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Pubic Hair Removal among Women in the United States: Prevalence, Methods, and Characteristics
Abstract
Although women's total removal of their pubic hair has been described as a "new norm," little is known about the pubic hair removal patterns of sexually active women in the United States.
The purpose of this study was to assess pubic hair removal behavior among women in the United States and to examine the extent to which pubic hair removal methods are related to demographic, relational, and sexual characteristics, including female sexual function.
A total of 2,451 women ages 18 to 68years completed a cross-sectional Internet-based survey.
Demographic items (e.g., age, education, sexual relationship status, sexual orientation), cunnilingus in the past 4weeks, having looked closely at or examined their genitals in the past 4weeks, extent and method of pubic hair removal over the past 4weeks, the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
Women reported a diverse range of pubic hair-grooming practices. Women's total removal of their pubic hair was associated with younger age, sexual orientation, sexual relationship status, having received cunnilingus in the past 4weeks, and higher scores on the FGSIS and FSFI (with the exception of the orgasm subscale).
Findings suggest that pubic hair styles are diverse and that it is more common than not for women to have at least some pubic hair on their genitals. In addition, total pubic hair removal was associated with younger age, being partnered (rather than single or married), having looked closely at one's own genitals in the previous month, cunnilingus in the past month, and more positive genital self-image and sexual function.
... There has been a transition in the prevalence of pubic hair grooming by women in past few years, The data collected in this review found that pubic hair grooming is a widespread practice among women, consistent with research conducted in the United Kingdom, where 86% of women aged 16 years had engaged in pubic hair grooming at a certain point in their lives [17]. In a survey of more than 2,000 women aged between 18-68 years in the United States, 80% had engaged in some form of pubic hair grooming in the prior month [18]. Also several studies have explored pubic hair removal attitudes and behaviors among diverse populations of reproductive-age women. ...
... The results illustrate the significance of ethnicity in determining the likelihood of pubic hair grooming, consistent with earlier studies [6]. Upon analysis, we identified that 80.3% of groomers were of white ethnicity, exceeding the proportion observed among black women; Aligning with previous studies that highlight a higher prevalence of grooming practices among white women compared to other racial disparities [3,4,6,18,24]. This trend may be elucidated by the observation that Black women appear to express greater satisfaction with their natural pubic condition than their White counterparts, contributing to their lower likelihood of engaging in recent pubic hair grooming practices [25], moreover limited scholarly attention has been directed toward investigating the dynamics of pubic hair removal within a demographically diverse cohort of women [6]. ...
... Similar to other reported studies, [6,18,26], the findings of this analysis reveal that shaving using non-electric razors is the most commonly used for pubic hair grooming activity among women, representing approximately 69.3% of all pubic hair grooming methods. This high prevalence may be explained as mass availability of razors, cheap, its resemblance to widespread behavior of shaving legs and underarms, and the fact that its rapid removal result in more repeated grooming practice and more practical as it can be conducted in home as opposed to in a cosmetic center, and so is typical with waxing [26]. ...
Background
Pubic hair grooming involves the partial or complete removal of pubic hair, and it is a common practice among men and women. Grooming is more prevalent in women, who employ various methods such as shaving, waxing and laser removal. However, it is associated with variable rates of post-grooming adverse outcomes including lacerations and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis comparing women’s sexual health outcomes between those who groom and those who don’t.
Methods
We followed the MOOSE guidelines and conducted a computerized-based search using (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid Medline), till June 20th, 2022, for eligible studies using the relevant keywords; (pubic hair grooming) OR (pubic hair removal OR Genital hairless OR Bikini hair removal OR pubic hair depilation). Cross-sectional studies included which compared grooming practices among women in terms of motivation and health outcomes. Women’s satisfaction and incidence of STIs were pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR) respectively.
