The female genital piercing is known as Christina piercing or venus piercing. Piercings are now becoming a fashion trend. Different parts of the body like the ears, upper and lower lips, nose or even the belly buttons are pierced. Even the female genital is pierced. Unlike other piercings, it was first made in the 1990s which means it’s somehow new. There are other types of piercing like belly button piercing, tragus piercing, etc.

Christina piercing is done on the venus mound where the labia majora ( outer lips ) meet, just above the clitoris area. A curved barbell of about 16 mm is used for the piercing. It is done just to beautify the genital or pubic area and not to stimulate or arouse pleasurable sensation. This is because it is not close to the nerves that stimulate sexual pleasure.

However, in 2019 study found that positive genital self-image was linked to:

• A more positive body image as it adds to your beauty
• Reduced stress about sexual performance 
• Increased sexual enjoyment as it can create a form of stimulation when you run it against your partner’s genitals.
• Improved sexual functioning
• Giving you confidence when you are naked.

Not everyone is recommended to have a Christina piercing due to differences and variation in every woman and this matters because of where the jewelry is placed. 

Before you decide to have this type of piercing, be sure your mom libia has enough tissues and flesh to hold the jewelries. This is important because if your mom libia is not fleshy enough, you should not have this piercing as it might result to complications if you do so.

For the first time, metal L-bars or curved barbells are the most common styles of jewelry used for Christina piercings. After the healing process has taken place, you can change it to any other jewelry of your choice.

CHRISTINA PIERCING BAR

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) recommends using solid 14-karat gold or higher implant-grade metals approved by the ASTM International or International Organization for Standardization (ISO) . The recognised christina piercing bar include.

(1) IMPLANT GRADE STAINLESS STEEL

This type of jewelry is made using vacuum-melted steel. This jewelry has a better surface finish that prevents the nickel used in producing from leeching into the body and causing irritation, bumps or allergies. ASTM-F138 or ISO-5832-1 compliant are the best.

(2) SOLID 14-KARAT GOLD

This is for those who likes gold-plated jewelries. Some gold-plated pieces can flake and expose you to nickel and other alloys used under the plating. Look for ones that are body friendly. 

(3) IMPLANT-GRADE TITANUIM

For people with nickel allergy, implant-grade titanium is recommended because they are hypoallergenic. Go for ASTM-F136 or ISO 5832-3 compliant titanium jewelry.

RISKS OF CHRISTINA PIERCING

Christina piercing can leads to complications like : 
Allergic reaction: For those who are allergic to nickel, using a jewelry made with nickel can cause you to have reactions like rashes, irritation, bumps or itches.

Infection: Use of unsterilized instruments during the piercing can introduce infections and germs into your body. Also, poor hygiene when the wound has not properly healed can also cause infections. You can even get blood-borne infections like HIV
Poor healing : The healing process might take longer than other piercings because of how sensitive the area is.
Tears: You can get tears if the piercing comes in contact with things like your zips and buttons if you have not healed very well.

Embedding: When you have swelling around the jewelry, it can cause the jewelry to become deeply rooted in the tissue. Your piercer may recommend using a longer piece of jewelry initially and swapping it for something smaller once the swelling’s gone down.

HOW IS CHRISTINA PIERCING DONE ?

Before the piercing is done, an examination is done to check your genital to know if you are eligible for it. Your mon libia is checked for tissues and flesh and the kind of jewelry to be used is also discussed.
Your pubic is shaved if there are many hairs to avoid distraction and the area is disinfected using iodine or any other surgical disinfectant.

The area to be pierced is marked and confirmed by you. You can choose where you want to be pierced if it is okay with the piercer.

The tissue at the apex of your labia major is pierced and a needle is inserted through a receiving-tube to help guide it. The jewelry is inserted with the needle and closed. The area is cleaned up the blood because you will bleed during the process.

Just like other piercings, you will feel pain. The pain will be sharp during the insertion. But your pain tolerance will determine how much pain you will feel. Christina piercing takes at least 2 to 4 months to heal properly. But in some people, it takes more than that even a year to heal.

HOW TO CARE FOR CHRISTINA PIERCING

• Wash the area properly at least 2 times a day and wipe with a clean, dry clothe.
• Take your bath everyday.
• You can wear a sanitary pad if you are still bleeding and to protect the area from clothing.
• Wear loose underwear to avoid friction.
• Avoid having sex till you are fully healed.
• Do not touch or play with it till it has fully healed.
• Do not allow your partner to perform oral sex on your piercing till it has healed properly.

INFECTED CHRISTINA PIERCING 

The are other indications that shows the sign of infected christina piercing. There are:

(1) Foul smell

(2) Discharge

(3) Severe pain or throbbing around the pierced area

Redness and itching for a long time