Does Shaving or Waxing Pubic Hair Increase Your STI Risk? (2023)

FAQs

Does shaving pubic hair increase risk of infection? ›

Removing pubic hair may therefore make a person more susceptible to common infections, such as UTIs, vaginitis, and yeast infections. Hair removal can also irritate your skin, leading to skin infections such as cellulitis and folliculitis. In other cases, grooming-related injuries, such as cuts, could become infected.

Although the results are fairly similar, there's one key difference: how long they last. On average, waxing lasts around 3 or 4 weeks because the hair is removed at the root. Hair grows back much faster with shaving, though — within 3 days to a week. This is because shaving only removes the top layer of the hair.

From the gynecologist's perspective, shaving regularly to eliminate pubic hair has drawbacks. Razors harbor bacteria and cause some abrasion of the skin; especially in a moist environment. This creates a setup for a bacterial skin infection.

When it comes to pubic hair, people groom it using a variety of methods including shaving, waxing, trimming, and laser removal. These methods can lead to ingrown hairs and infections though, so most gynecologists warn against them and recommend trimming or letting it be instead. Dr.

Furthermore, HPV has been shown to reside on pubic and perianal hairs. It follows that traumatic hair removal in these areas might result in an infection and subsequent clinical manifestation of HPV. In the case of our patient, HPV-associated epidermodysplasia verruciformis developed, secondary to pubic hair removal.

It is not more hygienic to shave pubic hair. Some girls decide to remove it (as a personal preference) but there are no health benefits. In fact, there are risks associated with shaving your pubic hair including: razor burn (rash), redness, itching (from hair growing back), and infection in the hair root.

Waxing cons

Because the hair is removed at the root, some people say waxing is more painful than shaving. The hot wax can also burn your skin if you're not careful. Waxing can cause inflamed hair follicles, pain, redness, ingrown hairs and skin irritation.

It provides protection against friction that can cause skin irritation in this sensitive area. It helps reduce the amount of sweat produced around the vagina. It helps block your vagina from the following bacteria and infections: Sexually transmitted infections.

Irritation: Removing pubic hair by waxing or shaving can cause skin irritation, razor burns, or ingrown hairs, which can be uncomfortable or painful. Infection: Shaving or waxing can create small cuts or openings in the skin that can increase the risk of infection, especially if the area is not kept clean.

The act of grooming with razors or shavers can cause tiny tears in the skin, through which viruses and bacteria could pass, such as herpes, syphilis and HPV.

Can Brazilian wax cause BV? ›

So what happens when you remove this armour? You let bacteria pass through and allow it go down your urinary tract. In short, removing pubic hair puts you at risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis and UTI.

Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. For example, this may occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving. Most of the time, the damaged follicles become infected with staphylococci (staph) bacteria.

Shaving is the best way to get rid of pubic hair at home without pain, while trimming the hair at home is a painless method for a tidy-up. With the right tools and advice, shaving should be pain-free. And treating yourself to a bikini trimmer will make trimming a breeze.

It is possible that pubic hair removal could, through microtrauma, allow yeast that is normally on the skin to cause a vulvar yeast infection, although this hypothesis has not been studied.

Bikini area

"For a bikini wax, those who frequent the beach benefit from waxing their bikini line every two weeks. But for a full bikini or Brazilian bikini service, you're recommended to come in every three to four weeks. This allows the proper amount of time for regrowth," Coba says.

The verdict: Almost any hair removal technique can result in skin damage that makes you more susceptible to STIs—but as long as your skin is in good shape, infection is still pretty unlikely.

It also seems that removing some or all of your pubic hair may increase your risk of getting genital warts. That's because hair removal through waxing or shaving can cause tiny tears in the skin that may allow the virus to enter the skin more easily.

Avoid shaving over a wart.

Through these microtears, you can spread the virus that causes warts from the wart to any skin that you shave.

Pubic Hair Trends

According to the researchers, when asked if they removed their pubic hair, 80% of women and 39% of men removed their pubic hair near the time of the survey. Also, 3% of women and 21% of men had never removed their pubic hair.