Results
Twenty-Two cross-sectional studies were included in our review with 73,091 participant.The odds of having gram-negative gonorrheal and chlamydial infection in Pubic hair groomers were found to be statistically significant (OR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.31, 1.84], P < 0.001) (OR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.32, 1.85], P < 0.001] respectively. There was no difference between groomer and non-groomer women regarding viral infections such as genital herpes (OR = 1.40, 95% CI [0.56, 3.50], P = 0.47) and Condyloma acuminata (OR = 1.75, 95% CI [0.51, 6.01], P = 0.37). The most common grooming side effect is genital itching (prevalence = 26.9%, P < 0.001). Non-electrical razor (prevalence = 69.3%, P < 0.001) is the most common grooming method. White women (prevalence = 80.2%, P < 0.001) remove pubic hair more frequently compared to black women (prevalence = 12.2%, P < 0.001). Women practice complete grooming (50.3%, P < 0.001) of the pubic hair more frequently than partial grooming (33.1%, P < 0.001). There are no differences in women’s satisfaction between the two groups (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI [-0.16, 0.40], P = 0.39).
Conclusion
This review aligns with previous observational studies regarding sexual health outcomes of pubic hair grooming. There is a need to raise awareness among women regarding the safe practice of pubic hair grooming, emphasizing the clarification of hazards and benefits.
... Herbenick et al., 2010;Rowen et al., 2016;Tiggemann & Hodgson, 2008;Toerien et al., 2005), while fewer studies have examined pubic hair removal among men (e.g., Boroughs et al., 2005;Boroughs & Thompson, 2014;Martins et al., 2008). Few studies have focused exclusively on young people, including their motivations and peer expectations for pubic hair removal. ...
... Studies by researchers in the U.S. (e.g., Bercaw-Pratt et al., 2012;DeMaria & Berenson, 2013: Herbenick et al., 2010Rowen et al., 2016), as well as other countries such as Australia (Tiggemann & Hodgson, 2008), Canada (Riddell et al., 2010), New Zealand (Terry & Braun, 2013), and the UK (Toerien et al., 2005), suggest the rate of pubic hair removal by women in Anglo/Western cultures is high. There have been several studies in the U.S. involving large samples of women. ...
... There have been several studies in the U.S. involving large samples of women. For example, Herbenick et al. (2010) surveyed 2,451 women between 18 and 68 years old and found 80% removed their pubic hair, particularly if they were younger (under age 30). Rowen et al. (2016) had similar findings in their survey of 3,372 women between 18 and 65 years old; they found most women (84%) removed their pubic hair, with younger women more likely to remove it than older women. ...
This exploratory study investigated pubic hair removal behavior among 295 college men and women. Survey questions explored the extent to which young people remove their pubic hair, by what means, how often, and reasons for such behavior. Pubic hair removal by friends and sexual partners, as well as expectations of sexual partners was also explored. Commonalities and differences in responses between college men and women were examined. Results revealed that pubic hair removal is extremely common in both men and women and typically begins in early adolescence. Reasons for pubic hair removal most frequently cited include cleanliness, comfort and appearance. Implications for sexuality education and future research are discussed.
... In a study by [15] 2451 women between the ages of 18-65 were compared in terms of pubic hair removal type and sexual dysfunction, and found that women who had done total pubic hair removal had higher scores of total female sexual index, desire, arousal, lubrication, pain and sexual satisfaction than women with no hair removal and partial hair removal. Also [16] point to association between complete depilation and greater sexual activity. ...
... This decline is also manifested by the decreased frequency of sexual intercourse in cases compared to controls. Another study by [15] revealed no difference in the mean desire or pain score, while there were statistically significant differences in the arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction, as well as the overall sexual function score between circumcised and control women. ...
... There was no statistically significant effect on dyspareunia (p >0.05) after body hair removal. [15] found that pubic hair removal was significantly associated with younger age,a greater interest in sex ,vaginal fingering, clitoral stimulation, having casual sex partners , more likely to have received cunnilingus in the past four weeks, and had a more positive genital selfimage and sexual function index scores. ...
