Caring for Your Pubic Hair
“I still remember when my pubes started growing – “I’m finally adulting!” I thought to myself. Just kidding. Years later, I still say it on a daily basis.. Especially when I have to wake up on my own without the mummy-alarm-clock.”
Apart from pubic hair being an indicator of physical maturity, it also has more functions than you probably presumed (sorry, appendix, pubes might be an eyesore to some but you are still the least useful body part.. at least until we figure out your evolutionary purpose).
Reasons Why Our Pubes Are Underrated
1. Protection
Like our nose hair and eyelashes, pubes help to trap dirt and debris. I know I know.. I’m already wearing 2 layers of clothing, what kind of dirt and debris could possibly get in?! Do I need armour?
Microorganisms, my friend. Our sebum-producing hair follicles also serve to prevent bacterial reproduction. All the more crucial for the damp, dark place (optimal living conditions for bacteria!) that is your nether regions.
2. Pleasure
Our genital area is delicate, to say the least. Pubes double up as a buffer to reduce friction during sex and your other day to day activities by acting as a “dry lubricant”. Remember all the times you got blisters from your bare skin rubbing against another surface? Not something you’d enjoy down under for sure!
Apart from preventing nasty abrasions, it is believed that our pubes also serve to increase the range of sexual stimulation experienced. As each pubic hair is attached to a sensitive nerve ending, tugging of, or blowing at your pubes during sex may also increase these sensations that heighten your sexual experience.
3. Pheromones
Odours play an important role in sexual attraction. Not the fresh fish kind of odour in the supermarket, or the lingering smell of hotpot in your hair after a trip to Hai Di Lao.
Turns out, our olfactory senses are pretty amazeballs -- in the same way men prefer the scent of women who are ovulating, females’ brains react differently to male sweat produced by aroused men. The key lies in the pheromones present in our sweat. These subtle chemical signals trapped by our pubes help enhance sexual awareness, which our noses use to identify genetically compatible mates. New found respect for you, nose!
Source: https://alexanderlansang.tumblr.com/post/22277699794/on-the-job-dark-circle-nosey
4. Evolutionarily, warmth
Like how animals have fur to keep them warm and our ancestors, coarser hairs for protection during the caveman days, our pubes serve a practical function.
Much like the rest of the fine hair on other parts of our body, one of the postulated reasons for our pubes’ existence is similarly to keep us warm -- specifically our genital region. However, given the fact that penises and testicles (the most crucial tools for baby-making) do not have much hair in general, this theory does not hold much water.
Survey: https://www.healthline.com/health/purpose-of-pubic-hair#primary-purpose
To shave or not to shave?
Commonly Asked Questions About Caring for Your Pubes
1. Is It Bad to Wax or Shave?
Due to the popularization in pop culture and normalization in porn, many have been led to believe that hairless is the way to go, for a few various reasons:
Aesthetics and olfaction: some people trim their lawns regularly because it looks neater, and/or because they believe it is more hygienic. Before you become ashamed of the odour your bush emanates, remember that your pubes serve the important function of trapping sweat, oil and bacteria like hair on other parts of your body. Because it is enclosed, it is perfectly normal for there to be a stronger smelling odour!
Sensations during sex: On the other hand, some may prefer not to remove any of their pubes because of the pleasurising texture the rough surface provides during sex. When in doubt, check with your partner for his/her preference!
2. Do People Who Wax or Shave Need More Care?
Remember that one of the functions of our pubes is to prevent bacteria from infiltrating our nether regions.
For those who have shaved your pubes or have endured the pain of a waxing session, you would know that microscopic wounds are bound to be byproducts of that baby-bottom smoothness. These tiny wounds allow unwanted guests like bacteria, parasites and viruses to enter. Infections and skin infections are also more likely to occur. That’s not to say it’s all doom and gloom with shaving your pubes -- pubic lice incidences have conversely decreased!
Post-wax or shave, your skin will be extra-sensitive. And while it might be tempting to slap on skincare products, note that you should not put any heavy lotions on to prevent clogged pores. Aloe vera gel can be used to soothe the skin. A light moisturizer can also help prevent dryness and irritation.
3. Myth? I Need to Use Soap to Clean My Pelvic Region
Has anyone noticed how prevalent feminine washes are in contrast to “masculine wash”? (I for one have never seen the latter in all my days of trawling grocery stores and believe me, I'm an avid international supermarket-shopper…let us know if you know of one.) Here are some things you need to know about vulva hygiene.
Washing the Vulva vs. Washing the Vagina
When it comes to washing your delicates, it is worth noting that there is a difference between washing your insides and outsides.
Contrary to what the health industry espouses, there is no need to douche your vagina. Containing a natural balance of healthy bacteria, your vaginal flora is self-sufficient in maintaining the acidic environment required to protect itself from infections. Upsetting the pH could in fact do more harm than good by irritating, or worse still, lead to a vaginal infection.
Everyone loves the smell of fresh flowers, and I am no exception. While it might sound appealing to smell like a bouquet of roses, scented washes typically contain chemicals that can cause irritation and inflammation. Remember that your genitalia region is highly sensitive, and to clean your vulva, not more is required than a wash with mild soap and warm water not more than twice a day!
There you have it! The bush might be prickly business. But that business is yours.
Whether you choose to go au naturale or boyzilian style, don’t let no one stop you from doing you!
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Medically fact-checked by:
Dr Prem Kumar
MBBS (Singapore); Graduate Diploma Occupational Medicine (Singapore); Member, Academy for Mens' Health
Anchor GP, My Doctor @ Admiralty, 12 years of clinical experience with special interest in primary care
