Beware! Shaving pubic hair increases the risk of developing STDs

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Women and men who trim their pubic hair are at a higher risk of developing Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), a new study published in the journal 'Sexually Transmitted Infections' has found out. The study revealed that women who groom their pubic hair at least 11 times a year are more prone to the risk of STDs. Various attempts to shave or groom pubic hair may not only harm the sensitive parts around the genitals but also lead to a number of sexually transmitted diseases.

A survey was conducted on 14,409 people and their intimate grooming habits were examined. The tools they used for grooming (razors, scissors and wax), STDs and their sexual habits were also taken into consideration. All of these participants were young and sexually active. Men mostly used electric razor while women used a manual one.

Researchers found that 74 percent participants have shaved or trimmed pubic hair in the past. Out of this, women accounted to 84 percent and men accounted to 66 percent.

Out of the total number of participants involved in the study, 943 of them said that they suffered from sexually transmitted diseases like HPV, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, molluscum or pubic lice. It was also found that those who groom pubic hair are at 80 percent higher risk of getting contaminated by STDs, compared to those who did not involve in any type of grooming or shaving.

On the other end, researchers found that those who were involved in low intensity grooming habit, were at a higher risk of developing pubic lice.
Sexually transmitted infections have long-term consequences. It can lead to infertility, HIV and even certain types of cancer.

Pubic hair shaving is now a common phenomenon worldwide. Those who are involved in this act are advised to dehair less frequently and to delay sex after grooming. The skin around the genitals should get adequate time to heal.