Pubic hair has several functions. These include preventing disease, regulating genital temperature, and minimizing friction.
The decision to remove some, all, or none of one’s pubic hair is a personal choice. Media influences, sexual partners, and societal “norms” may sometimes affect this decision.
There are risks and potential side effects associated with pubic hair removal, although most are mild.
Continue reading to discover more about the reasons humans have pubic hair, its benefits, and some safe methods for removal if desired.
Researchers suggest that pubic hair fulfills three primary roles in the human body:
- reducing friction during sexual activity,
- preventing the transmission of bacteria and other microorganisms,
- maintaining an optimal temperature for the genitals.
Other ideas about the purpose of pubic hair include its role in trapping pheromones; however, well-conducted scientific studies have not provided strong evidence for this.
This connects with a theory regarding pubic hair and puberty, as its appearance during puberty is often seen as a sign of sexual maturity and may have once acted as a visual indication for potential mates.
The main advantage of pubic hair is its capacity to minimize friction during sexual intercourse.
The skin around the genitals is particularly sensitive, and pubic hair helps to naturally lessen friction associated with movements during sex and other activities that might cause chafing.
Pubic hair can also assist in blocking bacteria and microorganisms from entering the body. It specifically acts to trap dirt and pathogens that could enter through the vagina or penis.
A 2017 study suggested that having pubic hair might lower the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI); however, more research is needed to substantiate the role of pubic hair in STI prevention.
Is there an ideal amount?
Pubic hair is perfectly normal, and the quantity of hair in the pubic region varies from person to person. There is no defined standard for how much hair should be present, its thickness, or its coverage area.
One may observe significant differences in hair growth due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, someone may experience increased pubic hair growth due to polycystic ovary syndrome, while another may notice hair loss due to aging.
Is it unsanitary?
No, having pubic hair is not unsanitary. However, it can trap dirt and sweat, making it potentially more fragrant than other areas with less hair.
Like any other parts of the body, pubic hair needs regular cleaning. Individuals should wash their pubic area whenever they shower or bathe, just as they would with other body parts. Keeping it clean can help prevent odor.
In separate studies, 59% of women and 61% of men reported that they groomed their pubic area for hygiene reasons. However, there is currently no scientific backing for health benefits linked to the removal of pubic hair, aside from eliminating pubic lice.
Motives for removal
Grooming and removing pubic hair are common practices among adults. According to a 2015 study, 95% of participants had removed their pubic hair at least once in the past 4 weeks.
The same study indicated that 60% of men and 24% of women had a preference for a “hair-free” partner.
People choose to remove their pubic hair for different reasons. Some prevalent motivations include:
- Personal preference: Certain individuals may favor the appearance and sensation of having no pubic hair.
- Partner’s preference: There may have been a direct or indirect request to groom or eliminate pubic hair. However, the decision to remove hair should ultimately be the individual’s choice.
- Enhanced satisfaction: A 2019 study indicated a connection between pubic hair removal habits and relationship satisfaction, noting that women who removed pubic hair felt more feminine.
- Preparation for sexual activity: Hair removal might be particularly beneficial for those who participate in oral sex.
- Peer or societal pressure: Some individuals may feel inclined to conform to societal expectations regarding grooming. Nevertheless, this should be a personal choice.
Dangers of removing pubic hair
Choosing to remove or trim pubic hair is a personal decision, albeit sometimes influenced by social expectations.
Generally, removing pubic hair is safe, but there are some common side effects. These might include:
- itchiness,
- small razor cuts,
- possible injuries while using a razor or scissors,
- burns from chemical hair removers,
- rashes,
- infections.
Injuries related to pubic grooming are surprisingly frequent. A 2017 survey found that 25.6% of individuals who groomed this area experienced injuries during or after hair removal.
Additionally, limited evidence suggests that the removal of pubic hair could elevate the risk of STIs. Nevertheless, further studies are required to ascertain whether or not removing pubic hair increases this risk.
Best ways to remove pubic hair
There are several methods individuals can use at home to safely eliminate pubic hair. Caution is vital regardless of the chosen method to prevent injuries.
Some options for home hair removal include:
- Shaving: This option cuts the hair but may lead to irritation, cuts, itching, or rashes.
- Waxing: Although this method removes hair, it can be painful and may cause bleeding and discomfort.
- Using Chemicals: Depilatory creams can eliminate pubic hair, but they may burn or irritate sensitive skin.
