Shaving Your Hair 'Down There' Poses Health Risks, Doctors Say

These days, more and more women are grooming their pubic hair for hygiene reasons. However, according to doctors, this practice may present certain health risks.

Pubic hair is considered a natural barrier for the vagina. It traps bacteria and the hair provides a protective cushion from friction. Although the grooming practice goes way back to Egyptian times, its recent comeback has gained attention from the media, as well as scientists.

A recent study by researchers from the UC San Francisco into the grooming practices of women in the United States revealed that tidying up of pubic hair has been an increasing trend, especially among younger women today.

According to ucsf.edu, a total of 3,316 women between the ages 18 and 65 years old participated in the study, and about 84 percent said that they groomed. It has also been revealed that the removal of pubic hairs do not guarantee cleanliness. In fact, hair removal in the pubic area aggravates and irritates the remaining hair follicles. It can also leave small wounds causing an increase of abscess and staph boils formation.

The warm and moist environment in that area, plus the irritation caused by shaving is a perfect place for bacterial pathogens to breed. Dr. Kevin Pho explained that the most common bacteria that can grow in this kind of environment are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococcus.

The researchers found that 62 percent of the subjects got rid of all their pubic hair down below. Tech Times reported that a big portion of the subjects (61 percent) did this by shaving, and 12 percent used electric razors. It was also found that about 17.5 percent of who used scissors to get rid of their hair down south, while only 4.6 percent choose to use wax.

The perception of increased hygiene was the most common reason cited when asked why women shave. Almost half said they removed hair because it was part of their routine, and a third said that going bare "makes my vagina look nicer."

Over half (55.6%) of women said they groom in anticipation of sex, which is not surprising at all, and though only 21.1% say their partner's preference is the reason they remove hair. Another strong reason for shaving given was vacation, and 40% of women said they also groom for their gynecologist or other sexual health professional, Tech Insider reported.