What Is a Christina Piercing?
A Christina piercing is a vertical surface piercing at the top of the pubic mound, above the clitoral hood where the outer labia meet. Also called a Venus piercing, it is purely decorative and anatomy dependent. This guide covers the tissue pinch test, why flat pubic anatomy makes it unsuitable, pain levels, the 3 to 6 month healing timeline and clothing management.What Is a Christina Piercing?
A Christina piercing (also called a Venus piercing) is a vertical surface piercing placed at the top of the pubic mound, the fleshy tissue above the clitoral hood where the outer labia meet. The piercing extends vertically through the mons pubis with one decorative end visible above the skin and the other anchored below. It creates an appearance similar to a low belly button piercing in terms of position on the body. The Christina was first performed in the 1990s and is named after the first documented recipient.
Unlike functional genital piercings such as the VCH or HCH, the Christina piercing does not enhance sexual sensation. It is a purely decorative surface piercing. Its appeal is aesthetic: the jewellery creates a delicate accent at the pubic hairline that is visible with low-rise clothing and swimwear but fully concealed by standard waist-height clothing. Many people choose the Christina as a body confidence piercing.
In the UK, performing a genital piercing on anyone under the age of 18 is illegal. This applies regardless of parental consent. The minimum age for a Christina piercing at any reputable UK studio is 18 with valid photo ID. The piercing is only suitable for people with vulva anatomy: specifically those with sufficient fleshy tissue on the pubic mound to support the jewellery at the correct depth.
Am I Suitable for a Christina Piercing?
Does a Christina Piercing Hurt?
Most people rate Christina piercing pain at 6 out of 10. The pubic mound has dense tissue and the piercing passes through a longer channel than most surface placements, which means both the initial needle pass and the jewellery insertion involve more sustained sensation than a simple surface bar. Pain subsides quickly after the procedure. Some soreness with walking and clothing contact is normal for the first week as the tissue in this area moves with every step.
Healing takes 3 to 6 months, though some people take up to a year depending on anatomy, clothing management and aftercare consistency. The Christina is subject to friction from clothing throughout every day: underwear waistbands, jeans, skirts and sportswear all contact the pubic mound area. The jewellery also bears a small amount of downward weight from the curved barbell itself. These combined factors make the Christina one of the more demanding surface piercings to heal.
| Stage | Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory | Weeks 1–3 | Tenderness and mild swelling; some soreness when walking; snug cotton underwear immediately |
| Early healing | Weeks 3–8 | Surface settling; daily cleaning; clothing management is the priority throughout |
| Healing | Months 2–4 | Increasingly settled; internal channel still forming; no sexual contact until fully healed |
| Full healing | Months 3–6 | Confirm with piercer; continue monitoring for migration; check bead security daily |
What Jewellery Is Used in a Christina Piercing?
A curved barbell is the most commonly used starting jewellery for a Christina piercing. The curve allows the bottom ball to sit visibly at the base of the pubic mound while the top ball peeks above the upper entry point. A J-bar (a custom-angled barbell) may be used for anatomy where a more pronounced fold creates a deeper entry point. For very flat pubic anatomy a surface bar is sometimes used instead, though this format has a higher rejection rate than the curved barbell approach.
| Style | Best For | Size Guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curved barbell (initial) | Most anatomies | 14G, 25–35mm length; longer than a standard barbell | Most common starting jewellery; length accounts for tissue depth and swelling |
| J-bar | Deeper fold anatomy | 14G, length to anatomy | Angled form helps bottom ball sit visibly for pronounced tissue fold placements |
| Surface bar | Flat pubic anatomy | 14G, length to anatomy | Used for flatter placements; not as common as curved barbell; higher rejection risk |
Implant-grade titanium throughout healing. The ball ends of a Christina barbell can work loose from daily movement during healing. Check that both ball ends are securely fastened daily. Loose bead swallowing is a real risk with genital piercings. If a ball is missing, contact your piercer for replacement before the jewellery migrates or the channel begins to close.
For all genital piercing types including VCH and HCH piercings, visit the Genital Piercing Types Explained guide. For every piercing type in one resource, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub.
Book your Christina piercing at OSCO London
Christina piercings at OSCO London are just £10. Pubic mound anatomy assessed at every consultation, implant-grade titanium as standard, full aftercare guidance included.
OSCO London is a professional piercing studio in Northwood, London. Visit the OSCO London homepage to book a Christina piercing consultation and have pubic mound anatomy assessed before any jewellery is selected.
How to Care for a Christina Piercing
Spray sterile saline at both entry and exit points two to three times daily and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Keep the piercing as dry as possible between cleans. After showering, pat the area dry immediately and thoroughly: moisture trapped around the jewellery at this location is a common cause of irritation. Avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes and the sea throughout the full healing period.
Wear snug-fitting cotton underwear from day one. Cotton breathes and sits closer to the skin than lace or synthetic fabrics, reducing the amount the jewellery moves with clothing. Avoid lace and mesh underwear throughout healing: the open weave catches the jewellery ends easily. High-waisted bottoms and tight waistbands must not contact the piercing during healing. Low-rise cuts are the appropriate choice.
Avoid sexual activity of any kind during the full healing period. Check both ball ends are securely fastened daily: movement during walking works ball ends loose over time and a lost ball allows the jewellery to migrate through the channel rapidly. Monitor for rejection signs throughout the piercing's life. The jewellery appearing longer (indicating the tissue is thinning), the entry hole enlarging or the jewellery tilting forward are all signs to visit your piercer for assessment promptly.
For a complete guide to every genital and body piercing type, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub at OSCO London, covering all placements from Christina and VCH piercings through to ear cartilage and facial piercings.