Also, keep in mind that not all STIs have visible symptoms. Even if you are feeling fine and don't have any visible vulvar changes, you should still get tested by the doctor to make sure you're not risking the long-term effects of untreated STIs.
Grooming: should you do it?
Purpose of pubic hair
Whether you prefer the bold look or the "full bush", pubic hair has more to it than pure aesthetics. Because the skin in the intimate areas is so sensitive, pubic hair serves as a protection against irritation and bacteria. That being said, pubic hair doesn't protect from STIs and other things, so you should always wear protection to prevent that.
Benefits of grooming
There are a few benefits to choosing to remove pubic hair. For one, removing pubic hair completely might increase sensitivity. With the friction gone, you might experience heightened sensations during sex and even outside of it as the underwear rubs against your exposed intimate areas.
Another reason to remove pubic hair is for self-expression. Many people with vulvas enjoy experimenting with styling their pubic hair, which can be a fun way to express your naughty side.
Also, there is the benefit of engaging in more oral sex. A study published in 2016 found that men are motivated to groom their pubic hair for sex and oral sex in particular.
While your pubic hair should never be a reason not to engage in sexual activities you want, styling it to fit your partner's preferences is quite common. As long as you and your partner(s) are in agreement and you feel comfortable, then there is no harm in removing pubic hair.
Benefits of "au naturel" look
However, there are also benefits to letting your pubic hair grow wild. In fact, there are many people who find the natural look very arousing. There are also the pheromones that our bodies naturally have, and pubic hair tends to carry the scent better, which in turn can turn your partner(s) on more.
Also, if you struggle with in-grown hair and can't stand regular shaving or other treatments, then letting the hair grow naturally is a great way to minimize the discomfort of dealing with pain and razor bumps.
Best grooming techniques
If you choose to remove pubic hair, you'll want to find a method that works best for you. Everyone will have different preferences for hair removal methods and there are many to choose from:
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Laser hair removal
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Shaving
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Trimming
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Sugar wax
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Regular wax
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Hair removal creams
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Epilators
To avoid ingrown hairs, Dr. Simi Adedeji recommends either choosing laser hair removal or hair removal creams. Hair removal creams weaken the hairs, so when they grow back, they're less likely to grow into your skin. And laser hair removal completely eliminates the hair follicles, preventing them from growing back.
Build your intimate collection
Explore clean self-care and sexual wellness essentials formulated for all bodies.
Feminine hygiene intimate care routine: a step-by-step guide
Cleanse
Incorporating a wash into your daily shower routine is a great way to target residue from daily activities (e.g. sweat, period, sex, etc.) and prevent unwanted bacterial infections.
While the inside of the vagina is self-cleaning, the non-self-cleaning areas, such as the skin surrounding the vaginal opening or the foreskin of a penis, should be rinsed with a pH-balanced (5.0-5.5) wash and water.
Apply two to four pumps of Cleanse Intimate Skin Foaming Wash to palms, massage on external intimate skin like the outer labia, inner thighs, penis, or anus, and then rinse.
Nourish
Similar to the skin on our face and body, our intimate skin experiences dryness and irritation from tight clothing, cold weather, or even friction from toilet paper. If you have sensitive skin or remove pubic hair on a regular basis, an intimate skin moisturizer will be a perfect addition to your daily intimate care routine.
Melt a dime-size of Nourish Intimate Skin Moisturizer between your fingertips until it’s smooth; then apply the formula to external intimate skin, like the outer labia, penis, testicles, or anus.
Explore
This step is optional but highly encouraged! There is no shame in wanting to find products that will make your intimate moments more enjoyable. Whether that’s a vibrator or a libido-boosting supplement, we all deserve to explore intimate care products that are high-quality and affordably priced. Here are some options worth exploring.
Personal Lubricants
Personal lubricants can help take the pressure off the body as they are intended to enhance the ease and comfort of intimate activity and supplement the body's natural lubrication.
Smooth is a water-based lubricant compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms as well as silicone toys. For those who prefer an oil-based lubricant, there’s Delight; just remember that oil-based lubes are not compatible with silicone toys or latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms.
Arousal Oils
Arousal oils help stimulate arousal when applied topically to the intimate skin. Desire Sensual Pleasure Oil is packed with botanical aphrodisiacs like pumpkin oil, evening primrose oil, passionflower seed oil, damiana, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
It is best used when two-to-four pumps are applied externally to intimate skin, such as the vulva, clitoris, penis, or pelvic region, about 10 to 15 minutes before intimate moments. Within that time, this light blend of aphrodisiacs can increase natural lubrication, enhance blood circulation and make sex feel really good.
Body & Massage Oils
Massage oils can take your massage experiences to a whole new level. Relax Body and Massage Oil is made with a luxurious blend of oils and lavender aromatherapy to help soothe and arouse the body. You can use it as an everyday body oil or during partnered massages. Simply apply five-to-10 pumps of Relax externally in desired areas.
Sex Toys
It is very common to feel intimidated or overwhelmed when introducing a sex toy to your intimate moments. However, sex toys can be a fun opportunity to enhance intimacy and learn what your body finds pleasurable. If you’re still learning about what your body enjoys, it might be worth investing in a vibrator with different features like Indulge.
With one vibrating and non-vibrating side, Indulge is great for both vaginal and anal use, including G-spot and P-spot pleasure. Similar to Indulge, our clitoral and body vibrator, Massage, has a small ergonomic design that is ideal for body massages and clitoral or targeted stimulation. Both are made with medical-grade silicone and compatible with water-based lubricants.
