To Shave or not to Shave? 

A COMMON question among patients with issues relating to lumps, bumps and pain at their private area as a result of frequent shaving, waxing or laser treatment is: Do I need to shave down there? Is it necessary to go through all that trouble? In a study titled Complications related to pubic hair removal published in the 2014 edition of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 87% of respondents admitted to removing at least some pubic hair at the time of the study, with the remaining having removed hair in the past.

The majority 60% reported experiencing at least one health complication due to the removal of their pubic hair. Pubic hair is there for a reason. It starts when both boys and girls reach puberty at the mean age of 12 to 13 years old. There is no medical benefit of removing pubic or vaginal area hair. Contrary to public belief, pubic hair is not unhygienic. The pubic area and the vagina are the most sensitive areas. It is more prone to infection, redness, swelling, itching, rash and bumps.

The Purposes of Pubic Hair

1. Reduces friction during intercourse and causes less skin irritation

2. Protects against infections such as yeast and bacterial infection. Pubic hair follicle produces sebum, which prevents bacteria from reproducing 

3. Protects the sensitive skin around the vagina

4. Maintains optimal temperature for our genital area. Pubic hair absorbs sweat and moisture and as such regulates vaginal temperature

Problems Associated with Removing Public Hair 

1. Ingrown hair

2. Epidermal abrasion

3. Severe itching

4. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

5. Keloid scar at the pubic or vaginal area

6. Folliculitis, valvulitis or contact dermatitis

In most cases, patients who present with symptoms and signs of infection such as ingrown hair, folliculitis, valvulitis or rash post-waxing, shaving or laser treatment would require oral antibiotics. There are some cases that require a minor procedure to remove localised abscess at the mons pubis area or labia mojora or minora.

In the event there is scar hyperpigmentation or keloid on the mons pubis or vagina that requires an aesthetic approach, such cases are usually referred to a plastic surgeon. It is not necessary to remove one’s pubic hair. However, this area remains a personal choice of the selected individual.

To prevent the problems above, several precautionary measures can be taken. If you choose to shave, do not opt for a clean shave at the pubic area or vagina but trim the long hair instead using a clean shaver at all times. For patients who are used to waxing and laser treatment, it is advised to use a gentle moisturiser at the mons pubis area post-procedure.

This is to avoid excessive skin irritation and reduce the incidence of ingrown hair. It is important to avoid scratching the area. Seek immediate help if you experience excessive redness, burning or irritation post-waxing or laser treatment. Choosing whether or not to remove pubic hair is entirely up to the patient. However, if you choose to do so, do it safely and use clean shavers. When it comes to waxing and laser treatment for hair removal, obtain the services of a professional and seek help immediately if you develop any

For more information, contact 03-7717 3000.