POPULAR American-Canadian gynaecologist Dr Jen Gunter has urged women not to remove their pubic hair because it can cause microscopic trauma and leave them vulnerable which can lead to infections.
Dr Gunter, the author of The Vagina Bible, also warned against waxing or shaving, saying they can be dangerous too. She pointed out that while the purpose of pubic hair is somewhat of a mystery, going au naturel is necessary to protect the skin by acting as a barrier against the outside world.
In addition, Dr Gunter argued that getting a Brazilian may also reduce sexual pleasure, with pubic hair being connected to nerve endings that might help arousal, Pubic hair grooming has almost become the norm, with many blaming the porn industry but some medical experts believe it may be dangerous.
Scientists from the University of California, San Francisco asked more than 3,300 women about their downstairs grooming. Of which, 83.8% claimed to wax, shave or epilate their pubic hair, with just 16.2% leaving it intact, with hygiene being the most commonly reported reason (59%) for women removing their hair.
But Dr Gunter warns waxing, shaving or sugaring, which is mixing sugar, lemon juice and water to create a wax-like gel, may do more harm than good. She added she sees women with cuts, grazes and even infections when hair removal goes awry.
“Pubic hair has a function, it is probably a mechanical barrier and protection for the skin. It may also have a role in sexual functioning because each pubic hair is attached to a nerve ending, that’s why it hurts to remove it,” Dr Gunter added.
Most experts think pubic hair involved in the release of pheromones, chemicals that trigger arousal. One expert from Columbia University in New York, said pheromones are thought to be get trapped in pubic hair when glands release an odourless secretion on the skin that combines with bacteria decomposed by the secretion of other glands.
This produces a scent that varies from person-to-person. Some studies suggest women are attracted to pheromones that differ significantly from their own because it suggests genetic diversity, the expert added.
Other theories as to pubic hairs purpose include warmth or helping the vagina stay clean. Critics argue, however, if warmth was the reason, men would surely have more hair along their penis and around their scrotum