... Terminal hair growth in the face, chest, abdomen, and back are also highly sexually dimorphic, with men having significantly more hair in these areas of their bodies than women. In addition, amidst changing depilation and hairstyling practices throughout time and across cultures, people have displayed preferences for certain hairstyles in mates and altered and groomed their hair so as to appear more attractive (Butler, Smith, Collazo, Caltabiano, & Herbenick, 2015;Dixson & Brooks, 2013;Dixson et al., 2019;Herbenick, Schick, Reece, Sanders, & Fortenberry, 2010;Ramsey, Sweeney, Fraser, & Oades, 2009). This suggests that sexual selection has helped to shape depilation and hairstyling, perhaps as forms of ornamentation to increase perceived attractiveness and phenotypic quality (i.e., intersexual selection) or as cues to physical formidability, dominance, or status (i.e., intrasexual competition; Darwin, 1871;Dixson & Brooks, 2013;Dixson & Rantala, 2016;Dixson et al., 2019;Dixson & Vasey, 2012;Hinsz, Matz, & Patience, 2001;Meskó & Bereczkei, 2004). ...
... Depilation has been practiced since ancient times, and several studies show that the removal of body hair is commonly practiced by women and men across contemporary society (Butler et al., 2015;Craig & Gray, 2019;Dixson et al., 2019;Herbenick et al., 2010;Ramsey et al., 2009). More than 90% of women living in Western cultures (e.g., New Zealand, the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Australia) indicate that they tend to remove hair from their legs and underarms, and between 65 and 85% report trimming or removing hair from their pubic area (Butler et al., 2015;DeMaria & Berenson, 2013;Herbenick et al., 2010Herbenick et al., , 2013Osterberg et al., 2017;Terry & Braun, 2013;Tiggemann & Hodgson, 2008;Toerien & Wilkinson, 2004;Stone, Graham, & Baysal, 2017). ...
... Depilation has been practiced since ancient times, and several studies show that the removal of body hair is commonly practiced by women and men across contemporary society (Butler et al., 2015;Craig & Gray, 2019;Dixson et al., 2019;Herbenick et al., 2010;Ramsey et al., 2009). More than 90% of women living in Western cultures (e.g., New Zealand, the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Australia) indicate that they tend to remove hair from their legs and underarms, and between 65 and 85% report trimming or removing hair from their pubic area (Butler et al., 2015;DeMaria & Berenson, 2013;Herbenick et al., 2010Herbenick et al., , 2013Osterberg et al., 2017;Terry & Braun, 2013;Tiggemann & Hodgson, 2008;Toerien & Wilkinson, 2004;Stone, Graham, & Baysal, 2017). Women are more likely to remove hair from their legs, armpits, and pubic area than men, particularly those who are younger. ...
Researchers have highlighted numerous sociocultural factors that have been shown to underpin human appearance enhancement practices, including the influence of peers, family, the media, and sexual objectification. Fewer scholars have approached appearance enhancement from an evolutionary perspective or considered how sociocultural factors interact with evolved psychology to produce appearance enhancement behavior. Following others, we argue that evidence from the field of evolutionary psychology can complement existing sociocultural models by yielding unique insight into the historical and cross-cultural ubiquity of competition over aspects of physical appearance to embody what is desired by potential mates. An evolutionary lens can help to make sense of reliable sex and individual differences that impact appearance enhancement, as well as the context-dependent nature of putative adaptations that function to increase physical attractiveness. In the current review, appearance enhancement is described as a self-promotion strategy used to enhance reproductive success by rendering oneself more attractive than rivals to mates, thereby increasing one’s mate value. The varied ways in which humans enhance their appearance are described, as well as the divergent tactics used by women and men to augment their appearance, which correspond to the preferences of opposite-sex mates in a heterosexual context. Evolutionarily relevant individual differences and contextual factors that vary predictably with appearance enhancement behavior are also discussed. The complementarity of sociocultural and evolutionary perspectives is emphasized and recommended avenues for future interdisciplinary research are provided for scholars interested in studying appearance enhancement behavior.
... Pubic hair grooming, defined as partial or full removal of pubic hair, is reported as a common practice among men and women in many countries. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] The prevalence of grooming is higher in women compared to men, 9,12 and in younger age groups of both women and men. 3,4,6,9 Several studies report grooming prevalence as greater than 80% among women. ...
... [8][9][10] In one university in the United States (US), almost all (98.1%) of female students reported ever grooming. 10 The most frequently reported method for pubic hair removal is shaving, 1,8,[10][11][12] but other methods such as waxing and laser removal are frequent. 6,8,12 Pubic hair removal is associated with high rates of side effects, such as lacerations, itching, folliculitis, rashes and burns. ...
