Is It Bad To Shave Or Remove Pubic Hair?

To wax or not to wax…

For some inexplicable reason, pubic hair has become the new nemesis. Sure, it’s somewhat wiry, but for God’s sake, it’s a secondary sex characteristic (read: Congratulations, you are crossing puberty!).

Yet, these days, it’s being increasingly waxed, shaved or fatally lasered at the hands of young adult women everywhere. The new ‘fashionable’ mons pubis is now shiny and smooth, uncannily like Barbie’s lady bits. Or, even more disconcertingly – let’s be honest here – eerily like prepubescent genitalia.

Cue: Horror music.

Now, most women claim the grooming is necessary for “hygiene reasons”, but are they right? Is it better to get rid of pubic hair or are we doing ourselves more harm than good?

Read on to find out!

Firstly, The Reason For Pubic Hair

Despite what you believe, pubic hair isn’t another form of painful punishment from God in the guise of bikini waxes (that’s what menstruation is for, duh!). Nope, sister, the hair on your lady bits actually exists there for a reason.

The following are just a few of the many roles it plays in maintaining your health:

• It builds a physical barrier between your genitalia and external viruses or bacteria.
• It maintains an optimum temperature for female genitalia to operate smoothly.
• It retains your personal aroma (generated by pheromones) that can help stimulate your partner’s libido.
• It also prevents irritation on your genitals during sexual intercourse as friction can produce discomfort and redness.

Oh. I See. So What Happens If I Choose To Shave All My Pubic Hair?

Well, experts recommend it’s best to leave things the way they are down there. If you prefer grooming, simply give yourself an aesthetically pleasing trim. If you go for the Barbie look, however, you make yourself vulnerable to the following scenarios:

1. Skin Inflammation

Every time you get rid of pubic hair, you irritate the hair follicles and cause inflammation, creating open wounds that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Persistent shaving can also produce painful cuts or ingrown hairs (1). If you wax, since the skin there is especially sensitive, you’re vulnerable to burns.

2. Accelerated Growth Of Bacteria

Waxing is especially dangerous for the pubic region as it leads to transient inflammation and weakening of the pores.

If you combine these factors with the warmth and moisture available in this region, the pubic area subsequently transforms into a stew pot for bacterial growth, specifically group A streptococcus bacteria (2). And since you haven’t any hair, there isn’t much defense to prevent their entry into your body!

3. Increased Chances Of Contracting Herpes

Several studies have shown that fully shaved women are more susceptible to genital herpes than those who still retain their pubic hair. When you shave or wax, you remove that added layer of defense of your body, making you vulnerable to this sexually transmitted virus (3), (4).

4. Also, Greater Odds Of HPV

This is another sexually transmitted virus to watch out for. Getting rid of pubic hair will make you more vulnerable to Human Papilloma Virus, which, if undetected, could lead to cervical or vaginal cancer (5), (6), (7), (8).

5. Added Risk If You Suffer From Skin Diseases

Losing that additional line of defense can also exacerbate any ongoing skin diseases. If you happen to suffer from eczema or psoriasis, shaving the delicate skin of your lady bits can aggravate your condition. If you do suffer from the aforementioned conditions, please consult your doctor for the best way to remove excess hair.

6. P.S. Shaving Isn’t As Hygienic As You Think It Is

This is one of the most widely cited justifications for shaving that has led to more and more women joining the Barbie-mons-pubis wagon. However, if you’re experiencing a bad odor down there, it has nothing to do with your pubic hair and more to do with personal hygiene.

7. Also, FYI, This Isn’t An Aphrodisiac!

If you feel more confident once you have your lady bits shaved, thereby leading to a better sexual experience, that’s another thing. However, don’t be under the impression that shaving is physically increasing your sensitivity. Sexual pleasure isn’t really associated with the amount of pubic hair you may have.

Err, Too Late. I’ve Already Shaved Down There. What Do I Do Now?

So you’ve done the deed. Well, that’s all right. It isn’t the end of the world, and it’s entirely your prerogative as to what makes you more comfortable with your body. We can, however, recommend the following to make your experience safer and more comfortable.

• Shave Little By Little: If this is your first time shaving, don’t go overboard. Start small so that you experience less side effects and pain. Try cutting the hair with scissors initially and then proceed to wax or shave.

• Watch Out For Irritation: Regardless of what method you chose to get rid of pubic hair, look for any signs of burning, redness or general discomfort. And always ensure you use a good, gentle moisturizer.

• Use Cotton Underwear: Get rid of materials like lycra. Also, avoid tight clothing and opt for loose flowing skirts or dresses instead.

• Avoid Sunbathing That Region: During those first few days post shaving or waxing, it’s best to play it safe and avoid exposing that region to the damaging UV rays.

While it’s always best to not interfere with Mother Nature, if you do choose to get rid of any pubic hair, do follow the above-mentioned advice.

Stay beautiful but most importantly – healthy!

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Author

Emaan Shah

Emaan is a voracious and rather indiscriminate reader. She is also a writer, history buff, insomniac, amateur doodle artist, terrible poet and a self-professed philosopher (but only after 3 am). Currently, she is pursuing a degree in medicine