A Christina piercing is a genital surface piercing that travels from the top of the clitoral hood and exits through the surface of the pubic mound. Christina piercings are very dependent on individual anatomy and are more likely to reject in women with a particularly smooth pubic region. Christina Piercing Jewellery & AftercareDepending individual anatomy, a surface piercing bar, curved barbell or ball closure ring can be worn in a Christina piercing. Custom jewellery may be required. This piercing can heal quickly but it is very dependent on good placement and can reject if knocked or irritated by underwear. Always visit an experienced piercer if you are considering a Christina piercing. We recommend wearing breathable, unrestrictive underwear and airing the piercing when possible. Abstain from sexual activity until the piercing is completely healed. Clean with saline solution as needed and avoid swimming or submersion in water until healed, taking showers rather than baths. Christina Piercing Healing Time: 4 to 12 weeks More Female Genital Piercings
Curated by Claudia Shannon / Research Scientist / ishonest A Christina piercing is a piercing at the top of the cleft of Venus. This is where the labia majora — aka outer lips — join together, just above the clitoral hood. The piercing extends up vertically from the cleft through the mons pubis, the fleshy mound above the cleft.
Recommended It looks similar to a bellybutton piercing, only down lower (obviously). Are there sexual benefits?Not exactly. Unlike a clitoris piercing that boosts sensation, a Christina is purely ornamental. While it sits close to the clit, it’s not close enough to the nerve- rich nub to tap into any of the pleasurable sensations. That said, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any benefit to be had when it comes to sex. For your benefitYou may not enjoy any extra physical pleasure from the piercing itself, but merely having it can do wonders for your sexual confidence. A 2019 study found that positive genital self-image was linked to:
For your partner’s benefitYour partner can actually benefit a few ways from your piercing. For starters, simply seeing or being aware of your piercing is enough to arouse some people. They might also get off on stimulating your piercing during oral sex.
Recommended They also get to reap the rewards of your boost in sexual confidence. Confidence is sexy AF, and your improved sexual functioning is a win-win for all involved. Also, the piercing could lead to more clit stimulation for your partner during vulva-on-vulva play. Can anyone get one?Nope. Every vulva’s different in terms of shape and the amount of tissue, both of which matter when it comes to the placement of this piercing. For this piercing to work, your mons pubis needs to have a good amount of pliable tissue. You also need to have a deep enough divot just above your hood to accommodate the jewelry. To figure out if your body is Christina-friendly, feel the area just above your clitoris where your outer labia meet. If it’s fleshy enough to pinch, then you’re probably good to go. If there’s nothing to grab, then a Christina’s probably not going to fly. If you’re not sure, book a consultation with an experienced piercer to who can tell you. What types of jewelry are used for this piercing?
Recommended Metal L-bars or curved barbells are the most common styles of jewelry used for Christina piercings. Once you’re fully healed, swapping out jewelry yourself is a lot easier on a Christina than other genital piercings. What are my options for metals?You have a few materials to choose from. The key is choosing jewelry made from quality, body-safe metals to help prevent infection, allergic reaction, and exposure to toxins. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) recommends using solid 14-karat gold or higher or implant-grade metals approved by the ASTM International or International Organization for Standardization (ISO), including:
How much does the piercing usually cost?Cost can vary quite a bit depending on your location, the studio, and the experience of the piercer. Most genital piercings range from $50 to $100 just for the procedure. The cost of jewelry isn’t always included, and starter jewelry pieces can cost from $20 to $60, depending on material. Keep in mind that some piercers charge a fee for consultations to check for piercing suitability.
Recommended Don’t forget to factor in a tip when pricing out your piercing — 20 percent is customary. How is this piercing done?The appointment will start off like any other body art appointment: You’ll present your ID and fill out some paperwork. If you have any medical conditions or other concerns, this is the time to disclose them. Here’s what to expect next:
Will it hurt?Yes, but probably not as much as you expect it to. On a scale from 1 to 10, most piercers and people who’ve gotten a Christina rate the pain between 3 and 4. That said, everyone has a different pain tolerance, and different factors can affect how much it hurts. Being drunk or hungover, super stressed or tired, or having an empty stomach can all make it feel more painful. Avoid these, and any pain you feel will be over before you can even say “ouch.” Any risks to consider?
Recommended The risks associated with a Christina piercing are the same as other body piercings. These include:
What’s the healing time like?The average healing time for a Christina is 2 to 4 months, though many people have reported theirs taking several months to a year to fully heal. What kind of aftercare is involved?When it comes to your tender parts, special care is a must. While you’re healing, do the following:
While healing, follow these don’ts:
Signs of a problemSome pain and redness is to be expected after a piercing, but some symptoms could indicate an infection. Here’s what to look out for:
Recommended See a healthcare provider for any severe symptoms or signs of infection. Changing the jewelryUnlike other genital piercings, you don’t need to go to a professional to change your piercing the first time, as long as you’re fully healed. That said, some people prefer to have their piercer change it the first time. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, make an appointment. Same if you must remove it before it’s healed for a surgical procedure. Removing your jewelry while the piercing is still healing is not recommended. Retiring the piercingIf you decide to retire your piercing, keep it clean with saline solution until the opening heals. You’ll have a small mark on your pubic mound from the piercing, but it’ll only be visible if you’re clean shaven down there. Read more on: body |