... Studies in the US, Australia and Brazil have found that pubic hair removal was associated with increased sexual activity or having a sexual partner. 1,5,6,20,21 Our study did not find an association of grooming with sexual activity and this is likely to be related to the study population who were seeking effective contraception and who were required to be sexually active at enrolment. 17 In our research, almost three of four women in both groomer and non-groomer groups did not always use condoms in the last three months, making it a possible contributing factor to STI risk. ...
Pubic hair grooming is common in many countries, but little is known about this practice in Africa. Grooming has been positively associated with self-reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and safety of pubic hair grooming in two South African settings. In KwaZulu-Natal province, 1218 women participating in the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes Trial completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on pubic hair grooming practices, and were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Pubic hair removal was reported by 705 (58.2%) of women. Common areas for grooming were the pubis (n = 616, 99.4%), vagina/perineum (n = 529, 85.3%) and inner thigh (n = 255, 41.1%). Half (n= 361, 51.4%) removed some or all of their pubic hair at least monthly and 59 (8.4%) once a week or more often. Common side effects reported included itching (n = 439, 77.1%) and pimples and blisters (n = 249, 43.9%). A quarter (n = 173, 24.5%) of groomers had a positive result for either or both of CT and NG compared to a fifth (n = 98, 19.4%) of non-groomers (p-value < 0.033). There was no difference between the groups for HSV-2. After adjusting for age and having more than one sex partner, groomers were significantly more likely to have CT or NG than non-groomers (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.19–1.45). Similarly, those who experienced hair removal-related complications had 1.26 times the odds of testing positive for CT or NG (95% CI: 1.03–1.54). The practice of pubic hair removal is common and reporting of side effects is high in this population. These injuries could put women at a higher risk of STIs.
... The results of these studies are grouped as prevalence, attitudes, and practices. A total of nine studies were included for the review [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Table 5. All the nine studies [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Table 1 reported a prevalence of PHR among the study population. ...
... A total of nine studies were included for the review [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Table 5. All the nine studies [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Table 1 reported a prevalence of PHR among the study population. Six studies reported on PHR attitude [14][15][16][17]21,22] Table 2. Six studies reported on PHR practices [15,[17][18][19]21,22] Table 3. ...
... Of the nine studies, eight studies were from United States of America [14][15][16][17][18][19][20]22] and one study was from Saudi Arabia [21]. Two studies were conducted on male participants only [15,19], one study included both male and female participants [16], and six studies were conducted on female participants only [14,17,18,[20][21][22]. Mean age of male participants was 21.4 [standard deviation (SD 3.6)] and mean age of female participants was 23.72 (SD 5). ...
Abstract
Background and Objectives - The PHR practices are common around the world, for long the internet has been source of information, which is usually avialble from blogs, forums, social media. A lot of misinformation, misguidance is resulted because of lack of scientifically published literature providing proper information on the PHR practices. We undertook systematic review of existing population based studies to understand the prevalence, attitude, practices of PHR in published literature.
Methods - We searched for population based studies across the globe for prevalence, attitude and practice of PHR in study participants on electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, J-Gate, Medline). A total of 307 titles were identified on which 9 were considered eligible for the study. Descriptive analysis was carried on the 9 identified study to know the prevalence, attitude and practices of PHR.
Results – The prevalence of PHR at least once was 75%, Friends(73%) were the prime motivators to initiate the first PHR activity. Personal Hygiene(69%) was cited as the most common driver for regular PHR activity. Shaving using Razor blade(58%) was the most common mode of PHR and Abrasion(34%) was the most common complication.
Conclusions – Pubic Hair Removal is a common practice among both males and females, the practice is initiated and propelled mostly through personal preferences. The current need is to undertake population based studies, specifically in developing countries and present the evidence backed information on do’s and don’ts for optimum PHR experience with minimal complications.
Key words: Pubic Hair removal, Attitude, Practices
... The results of these studies are grouped as prevalence, attitudes, and practices. Total nine studies were included for the review (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22). All the nine studies (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22) reported prevalence of PHR amongst study population. ...