Pubic hair may extend out to their thighs, and some girls may have a line of hair up to their belly button. Most girls attain their peak height by age 16, but some may continue growing through age 20.

How often should a woman shave her pubic hair? ›

To keep the pubic area smooth and hairless, you'll need to shave regularly, even daily. Consider if this is worth the trouble; it may become tedious after four or five weeks.

Hair also grows back much thinner, thus making it easier to remove and less painful when waxed. Shaving just one time in between will negate all that is gained from waxing and can further irritate follicles which can cause ingrown hair. So, no, we don't advise shaving in between.

While waxing is considered to be better, you must keep in mind your skin type, hair texture and hair growth before making a decision. If you have sensitive skin, use a razor, as waxing may aggravate the rashes. If you have normal skin, go in for a wax.”

In separate studies, 59% of women and 61% of men stated that they groomed their pubic region for hygienic purposes. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest any health benefits associated with removing pubic hair — other than the removal of pubic lice.

Removing pubic hair is not necessary to keep the vulva or vaginal area clean. Pubic hair can help protect the skin and prevent chafing. Hair removal is a personal preference. Some people do not remove any of their pubic hair, and others may remove only the hair that grows outside of the bikini line.

You're Less Likely To Get Rashes

If you don't shave, those things aren't really a possibility anymore, leaving you and your lady parts in peace. Indeed, Dweck listed infected hair follicles (folliculitis), rashes, and irritation (razor burn) as some of the most common issues she sees from patients who shave.

Long pubic hair

Hair increases the surface area for bacteria and bodily fluids to linger and lead to odor. Think of it as a dance floor. The smaller the dance floor, the smaller the area the bacteria and bodily fluids have to hang out and interact with each other.

Pubic hair removal is common — approximately 80 percent of women ages 18 to 65 report they remove some or all of their pubic hair.

Heat, sweat and bacteria form around the crotch and remain there for a long time if it gets entangled in the pubic hair. Trimming or shaving it off will help keep that area clean and free from any unwanted infections. Ungroomed pubic hair tends to hide your penis, which makes it appear smaller.

Can you get chlamydia from waxing? ›

Chlamydia is passed through sexual contact.

However, the risk of getting an STI from waxing is still unclear (though highly unlikely).

You can catch chlamydia, HIV, and Hepatitis B & C through contact with infected blood. This can happen when sharing razors or needles. Read on to find out the unusual ways you can catch an STI, and what steps you can take to ensure you don't contract one.

Can STDs be transmitted through bath water? Generally, no. According to the CDC, you're only at risk of getting an STD in the bathtub if you're engaging in sexual activity in the bathtub.

Timing matters. Avoid scheduling a wax five days before your menstrual cycle, during it, or immediately after. “Your body is especially sensitive during this time,” says Exhale Spa aesthetician Angela Marinescu.

Brazilian: Pubic hair has its benefits too. It prevents harmful bacteria from entering your vajayjay and protects it. But if you are opting for a Brazilian wax often, then the bacteria can cause irritation and odour.

There's nothing like a bath when you need to relax (goodbye muscle tension), but it's best to steer clear for 24 hours after your wax appointment. The heat will aggravate any post-wax irritation and redness, it will dry out your skin and open up your pores (a shortcut to ingrown hairs).

Fungal infection: When your razor remains wet or if you don t wash it properly post using it, there are high chances that it might harbour microbes that cause fungal or yeast infection. Also, sharing of dirty razors can cause folliculitis or ringworm infection.

Avoid shaving or touching the area

By leaving the skin alone, it gives the area time to heal and can reduce the risk of further inflammation, irritation, or infection.

Folliculitis. Folliculitis is a common infection of the hair follicle, which is the opening that holds a hair's root. It can affect one or many follicles and cause tiny, itchy red bumps, sometimes with a white tip.

Temporary options include shaving (by far the most popular method), waxing, depilatory creams, tweezing, and trimming. If going this route, it's best to use a light hand and keep antibiotic ointment close by to treat any nicks or bumps.