- Trimming: Individuals can maintain pubic hair length using scissors or an electric trimmer.
Should a person remove their pubic hair?
Deciding whether or not to remove pubic hair is a matter of personal choice. Social influences from friends, partners, or specific media can sometimes affect this decision. Nevertheless, it remains a personal preference.
Many people choose to remove their pubic hair as it enhances their self-esteem. Some may also do it to feel more appealing to their partner. However, it is crucial to have a conversation with a partner regarding this topic.
Ultimately, individuals should assess their feelings about the decision and do what brings them the most happiness.
Summary
Pubic hair helps reduce friction during activities like sexual intercourse and assists in keeping dirt and germs away from the genital area.
Individuals can safely choose to remove their pubic hair if they wish but it is not a necessity.
While removing pubic hair is typically safe, it can lead to injuries such as burns, cuts, and nicks. Caution should always be exercised, regardless of the removal method selected.
Study ties pubic hair grooming to sexually transmitted infections
Before opting for a bikini wax or shaving the area, consider the findings of a recent study.
Both men and women who trimmed or eliminated their pubic hair were almost twice as likely to report having had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) compared to those who did not groom, even after adjusting for age and the number of sexual partners.
According to Dr. Benjamin Breyer, the study’s senior author: “I wouldn’t groom aggressively right before a sexual encounter with a partner I didn’t know well, and I would avoid having sex with an open cut or wound.”
Removing pubic hair may damage the skin, creating an entry point for bacteria or viruses, the authors stated in the journal *Sexually Transmitted Infections*.
However, in a phone interview, Breyer, a urology professor at the University of California, San Francisco, warned that grooming could also conceal other factors related to STIs. For instance, individuals who groom might be more inclined to engage in risky sexual practices—factors that were not considered in the study.
This investigation marks the first large-scale study examining the relationship between grooming habits and STIs.
Researchers interviewed 7,470 randomly selected adults who reported having at least one sexual partner in their lifetime. About 84% of women and 66% of men reported grooming their pubic hair.
Among the groomers, 17% who fully removed their hair were over four times more likely to report a history of STIs compared to those who chose to let their hair grow naturally.
Additionally, the 22% of groomers who trimmed their pubic hair at least weekly reported more than triple the rate of STIs compared to those who did not engage in grooming.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. cases of the three most prevalent STIs—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—reached an all-time high last year.
However, Debby Herbenick, a sex researcher and professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health in Bloomington, is not yet ready to recommend that people stop using razors based on the study.
“What was really lacking from the paper was the sexual aspect,” she stated in a phone interview. “This is crucial because an STI isn’t contracted from shaving or trimming pubic hair.”
The only inquiry researchers made regarding sex was how many partners participants had throughout their lifetime.
“For me, the study isn’t sufficient to prompt anyone to alter their grooming habits for their bodies,” said Herbenick, who was not part of the research team.
A previous study indicated that women who completely remove their pubic hair are more likely to engage in casual sexual encounters rather than long-term relationships—suggesting that factors beyond grooming could contribute to STIs, she noted.
In the romantic comedy “How to be Single,” Rebel Wilson, portraying Robin, expresses her disappointment over her friend’s LTRP, or “long-term relationship pubes.”
Regardless of individual grooming choices for pubic hair, Breyer emphasized the necessity of safe sex practices, particularly the use of condoms during casual encounters.
The influence of pornography and Hollywood, especially a cringeworthy episode from 2000 of HBO’s “Sex in the City,” where Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw undergoes a Brazilian bikini wax, has popularized the trend of women opting for complete hair removal in that area, according to Herbenick.
This trend seemed to diminish during the recession and may now be shifting back. Earlier this year, Vogue published an article titled, “The Full Bush Is the New Brazilian.”
Nonetheless, both men and women continue to remove their pubic hair. Since they often do this in anticipation of sexual activity, Herbenick believes groomers are unlikely to consider Breyer’s recommendation of waiting to heal after grooming before engaging in sex.
“We are aware that people are grooming in preparation for sex,” she commented. “Thus, I don’t believe that waiting is the solution.”
In a recent study published in JAMA Dermatology, over 80 percent of American women indicated that they groomed their pubic hair, with 56 percent stating they did so in preparation for sex. Women engaged in grooming practices regardless of the frequency of their sexual activity, the gender of their partner, or the nature of their sexual experiences.