... Total nine studies were included for the review (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22). All the nine studies (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22) reported prevalence of PHR amongst study population. Six studies reported on PHR attitude (14)(15)(16)(17)21,22). ...
... Of the nine studies eight studies were form United Sates of America (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)22) and one study was from Saudi Arabia (21). Two studies were conducted on male participants only (15,19), one study included both male and female participants (16), Six studies were conducted on female participants only (14,17,18,(20)(21)(22). Mean age of male participants was 21.4 (SD 3.6) and mean age of female participants was 23.72 (SD 5). ...
Background and Objectives-The PHR practices are common around the world, for long the internet has been source of information, which is usually avialble from blogs, forums, social media. A lot of misinformation, misguidance is resulted because of lack of scientifically published literature providing proper information on the PHR practices. We undertook systematic review of existing population based studies to understand the prevalence, attitude, practices of PHR in published literature. Methods-We searched for population based studies across the globe for prevalence, attitude and practice of PHR in study participants on electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, J-Gate, Medline). A total of 307 titles were identified on which 9 were considered eligible for the study. Descriptive analysis was carried on the 9 identified study to know the prevalence, attitude and practices of PHR. Results-The prevalence of PHR at least once was 75%, Friends(73%) were the prime motivators to initiate the first PHR activity. Personal Hygiene(69%) was cited as the most common driver for regular PHR activity. Shaving using Razor blade(58%) was the most common mode of PHR and Abrasion(34%) was the most common complication. Conclusions-Pubic Hair Removal is a common practice among both males and females, the practice is initiated and propelled mostly through personal preferences. The current need is to undertake population based studies, specifically in developing countries and present the evidence backed information on do's and don'ts for optimum PHR experience with minimal complications. For your questions please send message to info@scopemed.com Title of the article: Systematic Review of Prevalence, Attitude, Practices of Pubic Hair Removal (PHR) activities. Abstract: Background and Objectives-The PHR practices are common around the world, for long the
... 7,9,16,17 In addition, in women, PHR has been linked to such sexual variables as interest in sex, receipt of oral sex, genital self-stimulation, and sexual functioning. 9,10 Finally, it has even been suggested that PHR may reflect or influence women's sexual decision making. 10 Although this is all very interesting, most scientific research on the subject has been conducted in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, which implies that information on PHR practices in European countries is still lacking. ...
... 9,10 Finally, it has even been suggested that PHR may reflect or influence women's sexual decision making. 10 Although this is all very interesting, most scientific research on the subject has been conducted in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, which implies that information on PHR practices in European countries is still lacking. Moreover, the association between PHR and sexual behavior per se has not yet been well addressed in research. ...
... Our finding that in women, unlike in men, PHR is not associated with sexual orientation, sexual activity status, or number of lifetime sexual partners is in contrast to previously reported findings. 3,7,8,10,16 Our results may be explained by the fact that the proportion of women engaging in PHR was so high, approximately 80%, that variations based on these factors were difficult to detect. Alternatively, our results can be considered supportive of earlier findings, 14,19 suggesting that PHR is more strongly integrated into women's self-views, whereas for men it is related to a specific relational and sexual context. ...
Background:
Pubic hair removal (PHR) is a widespread practice that entails certain health risks; however, there remains a lack of scientific information on the prevalence and antecedents of PHR, as well as on its association with sexual behavior and relational satisfaction.
Aims:
To explore women's and men's attitudes regarding PHR and their PHR practices and the associations with demographic, relational, and sexual characteristics.
Methods:
A total of 2,687 men and 1,735 women living in Flanders (the Northern part of Belgium) completed an online survey. Participants ranged in age from 15 to 60+ years; they self-identified as heterosexual, bisexual, or homosexual and reported various relationship statuses.
Main outcome measures:
Demographic items (ie, age, religion, partner relationship status), sexuality-related items (ie, sexual activity, sexual orientation, age at first intercourse, number of sexual partners), PHR items (ie, reasons, inclination to have or not have sex after PHR, perceived partner preferences, partner's PHR), and relationship satisfaction, assessed with the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire.
