Can shaving pubic hair heighten STI risk? A compelling study sheds light on this common question.
Key Findings
Researchers surveyed 7,580 adults aged 18 to 65 about their sexual history, pubic hair grooming habits, and STI diagnoses. About three-quarters reported occasional shaving. Those who shaved regularly faced a 3.5- to 4-fold higher risk of STIs.
The Mechanism
Infections spread via skin contact, such as herpes and syphilis, showed elevated risk. Shaving often creates tiny cuts, providing entry points for pathogens.
Expert Caveats
An independent researcher told de Volkskrant that shavers tend to have more partners and higher sexual activity—factors adjusted for in the analysis. However, condom use wasn't factored in, nor was the timing of STI contraction relative to shaving.
This study offers intriguing evidence but stops short of a conclusive answer.
Source: Volkskrant | Image: Shutterstock
