We can all probably remember the first time we noticed hair growing "down there," signaling the beginning of our journey toward womanhood.
Unlike the hair on our heads, pubic hair is very private. Some people even consider it embarrassing — even though it's totally normal.
A study by JAMA Dermatology found that pubic hair removal and grooming is prevalent among American women, which speaks to the fact that many women are uncomfortable with the idea of keeping it in place.
Removing pubic hair is especially common among younger women. This is partly to do with the fact that women begin losing their pubic hair with age, but is also because of social expectations and an unspoken understanding that, down there, "less is more."
That's partially because women have been told for years that body hair is unsexy and unfeminine, even though it's just a natural part of blossoming into womanhood.
However, as it turns out, there may be more compelling reasons to leave your hair alone down there, instead of worrying about grooming or removing it.
Scroll through to learn why you should never, ever shave your pubes.
Why Do We Have Pubic Hair?
First things first, why do humans have pubic hair to begin with?
While no one can be entirely sure of the exact evolutionary purpose pubic hair served, there are several theories.
We are mammals, after all, so some hair comes with the territory. Dr. Sherry Ross tells SELF that pubic hair may have acted as a signal of sexual maturity in prehistoric times. She also mentions that its purpose may be to help keep our very important private parts safe and warm from bacteria and the elements.
Benefit #1: Fewer Yeast Infections
No one likes to be itchy and, unfortunately, yeast infections are usually as gross as they sound.
Luckily for you and your vagina, pubic hair acts as a natural sponge and barrier to yeast infections.
Dr. Vanessa Mackay shares with the Independent, "Pubic hair also helps to control the moisture of the area, which decreases chances of yeast infections."
Benefit #2: Lower Risk Of STIs
Pubic hair's gatekeeping quality lowers the probability of not only yeast infections, but sexually transmitted infections as well.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that a study found pubic hair groomers have a higher rate of STIs.
This may be due to the fact that shaving or hair removal causes tiny open cuts in the skin, which make infections easier to transmit. But it also has to do with the fact that pubic hair physically blocks the transmission of infections.
Benefit #3: Sensation
One of the best feelings is having your hair stroked. This is partly because a head massage obviously feels amazing, but also because of the nerve endings on your hair follicles.
Neuroscientist Dr Linden writes in an article for Nashville Public Radio, "It turns out remarkably… that hairy skin has a special caress sensor."
Removing pubic hair is essentially robbing the region of its maximum potential for sensation. So why not not just keep it as Mother Nature intended?
Benefit #4: Less Sweat
We all do our best to keep ourselves smelling nice or at least not smelling icky down there.
Part of that involves staying dry, and pubic hair is the most natural way to do this.
To avoid the embarrassment and discomfort of a sweaty vagina, let your pubic hair grow out and do its job by absorbing sweat.
Benefit #5: Regulating Body Temperature
Body hair is a characteristic all mammals share. It may be to varying degrees, but all body hair is intended for special purposes.
According to Dartmouth University, one of these functions is regulation of body temperature.
Pubic hair is no exception. Your body will thank you for keeping your hair down there and letting it do its job. The groin tends to hold onto warmth more than the rest of the body, so pubes might help even out spikes in body temperature.
Benefit #6: Less Skin Irritation
The skin in and around your nether regions is more sensitive than many other parts of your body, which are tougher and more frequently exposed.
This is part of the reason why pubic hair is coarser than the rest of your body hair, because it has to be especially protective.
Coarser hair is more difficult to remove, which is why it's much easier to shave your legs than it is your pubic area. This is also why more razor burn and ingrown hairs are found here.
The easiest way to cut down on this kind of skin irritation is to let your pubic hair flow and avoid removal all together.
Benefit #7: Pubic Hair Secretes Pheromones
You may be attracted to the smell of someone's cologne, but their artificial fragrance might not be the only thing reeling you in.
Many animals secrete pheromones, or smells that attract potential mates in nature, according to the Encyclopedia Brittanica.
Humans are no exception, and pubic hair's location and absorbent quality is a hot spot for these smells. So do yourself a favor, and let your pheromones do a little work!
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