Results:
Fewer men (39.1%) than women (80.3%) reported (partially) removing their pubic hair. In both men and women, the practice was associated with age, sexual activity, relationship status, and partner's PHR practice and expectations. In men, sexual and relationship satisfaction were correlated with their partner's PHR practices and whether these were in line with the men's expectations. In women, sexual and relationship satisfaction were mostly correlated with whether both partner's expectations were met. Although both men and women reported that the reasons for PHR were related to their sexual experiences and to their partner's preference, only women reported that PHR was a way to enhance feelings of femininity. Finally, the reasons for not engaging in PHR were related to partner preferences and side effects.
Conclusion:
PHR is a widespread practice and seems strongly associated with personal, partner-related, sexual, and relational factors. Strategies to prevent men and women from being confronted with health risks should take all these factors into account. Enzlin P, Bollen K, Prekatsounaki S, et al. "To Shave or Not to Shave": Pubic Hair Removal and Its Association with Relational and Sexual Satisfaction in Women and Men. J Sex Med 2019;16:954-962.
... However, research suggests that the majority of women usually leave some hair in their genital area. In a study of 2451 women aged between 18 and 68 years, complete pubic hair removal was particularly more prevalent among young women [7]. Complete pubic hair removal was also correlated with higher female sexual function index scores and more positive genital self-image according to the Female Genital Self-Image Scale [7]. ...
... In a study of 2451 women aged between 18 and 68 years, complete pubic hair removal was particularly more prevalent among young women [7]. Complete pubic hair removal was also correlated with higher female sexual function index scores and more positive genital self-image according to the Female Genital Self-Image Scale [7]. Some demographic differences in pubic hair grooming have been reported [8][9][10][11]. ...
... Numerous reasons exist for removing pubic hair, including hygiene, comfort, aesthetic reasons, sex appeal (often associated with being partnered), receiving cunnilingus, having looked at one's genitals in the previous 4 weeks, and some may feel pressured by family or friends to participate in hair removal practices [5][6][7]12]. While religion has not yet been examined related to pubic hair removal, in Muslim culture today, both men and women are encouraged to remove armpit and pubic hair [13]. ...
Background
Pubic hair grooming, including the complete removal of pubic hair, has become an increasingly common practice, particularly among young women. Although widespread, there is limited data regarding the methods, products, reasons, and complications of pubic hair removal, particularly among Saudi women. The objective was to examine pubic hair removal practices and the prevalence of its complications among Saudi women living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Saudi women between 16 and 60 years of age who had the ability to read and speak Arabic, were eligible to complete an anonymous and self-administered survey on pubic hair removal practices and its complications.
Results
Between December 2015 and September 2016, 400 Saudi women completed the survey. The age was 26.3 ± 6.9, 16–58 (mean ± SD, range) years. About three quarters (77.0%) self-removed their pubic hair, while the remainder made use of professional personnel in medical clinics (15.5%), beauty salons (5.3%), and professional services at home (2.2%). Many women (41.8%) used a combination of hair removal methods, with non-electric razor as the most common single method used (33.5%), followed by laser (8.7%), sugaring (6.0%), waxing (4.5%), trimming (2.0%), electric razor (2.0%), and cream (1.5%). Three-quarters of women (75.5%) reported complications, and although they were mostly minor injuries, treatment had to be sought for 17.9% of complications. Multivariable analyses showed that no variables remained correlated with the occurrence of complications (age of starting hair removal, income, BMI, level of education, mode of removal, advice on removal).
Conclusions
Saudi women initiate pubic hair removal in early adolescence. While most complications are minor, close to one in five women experience complications.
... Age and sexual activity seem to have a significant role in PHR practices. For men and women of all ages, sexual activity is positively correlated with PHR (Bercaw-Pratt et al., 2012;Butler et al., 2014;Herbenick, Schick, Reece, Sanders, & Fortenberry, 2010;Osterberg et al., 2016). Most individuals start PHR by the age of 16 (Toerien et al., 2005), but as they age, their likelihood of PHR declines, especially for post-menopausal women (Herbenick et al., 2010;Toerien et al., 2005). ...
