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  you are here  >>> FIND OUT > help me heather > body issues  
  related topics  >>>  body image  |  health    

 


 
  Dear Heather,

i have an embarrassing question. i want to know if i should shave my pubic hairs. i am afraid to ask people what i should do. i don't want to be laughed at if i ever decide to have sex and i have all this hair that i shouldn't have.

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Hi.

Your question is very common and there's no need to be embarrassed about pubic hair or what to do with it. Pretty much everyone grows it after they reach puberty--girls and guys.

Whatever you decide to do with your pubic hair, it is really up to you. You can trim it, shave it, wax it, use depilatories or just let it grow free. Some people choose to get rid of any pubic hair that peeks out beyond a bathing suit line (also called a bikini line), while others may get rid of more hair or decide to keep the entire area hair-free.

Pubic hair actually has a purpose--it protects the vagina from dirt and other irritations. If you are sexually active or masturbate, these activities may feel different (in a good or bad way) if you get rid of your pubic hair than if you leave it be. Also, re-growth and the accompanying itchiness are factors if you get rid of pubic hair at the skin's surface (through shaving or waxing, for example).

Also, if you shave or remove hair often, you may develop ingrown hairs, which happen when the new hair doesn't come through the skin's surface correctly and grow underneath. This can cause irritation, red bumps and sometimes infections if the hair doesn't break through.

You can try out different hair removal methods if you like, but ultimately it's all about what you like and how you think you look and feel best.

 
   
 
 

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