What is the easiest and safest way to remove pubic hair? ›

Shaving is the safest choice when it comes to removing pubic hair. With the new generation of razors, pubic hair can be removed quickly and easily. The razor and some shaving gel are all you need. Don't worry, you won't get coarse hair regrowth.

Papaya & Turmeric - Papaya contains a very important, papain enzyme. This enzyme can help to slow down hair growth in both women and men over a period of time. The addition of turmeric will not only help to remove unwanted hair but will also cleanse your private parts gently.

“Waxing lasts longer over time because hair is being removed from the follicle whereas shaving just cuts it at the surface,” says Shays. “Waxing will leave you smoother longer as unwanted hairs become thinner and in some cases don't grow back at all.

"Yes, pubic hair can get dirty or matted or collect bacteria," she says. "But if you're someone who regularly showers or bathes, it's not unhygienic to have it." Bottom line: If you're clean, your pubes will be, too.

Wax used in the hair removal procedure is contaminated and if the wax is reused or cross contamination occurs, it can lead to bacterial infections such as staphylococcal, streptococcal and folliculitis.

Although the results are fairly similar, there's one key difference: how long they last. On average, waxing lasts around 3 or 4 weeks because the hair is removed at the root. Hair grows back much faster with shaving, though — within 3 days to a week. This is because shaving only removes the top layer of the hair.

When it comes to pubic hair, people groom it using a variety of methods including shaving, waxing, trimming, and laser removal. These methods can lead to ingrown hairs and infections though, so most gynecologists warn against them and recommend trimming or letting it be instead.

Can My Hair Be Too Long for Waxing? Yes. If your hair is more than a half-inch long, you should consider shaving it and “starting over.” Then schedule an appointment so that it lands about one full growth cycle out. That is, give the hair 1 to 4 weeks to regrow to about ¼ inch.

Your Pubic Hair Serves a Purpose

It helps reduce the amount of sweat produced around the vagina. It helps block your vagina from the following bacteria and infections: Sexually transmitted infections.

There's also a chance some hairs will become ingrown. This means that the hair that's trying to grow back gets trapped under the skin. This can lead to redness, pain, and tiny bumps in the area. Sometimes people can get skin infections from shaving.

Does pubic hair increase bacteria? ›

Pubic hair can naturally reduce friction associated with the movements during sexual intercourse and other activities wherein chafing may occur. Pubic hair can also help stop bacteria and other microorganisms from entering the body.

You're Less Likely To Get Rashes

If you don't shave, those things aren't really a possibility anymore, leaving you and your lady parts in peace. Indeed, Dweck listed infected hair follicles (folliculitis), rashes, and irritation (razor burn) as some of the most common issues she sees from patients who shave.

It is possible that pubic hair removal could, through microtrauma, allow yeast that is normally on the skin to cause a vulvar yeast infection, although this hypothesis has not been studied.

It's all up to you. There's no right or wrong way to handle your pubic hair. Stats show that men are split right down the middle when it comes to pube grooming, so it's really all about personal preference. Some men go completely pube-less, while others just keep it trimmed.

It is more hygienic not to shave it (although depilation does make pubic lice homeless). In removing their pubic hair, most women will get cuts or ingrown hairs, and some will develop inflammation of the hair follicles or hyperpigmentation.

Plucking can cause redness, swelling, itching, irritation, and damage to the skin. It can also result in ingrown hairs (where the hair curls backward or sideways under the skin) and infection.

Going commando can also give the surrounding area a break from tight elastic that can irritate your skin, especially if you're prone to getting razor burn. If you've just shaved or waxed, Dr. Dweck suggests "cotton or nothing"—in other words, rock a breathable fabric or just go without until your skin calms down.

Lice eggs (nits) are often easier to see than live lice. They look like tiny yellow or white dots attached to the pubic hair, close to the skin. Nits can look like dandruff. But you can't pick them off with your fingernail or brush them away.

Yes. It's perfectly fine to carefully trim your pubic hair with small scissors along your swimsuit or underwear line. Many girls trim their pubic hair, or go to a salon to have a “bikini wax”; others prefer to shave just about every day, and many just leave it alone. Removing pubic hair is a personal preference.