6 Reasons Why You Should Not Shave Your Pubic Hair

Shaving of the pubic hair to so many people, is nothing new. A few sociological theories have suggested that shaving of the pubic hair has to do with cultural trends spawned by certain hairless actors and actresses or even a misguided attempt at hygiene.

The most common body areas shaved are the underarms, legs, pubic area, eyebrows, and face for females; the face, abdomen, back, chest, groin, and legs for males. While some people prefer wax, shaving is the most common method used for the underarms, legs, and pubic area. Pubic shaving actually originated in ancient Egypt and Greece when prostitutes had to shave for both hygienic reasons and as a clear sign of their profession. Although female body shaving was established as the norm between 1915 and 1945, pubic hair removal did not actually gain a strong foothold until the 1980’s. Here are 6 reasons why you should not shave your pubic hair: 1. Pubic hair helps control your body temperature We all know that hair helps regulate body temperature, but how exactly? Hair follicles help with sweating. There is a sebaceous gland on each hair follecule which releases oils onto the hair, that in turn allows the oils go up to the skin’s surface. When this oil evaporates, it cools the skin because of its latent heat. 2. Pubic hair actually protects you The pubic hair protects you from diseases and skin problems. Among other protections, it helps to prevent foreign particles like dust and pathogenic bacteria from entering your body. 3. Pubic hair contains pheromones Scientists are of the belief that pubic hair retains sexual secretions that are otherwise referred to as pheromones. This is what attracts us to each other. The body gives off more pheromones as you sweat and those secretions are retained in the pubic hair regions. 4. Higher risk for genital warts Genital warts are located near or on the genital areas. In a female, it is situated on or outside the genital area, vagina, cervix, or anus. In a male, that means near or on the penis, scrotum, or anus. Warts appear as bumps or growths. They tend to be whitish or flesh colored. Many times a person with genital warts doesn’t know that he or she has it. If you shave your pubic hair, you are putting yourself at a higher risk of contracting genital warts. 5. You are more likely to catch molluscum contagiosum (viral infection) Shaving or waxing your pubic hair increases your risk of contracting a viral infection. Research has shown that hairless genitals may provide an opportunity for sexually transmitted diseases like molluscum to take hold, with shaving showing the strongest association. Molluscum contagiosum is spread easily, and it has been suggested that the virus may have spread primarily through self-infections caused by scratching skin irritated by shaving. 6. It causes skin problems in your private area Removal of pubic hair naturally irritates the hair follicles, leaving microscopic open wounds. Frequent hair removal is necessary to stay smooth, causing regular irritation of the shaved or waxed area. Many doctors say it is not unusual to find patients with boils and abscesses on their genitals from shaving as well as cellulitis, an infection of the scrotum. Being on the private parts, these skin issues are often more uncomfortable than they would be on other parts of the body. For these reasons above, it is in your best interest not to attempt pubic hair shaving, or to put a stop to it if you are already in the habit of doing so.