women experience orgasms just from jogging.

But getting a genital piercing can potentially be a dangerous activity if you don’t take the right precautions. Make sure to get the piercing from someone who has been certified to give it. Also, make sure to keep the piercing clean and refrain from sexual activity until it is healed.

The McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign lists these potential dangers linked to genital piercings: hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, tetanus, endocartis, condom rupture from the piercing and increased risk of STIs due to tissue damage.

The thought of putting a piece of metal through the old captain down there still makes me cringe, but I can still see the allure.

For couples, these piercings can bring a new level of sexual enhancement that men and women can enjoy, and can even boost confidence in the bedroom. Besides, it makes a hell of a show and tell for your grandkids.