According to doctors, full bikini waxing can be dangerous, but is it that simple?

According to an Ifop poll published in summer 2017, 22% of French women therefore planned to shave the entire bikini line. And if this desire resonates patriarchal injunctions still deeply rooted in our modern societiesis now less popular than before as another Ifop study explains that if 85% of women removed all their pubic hair in October 2013, this figure dropped to 72% in January 2021. decided not to get waxed went from 15% in 2013 to 28% in 2021 …

These figures, which clearly indicate a change in our way of seeing hair, are accompanied by a lot of prevention by doctors on hair removal and its risks. In 2018 the gynecologist Jean-Marc Bohbot wanted to warn those who practice this type of hair removal of the risks they run. He was telling France Info :

“Hair is a barrier. Their removal facilitates the penetration of infections. In depilated women, the risk of contracting (…) herpes, syphilis or warts is multiplied by 2.6. Even for infections (…) such as chlamydia the risk multiplies by 1.7. (…) In addition to viral infections, such as papillomavirus, responsible for cervical cancer. “

The findings of Dr. Jean-Marc Bohbot correspond to what we read in a study published in the leading scientific journal Sexually transmitted infections. However, they do not specify the frequency of sexual intercourse of people with sexually transmitted diseases. An individual who has sexual intercourse with multiple partners is more exposed to sexually transmitted diseases … The type of hair removal could therefore have a limited impact on this factor.

On the other hand, in addition to sexually transmitted diseases, there are other risks inherent in complete hair removal, although the latter tends to be less popular than before.

So what about the laser?

To avoid having to wax every month, some choose laser hair removal. A more or less permanent solution that still costs a certain price. But what about this type of hair removal when it comes to completely removing pubic hair? Well, know that it is really not recommended. Beyond the risks listed above, which in the end are the same whether you shave, wax or choose the laser optionhere it is rather about vaginal dryness. Dr Bohbot, a gynecologist, explains to France Info:

“Laser hair removal destroys the hair follicle. There is no more gland, while it is this gland that lubricates the vulva. Removing the hair therefore makes the vulva drier. This area is humid, it has a particular microbiota. However, if you remove the hair, it becomes a dry area, which has nothing to do with it! For the moment, no one can say what this causes in the long run. ”

This is not exactly reassuring … And the gynecologist also adds a layer to us talking about those who already live with this inconvenience:

“They have to take lifelong moisturizing treatments, such as soaps or creams containing hyaluronic acid. “

It makes you reconsider the idea of ​​full laser hair removal twice …

Possible gynecological problems, but not only!

When we wax, we know we take the risk grow hair under the skin sometimes very painful and difficult to remove. Full hair removal is no exception to the rule, gynecologist Marie-Laure Brival tells the worst that could happen to Info France :

“When you wax repeatedly, the hair grows back and coils on itself under the skin, which can cause a severe abscess. It hurts and you have to hack to evacuate. The maximum evolution of the abscess is an infection, with pus. “

Of course, we are talking about extreme case, but this type of skin problem can, in fact, happen to anyone. The only way to defend yourself? To exfoliate once or twice a week (only on the pubis and groin, without ever entering the vagina naturally or touching the lips), or simply to avoid epilation …

Cover Image Credits: @No Revisions via Unsplash.