Patrick Hudson MD, FACS

Public shaving is not new but has only recently been adopted in western countries. It began in the West when high-cut swimsuits became popular and some women wanted to avoid showing pubic hair. Some  women, and men, prefer seeing the vulva hairless. Others just feel more comfortable with no pubic or perineal hair. Some think that it is more hygienic but this is probably a myth. Like most body parts pubic hair has functions and removing it may have adverse consequences.

Pubic hair has many purposes including:

• hairs act as touch receptors and transfer that stimulation to the vulva

•  pubic hair traps pheromones– the chemicals that your body secretes and act as a sexual stimulus. This may enhance your partner’s sexual arousal, especially during oral sex or cunnilingus. 

• in the same way hair can absorb sweat making it less likely to collect in other areas causing irritation and odor

• pubic hair traps foreign particles and help stop them entering the vagina

• protects against chemicals making contact with the sensitive skin around the perineum

• provide warmth to the vulva

• protection from insects and parasites. Especially on the legs longer visible hairs work as a deterrent to insects while the finer hairs  on the surface act as a  warning system.

more information about labiaplasty  •  pictures of labiaplasty 

 Pictures courtesy Wiki-commons.

Unfortunately removing hair can cause problems  including irritation to the perineum and vulval area as well as nicks and cuts of the labia if the area is shaved and not waxed. If shaved  there is a risk of  ingrown hairs, razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) and folliculitis. In addition when the hair grows back it can be painful and itchy in an already sensitive area. Repeated shaving or hair removal may be a factor in recurrent yeast infections and irritation may cause pigmentation of the perineal area,

Shaving before delivery is no longer practiced because many doctors and midwives feel there might be a purpose for pubic hair to prevent infection. However some women choose to have a bikini or Brazilian wax done prior to birth. Unfortunately timing may not be easy and the swelling of the labial and perineal tissue late in pregnancy may make it particularly uncomfortable. It is probably true that it is easier to keep the perineum clean in the postpartum period if there is less hair. An easier way is to trim the longer hair in preparation for labor. Trimming may be the preferred option because when the hair grows back it is not as painful or itchy.