Is It Necessary To Shave Pubic Hair To Be Hygienic? This Is What Medical Advice Turns Out To Be

Illustration of the need to shave pubic hair (Unsplash/Helen Barth)

YOGYAKARTA – Cutting pubic hair is still considered as a way to maintain reproductive hygiene. But in fact, medical advocates otherwise.

Quoting from the statements of several doctors and medical experts reported by Cosmopolitan, pubic hair care does not improve hygiene. According to them, it's actually more hygienic to keep from being shaved. Why?

Pubic hair has benefits that cannot be underestimated. Although it often looks messy like a wild bush, pubic hair protects sensitive skin and traps bacteria before entering the vagina. So when it is removed, or by waxing, vaginal irritation can be more likely to be experienced. Injuries related to shaving pubic hair are also a cause for concern. From lacerations to infections and allergic reactions.

Besides being useful for protecting, as reported by Flo, Monday, April 18, pubic hair also helps maintain the optimal temperature of the pubic area when the weather is too hot or too cold. A balanced temperature corresponds to a favorable environment for normal vaginal microflora. In addition, pubic hair indicates a biological readiness for reproduction, including helping pheromones last longer and reducing friction during sexual or non-sensuous activities.

Illustration of the necessity of shaving pubic hair (Unsplash/Timothy Mainberg)

Pubic hair pigments are the same as eyebrows or hair on the head. If it turns white with age, then pubic hair will also turn white. So, what makes you curious, why does pubic hair grow not as long as the hair on the head?

Hair follicles go through three phases of growth. First, it is known as the anagen phase which is responsible for the length of the hair. This phase is based on genetics, but is also influenced by hormones and stress levels. The anagen phase lasts between three and five years for scalp hair and several weeks for pubic hair.

In addition to pubic hair, hair also grows in the anus. Until now, scientists are not entirely sure why anal hair grows. But one popular theory holds that hair helps keep odors at bay and in turn attracts potential mates.

In order for the shaving process to be more effective and minimize irritation, it is necessary to exfoliate the skin first with a scrub. However, any method of trimming pubic hair is optional. If you want to reduce it, there are many ways you can do it. Then find the one that suits you best, whether it's waxing, shaving, or just trimming the ends after your period to maintain cleanliness.

Experts actually give advice that there is no need to cut pubic hair. Because pubic hair grows not without benefits.