I have a 2 ga in now and will soon by putting a 0 ga in. I have had it about 12+ years and love it. Some guys like to leave it in during sex and some don't. I leave it up to my partner to decide if he wants me to leave it in. I love it in. The ring really enhances the feeling!!
On unintended consequence of wearing it all the time is that it constantly keeps my cock stretched while it is flaccid and it really shows through my pants. ( I love to show it off and love love to go commando).
I hurt less than when I got my ears pierced and I jacked off with it in that night. It took about 3 weeks to fully heal.