What is the purpose of pubic hair on a woman?

July 26, 2022

What is the purpose of pubic hair on a woman?

We all have pubic hair. Some of us have more than others. Some choose to let it grow, others choose to remove it. Whatever personal decisions we make, pubic hair is totally normal.

But why do we have pubic hair? And should we remove it?

What is pubic hair?

Pubic hair is the hair that grows around the genitals, usually from puberty onwards. Most people have pubic hair, but the amount can vary from person to person.

What is the purpose of pubic hair?

The main role of pubic hair is to reduce friction during sex and other forms of exercise, protecting the delicate skin around the genital area.

Just like eyelashes and nose hair, pubic hair helps prevent the transmission of bacteria, trapping any dirt, debris, and microorganisms that could be harmful to the body. The pubic hair follicles also produce sebum, which prevents bacteria from reproducing.

Some researchers also believe that pubic hair may help to maintain the optimum temperature for the genitals [1].

There are other theories as to why we have pubic hair. According to a study carried out in 2017 [2], for example, it may help to reduce the risk of contracting an STI. However, further studies are needed to prove this.

Are there any benefits to removing your pubic hair?

Deciding whether or not to remove your pubic hair is a personal decision. Many women who choose to remove their pubic hair do so for reasons such as:

Personal preference – Some people just prefer the look and feel of having no pubic hair.
Increased sensitivity – Some people remove their pubic hair because they find this helps to increase sensation in their genital area during sex. Some studies suggest there could be a link [3], but there may be other factors involved.
Hygiene – A number of people believe that pubic hair is unhygienic and so choose to remove it. In fact, a 2013 study found that 59% of women and 61% of men who removed their pubic hair did so for hygiene reasons [4]. However, this is actually a common misconception, and, in reality, pubic hair isn’t unhygienic.