Fluffy Love: How pubic hair affects vaginal health
Pubic hair - such a natural topic, but one that raises many questions and strong opinions. Should it be wild and free or neatly trimmed? And what does the research say about how pubic hair affects our vaginal health? I decided last summer to stop shaving. I simply didn't feel like continuing to deal with the razor. Even though my knowledge of the downsides of shaving hasn't been lacking, it hasn't stopped me in the past. But enough is enough. I have made the decision to quit. Well, I still do it from time to time, but my privates have felt amazing for the past year 😊. It's my own choice, and the most important thing is that you make a choice. Let's dive into this hairy topic and get some clarity ❤️
WHAT ARE PUBIC HAIRS GOOD FOR?
Pubic hair actually has several important functions:
🌸 Protection: Hair acts as a barrier that protects against harmful bacteria and other pathogens.
🌸 Friction: It reduces friction during sex and other physical activities, protecting the skin from irritation.
🌸 Temperature regulation: Helps to keep the vulva warm and moisturised.
Pubic hair is made up of coarse hairs that are denser and more curly than the hairs on the rest of the body, making it particularly effective as a protective barrier.
RESEARCH ON PUBIC HAIR SHAVING AND VAGINAL HEALTH
The research on shaving pubic hair and its impact on vaginal health shows that there are several correlations between shaving habits and various health problems. A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that shaving and trimming pubic hair can increase the risk of minor injuries and irritations, which in turn can lead to infections such as bacterial vaginosis and fungal infections.
In another study from Sahlgrenska University Hospital, it was found that women who shave often experience dry mucous membranes and increased irritation down below. This is because the hairs act as a protective barrier that helps to retain moisture and protect against pathogens. When this barrier is removed, the risk of various infections and skin problems increases.
Studies from the University of California have also linked intimate shaving to an increased incidence of urinary tract infections, due to the microscopic damage shaving can cause to the delicate skin barrier around the genitals.
These studies show how important it is to understand how our shaving habits affect vaginal health and that the choice to shave or trim should be a conscious and informed one.
Read more about six common causes of vaginal dryness here!
CORRELATION WITH VAGINAL HEALTH
So how do shaving habits affect our vaginal health? Here are some key points:
🌸 Fungal infections and bacterial vaginosis: Removing pubic hair can increase the risk of these infections because hair acts as a barrier to pathogens.
🌸 Urinary tract infections: Women who shave are at greater risk of urinary tract infections due to the small injuries and irritations to the skin that can occur when shaving.
🌸 Dry mucous membranes: Hair helps to retain moisture in the genital area. Removing it can lead to dry mucous membranes and increased irritation.
By being aware of these factors, you can make more informed choices when it comes to intimate care and thus improve your vaginal health ❤️
SOAP - A NO-NO FOR INTIMATE CARE
Whether you choose to let your pubic hair grow naturally or trim it, it's important that you don't use regular soap for intimate hygiene. Soap can interfere with the natural pH balance of the vagina and cause irritation and dryness. Instead, we recommend VagiVital V Cleanser, a moisturising intimate wash based on AktivGel for dry mucous membranes that has been specially developed to be gentle on your delicate genitals.
Buy a 3-pack of V Cleanser intimate wash and get a 10% discount here!
WHO ARE WE SHAVING FOR?
One key question is whether we shave because it makes us feel better or because our partner prefers it? A study published in JAMA Dermatology shows that 64% of women believe that their partner's preferences influence their habits when it comes to shaving or trimming pubic hair, but at the same time, 61% of women believe that their partner's opinion is not really that important. This could be a sign that women are starting to question traditional beauty norms and instead choosing what feels best for themselves.
CONCLUSION
Pubic hair has many important functions and leaving it natural can have several health benefits. So whether you choose to trim, shave or let your pubic hair grow freely, the most important thing is that you do what feels best for you. So next time you're standing in front of the mirror with razor in hand, ask yourself: Am I doing this for myself or for someone else? And if your answer is for someone else, maybe it's time to rethink and embrace your natural, fluffy love ❤️
Take care of yourself & Stay Pussytive ❤️
/Fanny Falkman Grinndal
Business Manager Nordics
Peptonic Medical AB
fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se