Christina Piercing Information & Aftercare

Christina Piercing Info & Aftercare

Genital piercings are a great way to feel more confident or sexy in your body. While some can enhance pleasure, others are for pure decoration. If you have a vulva and are interested in genital piercings, you may want to consider a Christina piercing.

We’ll explore everything you need to know before you get pierced, including what the piercing is, where its placed, the type of jewelry you can wear, and aftercare.

What Is a Christina Piercing?

The Christina piercing, also known as a Venus piercing, is a vertical surface piercing placed at the top of the vulva where the cleft of Venus (hence its other name) extends up to the pubic mound. The exact placement perforates tissue from the base of the pubic mound to where the labia majora meet.

Unlike other genital piercings, like a clitoral hood piercing that may enhance sexual pleasure and sensation, this piercing is purely ornamental. Instead, it helps boost confidence and draws attention. It can also lead to more arousal from your partner.

Why Is It Called a Christina Piercing?

The Christina piercing is relatively contemporary. It was first introduced in the 1990s and named after a woman named Christina, who was the first to get it.

Can Anyone Get a Christina Piercing?

There are two crucial things you must have to get this piercing. The first thing you must have is a vulva. However, the Christina piercing is extremely anatomy-dependent. Because every vulva varies differently, especially in terms of shape and tissue thickness, not everyone can get this piercing.

When a professional piercer assesses the area, they are generally looking to ensure that you have enough pliable tissue (enough to pinch) and that there is a deep enough divot above your clitoral hood for the jewelry to rest in.

What Types of Christina Piercing Jewelry Are There?

The type of jewelry you should wear in your Christina piercing will depend on your specific anatomy. The most commonly used type of jewelry is a curved barbell, which fits most vulva anatomies with enough of a ridge and pliable tissue on the pubic mound.

However, if you have a more pronounced fold or ridge where the piercing will look a little deeper, your piercer may opt to use a J-Bar. This jewelry helps pop the bottom bead out more, making it more visible.

If you have a flatter pubic mound, your piercer may make the piercing more of a surface piercing and use either a surface bar or an L-bar.

Regardless of which jewelry fits your body best, you’ll start with a longer piece to account for post-piercing swelling.

What Size Gauge Is a Christina Piercing?

This piercing is most commonly performed at a minimum of 12 or 10 gauge. However, some piercers also perform them at 14 gauge.

Which Materials Are Best for Initial Christina Piercing Jewelry?

When you’re initially pierced (and even when you change jewelry), you’ll want to make sure you invest in quality, body-safe materials. These help prevent allergic reactions, especially if you have a known nickel allergy.

According to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), there are the following materials are best for jewelry:

What Is the Piercing Process for a Christina Piercing?

First, you’ll discuss the basics of the procedure with your piercer, who will then bring you back to ensure you have the proper anatomy for the piercing.

Next, your piercer or the front-of-house staff will help you select jewelry. It’s important that you have a consultation first, as the recommended jewelry options will depend on your anatomy.

From there, you’ll sign some paperwork and the piercer will bring you back to get pierced. They will first disinfect the area, mark where the piercing will be placed, and get your confirmation.

Next comes the actual piercing. You’ll be asked to take a deep breath and slowly exhale as your piercer pushes the needle through. They’ll insert the jewelry, do some cleanup, and allow you to see your new adornment in the mirror.

Do They Hurt?

Compared to other genital piercings that go through areas with more concentrated nerve endings, like the clitoris, the Christina piercing doesn’t hurt as much.

That being said, the piercing does go through more tissue than some of the other genital piercings available for people with vulvas. While everybody has different pain tolerances, it isn’t too bad and is temporary.

Most people who have gotten the piercing rate it as 3 or 4 on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.

What Should You Do To Prepare to Get Pierced?

As with any other piercing, make sure you eat and hydrate before getting pierced. Additionally, to make it easier for your piercer to mark the area and to help with aftercare, you will want to have the area shaved or waxed beforehand.

How Much Does a Christina Piercing Cost?

Christina piercings usually range from $50-$100 depending on where you go to get pierced and who is performing your piercing. The procedure cost doesn’t usually include jewelry, so budget an additional $40-$80 on top of the initial piercing cost.

How Long Does It Take to Heal?

Because it goes through more tissue, the piercing does take longer to heal. The typical Christina piercing healing time is anywhere from 3 months minimum to a maximum of 9 months.

What Are Common Risks to Be Aware Of?

One thing to note about this piercing is the importance of getting it done by an experienced professional piercer. This is because this piercing can be prone to rejection if it is pierced too shallowly, with improper jewelry, or if you don’t have the proper anatomy for the piercing. If you notice the visible tissue is becoming thinner or your jewelry seems to be getting longer, visit your piercer to have them evaluate it.

Additionally, it is common to lose beads due to movement from walking. Therefore, you must wash your hands with unscented antimicrobial soap and check your beads daily.

What Is the Aftercare for a Christina Piercing?

Being extremely conscious of your aftercare routine is important, especially because Christina piercings go through more tissue. Thankfully, the daily aftercare steps involved in this process are generally easy to manage.

It’s recommended that you grab some sterile saline spray and wash your hands before you get started. Brands like NeilMed or H2Ocean are both easy to use and ready to throw in your bag if you’re on the go. As a rule, you’ll want to clean your piercing with saline twice per day—once when you wake up and once before bed. Spray both sides of your piercing and dab any excess from the surrounding areas with a paper towel.

In addition to cleaning the piercing, you’ll also want to:

  • Shower daily
  • Wear a sanitary pad or panty liner to help prevent it from getting caught as you walk around. Place the pad or panty liner in your underwear to cover the piercing.
  • Wear loose clothes and avoid as much friction from clothing as possible.
  • Wait until your piercing is fully healed to engage in sexual conduct of any kind, solo or partnered
  • Avoid hot tubs, pools, or any other public bodies of water

The Christina piercing is one of the most common genital piercings people with vulvas get. So go out and enhance your confidence with one.