Can shaving your pubic area cause a UTI?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 24, 2026
Removing pubic hair may therefore make a person more susceptible to common infections, such as UTIs, vaginitis, and yeast infections. Hair removal can also irritate your skin, leading to skin infections such as cellulitis and folliculitis.
Can I get an infection from shaving down there?
Shaving is associated with a number of possible negative outcomes, such as: Cuts, which may be uncomfortable, can become infected and may leave you more susceptible to infection during sex. Ingrown hairs can also turn into an infection risk. Cutting open existing sores and transmitting STIs is a risk (see more below).
Can shaving pubic hair cause yeast infections?
There is no data linking pubic hair grooming of any kind with vaginal yeast infections. Remember, the vagina is inside your body and the areas of the vulva that have pubic hair are on the outside (where clothes touch the skin).
What are the disadvantages of shaving pubic hair?
But the removal process can be painful and cause many side effects, including:
- Genital itching, sometimes severe.
- Genital burns from waxing.
- Abrasions or cuts during shaving or waxing.
- Stubble, rash, bumps and ingrown hairs.
- Bacterial infections.
Can pubic hair cause infection?
Some people may believe that removing pubic hair increases the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, research does not bear this out. For example, a 2019 study in female university students found no association between pubic hair grooming and STI risk.
45 related questions foundIs it healthier to shave pubic hair or not?
It is more hygienic not to shave it (although depilation does make pubic lice homeless). In removing their pubic hair, most women will get cuts or ingrown hairs, and some will develop inflammation of the hair follicles or hyperpigmentation.
Is shaving pubic hair good hygiene?
It is not more hygienic to shave pubic hair. Some girls decide to remove it (as a personal preference) but there are no health benefits. In fact, there are risks associated with shaving your pubic hair including: razor burn (rash), redness, itching (from hair growing back), and infection in the hair root.
What do doctors say about shaving pubic hair?
In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dermatology on Wednesday, doctors warn that the standard method of taking a razor to your genitals for trimming, shaving, and waxing downstairs is — surprise! — dangerous.
Should a woman shave her pubic hair?
Removing pubic hair is a personal preference. Some girls trim their pubic hair, or go to a salon to have a “bikini wax”; others prefer to shave just about every day, but most just leave it alone. It's not necessary to remove the hair in this area to keep your body clean.
Is it better to wax or shave pubic hair?
Since waxing pulls hairs from the root, in the long run waxing lasts much longer than other hair removal methods- including hair removal creams and shaving. Verdict: Waxing is the clear winner here- definitely go for waxing if you hate the idea of shaving every few days.
Does pubic hair hold bacteria?
"Yes, pubic hair can get dirty or matted or collect bacteria," she says. "But if you're someone who regularly showers or bathes, it's not unhygienic to have it." Bottom line: If you're clean, your pubes will be, too.
How often should a woman shave her pubic hair?
Time loss. To keep the pubic area smooth and hairless, you'll need to shave regularly, even daily. Consider if this is worth the trouble; it may become tedious after four or five weeks.
How often should you shave your pubes?
So, shaving or trimming your pubic hair once every 1 to 4 weeks is the optimal option. The exact frequency comes down to your personal preference and your manscaping style. That being said, if you need to shave less often, go hairless using a depilatory cream, wax, or laser hair removal.
When should you not shave down there?
1. If there is an infection. Whether is a yeast infection, bacterial vaginitis, or something else, you must avoid shaving down there. Shaving can spread the infection.
What are the benefits of not shaving pubic hair?
Here are some of the reason you might consider keeping your pubic hair:
- It provides protection against friction that can cause skin irritation in this sensitive area.
- It helps reduce the amount of sweat produced around the vagina.
- It helps block your vagina from the following bacteria and infections:
How do you clean a shaved vagina?
Here's how to shave your pubic hair.
- Trim first if necessary: If your pubic hair is a bit long, consider trimming it with scissors before you start shaving. ...
- Use a separate razor for this area, or shave it before other body parts: Some people have a separate razor for different body parts, but if you don't, Dr.
Is it OK to just trim pubic hair?
Yes. It's perfectly fine to carefully trim your pubic hair with small scissors along your swimsuit or underwear line. Many girls trim their pubic hair, or go to a salon to have a “bikini wax”; others prefer to shave just about every day, and many just leave it alone.
Why do I have white stuff on my pubic hair?
Lice eggs (nits) are often easier to see than live lice. They look like tiny yellow or white dots attached to the pubic hair, close to the skin. Nits can look like dandruff. But you can't pick them off with your fingernail or brush them away.
Should a man shaves all his pubic hair?
It's all up to you. There's no right or wrong way to handle your pubic hair. Stats show that men are split right down the middle when it comes to pube grooming, so it's really all about personal preference. Some men go completely pube-less, while others just keep it trimmed.
How do I get a smooth pubic area?
Okay, onto her tips:
- Use conditioner instead of shaving gel or cream. ...
- Shave with the hair growth. ...
- Make sure your razor is sharp, not dull. ...
- Pat on some witch hazel after you shower. ...
- Apply a little coconut oil over your freshly shaved bikini line to help moisturise your skin.
What is a Brazilian?
In a Brazilian wax, pubic hair is groomed and removed from the front of the pubic bone, around the external genitals, between the upper thighs, and around the anus.
Does a Brazilian wax include bum crack?
Brazilian wax remove all hair from and around the pubic area, right from the front to the back. It will cover the inner side of the bum as well as the butt crack.
What is a Vajacial?
A vajacial is typically a 50 minute treatment, which includes a cleanse, mild enzyme exfoliant, extractions of ingrown hairs, followed by a custom mask, completed with a skin brightening serum or spot treatment. A light chemical peel can also be done in this area.
What is G String wax?
A thorough tidy up of the bikini area,. We describe a G-String wax as a "high bikini" Hair is removed to leave a thick strip of hair at the top which runs right down to your bottom. Perfect for holidays or that special occasion! Hair will also be removed from the top to take the strip down in length.
What's the best razor for shaving pubic area?
- Braun Silk Epil 9 Flex Epilator Beauty Set. ...
- Eeska 2-in-1 Lady Electric Bikini Shaver. ...
- Brori Electric Bikini Trimmer for Women. ...
- Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Moisturizing Razor for Women With Bikini Trimmer. ...
- Philips Beauty BikiniGenie Cordless Bikini Trimmer for Women. ...
- Remington WPG4020C Body and Bikini Grooming Kit.