If desired, a small amount of topical anaesthetic is applied into the urethra using a
lubricated cotton bud. This helps minimise the discomfort felt by the insertion of the
needle-receiving tube. Some piercers don't like to use a receiving tube to perform this
piercing because they either find it awkward to manipulate or unnecessary. This
walkthrough is only showing what I do, not everyone else. I am not trying to say that
other methods are not equally valid.