Between trimming, waxing, sugaring, lasering, and going all-natural, the options for pubic hair grooming are plentiful. But many women may want to know if their grooming habits, like getting a Brazilian, could affect your vaginal health and make them more likely to get an STI. So before you make that appointment, read over this guide.
Vulvar Vs. Vaginal Health
Let’s get some terms straight before diving in — pubic hair covers your groin and vulvar area. The vagina is inside of your body and has no hair. So when you remove your pubic hair, you are primarily dealing with the vulva.
Pubes: What Are They Good For?
Pubic hair keeps the skin of the vulva warm and moisturized, protecting you from germs and cushioning against friction during sexual intercourse. There are some theories that it can also increase sexual satisfaction. While some think pubic hair might be unsanitary, the opposite may be true, as the hair often catches bacteria and other things that could enter the vagina. And it only needs to be rinsed with water to be kept clean.
Is it Dangerous to Go Bare Down There When it Comes to STIs?
The reasons people go bare down there are many, from physical comfort and social norms to heightened sensation during sex and just personal preference. But there are risks.
First, any hair removal itself may lead to injuries and infections, including STIs. Burns from hot wax, cuts from razors and infections from in-grown hairs can occur. You may develop a vaginal boil after waxing. That’s when a hair follicle becomes infected. The follicle may fill with pus and become red and swollen. In most cases, vaginal boils resolve by themselves with home treatments, like a warm compress, but if that doesn’t provide relief, you should see your healthcare provider.
Additionally, you can be exposed to viruses and bacteria during hair removal. It’s important to ensure your chosen method is done safely without undue exposure. Beyond these larger infections and injuries, some theorize that hair removal may lead to microtears in the skin which can put you at risk of further infections after you’ve finished your hair treatment.
Hair Removal, STIs & Other Infections
Once you leave the esthetician’s office, any abrasion, small or large, can leave you at an increased risk of contracting bacterial and viral infections like herpes simplex or HPV (Human papillomavirus). A study in the British Medical Journal found a correlation when they surveyed more than 7,500 participants who self-reported their grooming habits and STI history. However, the research on whether waxing or other means of removing pubic hair causes yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis is inconclusive. Some say that yeast may be able to enter through microtears while others say that removing the hair down there may reduce the possibility of a yeast infection since the area is more likely to stay clean and dry, which is the opposite of the moist conditions yeast needs to thrive.
Protecting Your Vaginal Health While Removing Hair
So, how can you best protect yourself if you prefer to remove some or all of your pubes? First, choose a method that is safe. The safest method might be just trimming your hair. Depilatory creams are absolutely to be avoided as the chemicals can be irritating to the genitals.
Shaving is probably one of the riskier methods. But if you shave, follow these tips. If you have longer hair, trim with dry, clean scissors before shaving. You can use rubbing alcohol to clean the scissors beforehand. When you shave, use a fresh, clean razor. Wet the skin and hair, and apply a fragrance-free cream or lotion designed for shaving. Be sure you’re focusing 100% on what you’re doing and shave slowly and carefully. Genital skin is thin and can be nicked easily. Rinse the razor after each swipe of the razor. When you’re done, pat the area dry and apply a fragrance-free lotion to the area and wear loose-fitting clothes.
When it comes to waxing, choose a reputable waxing salon and ensure it looks clean and sanitary. They should use new equipment and follow excellent hygiene procedures to prevent infection. That includes not “double-dipping”. Estheticians usually use wooden sticks to apply wax. Each stick should be used only once, otherwise you could be getting exposed to other’s hair and skin. Follow the after-care instructions from your esthetician. Wear loose, breathable clothing afterward, and do not use pools, saunas, or hot tubs within 48 hours of your waxing treatment. Instead, prepare for your vacations by scheduling your waxing at least two days in advance, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your getaway comfortably.
Of course, laser hair removal might be a good option if you’re looking for a permanent solution. Not everyone is a good candidate for laser hair removal so be sure to find out if it will work for you. It’s also expensive and requires multiple sessions and occasional upkeep. But it is safe for most people.
