I got my conch pierced in March. In July I was still struggling with its healing even after having the surgical steel post sized down (when advised) by a professional piercer. I decided to go ahead and try to switch to real gold. It was my end-goal, anyway, and I thought it might help the sensitivity. It did! Honestly within a few days it was feeling less swollen. It's healing well and I'll be ready for an even shorter post soon.