 The reasons for piercing or not piercing are varied . Some people pierce for religious or spiritual reasons , while others pierce for self @-@ expression , for aesthetic value , for sexual pleasure , to conform to their culture or to rebel against it . Some forms of piercing remain controversial , particularly when applied to youth . The display or placement of piercings have been restricted by schools , employers and religious groups . In spite of the controversy , some people have practiced extreme forms of body piercing , with Guinness bestowing World Records on individuals with hundreds and even thousands of permanent and temporary piercings . 