... For men and women of all ages, sexual activity is positively correlated with PHR (Bercaw-Pratt et al., 2012;Butler et al., 2014;Herbenick, Schick, Reece, Sanders, & Fortenberry, 2010;Osterberg et al., 2016). Most individuals start PHR by the age of 16 (Toerien et al., 2005), but as they age, their likelihood of PHR declines, especially for post-menopausal women (Herbenick et al., 2010;Toerien et al., 2005). In addition, an increase in age correlates with a decrease in the amount of PHR, for example, younger women tend to remove all the hair, whereas older women only partially remove hair (Herbenick et al., 2010). ...
... Most individuals start PHR by the age of 16 (Toerien et al., 2005), but as they age, their likelihood of PHR declines, especially for post-menopausal women (Herbenick et al., 2010;Toerien et al., 2005). In addition, an increase in age correlates with a decrease in the amount of PHR, for example, younger women tend to remove all the hair, whereas older women only partially remove hair (Herbenick et al., 2010). Overall, PHR practices have increased in the cultural West. ...
The literature on pubic hair removal (PHR) practices primarily focuses on women in Western societies and attributes recent increases in PHR to product marketing, pornography, and pop culture. Here, we explore PHR and retention practices outside the cultural West through content coding of societies in the Human Relations Area Files’ database, eHRAF World Cultures. Thirty-one societies noted distinct PHR or retention practices. Descriptive data on 72 societies provided additional context to the perception of pubic hair and reasons for its removal or retention. Results indicate that women practice PHR more commonly than men cross-culturally and practices are often tied to concerns about hygiene and sexual activity. Findings show that some features of PHR cross-culturally resemble those of the cultural West in which these practices have been best characterized, though these practices cannot be attributed to the same suite of factors such as exposure to pornography or product marketing. We interpret these findings within cross-cultural and evolutionary perspectives.
... Pubic hair removal (PHR) is a common practice among women in the United States. 1 Although people of all ages and gender identities engage in PHR, research consistently shows that the practice is most prevalent among young women, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] with most U.S. women typically beginning PHR in adolescence. 10,11 PHR has been positively associated with sexual attractiveness and desirability, 4,12 perceived cleanliness and hygiene, 13 and more positive genital self-image 5 among women. ...
... Younger age was also predictive of higher lifetime and recent PHR in regression analyses, which aligns with a substantial body of literature supporting the relationship between age and hair removal. 3,5,22,46 Multivariable logistic regression findings suggest that Hispanic women are less likely to remove their pubic hair compared to White women, both recently and in their lifetime. This highlights the importance of further investigating cultural factors and their influence on women's PHR among different ethnic groups. ...
Background
Pubic hair removal (PHR) is common among women in the United States, and understanding current practices is important for public health efforts. The most recent national study focusing on U.S. women’s PHR habits and their correlates was conducted over a decade ago.
Objectives
The current study aims to provide an updated understanding of PHR practices among U.S. women, examining prevalence, methods, frequency, and motivations. We also examine characteristics of women who choose to remove their pubic hair.
Design
A cross-sectional, nationally representative survey administered in Spring 2023 via Ipsos KnowledgePanel.
Methods
Women (N = 522, ages 18–85 years) responded to items inquiring about their demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and social media use, as well as methods, prevalence, and motivations associated with PHR. We examine various demographic and behavioral correlates of lifetime and recent PHR among women.
Results
Findings reveal that the majority of U.S. women have removed their pubic hair at some point in their lifetime, and almost half have done so within the past month. Frequency and preferred styles of PHR varied among women, indicating a wide range of individual preferences. Among top motivating factors for PHR were perceived cleanliness, comfort, and wanting to look good in a bikini. Race, age, and history of sexual activity were all statistically significant predictors of lifetime and recent PHR.
Conclusions
Findings from the current study may assist skincare professionals in better addressing patient/client PHR needs and concerns while promoting health. Studies should continue examining trends in PHR over time, its relation to societal perceptions of beauty, and its implications for health and well-being.
... For example, pubic hair removal practices are common around the world (Prabhune et al., 2019). In the U.S., more than 85% of women aged 18-24 years participate in some method of pubic hair removal (Herbenick et al., 2010) and, as noted above, many have increased rates of experiencing both STIs and unintended pregnancies. Like barbershops and beauty salons (Linnan et al., 2014), hair removal salons may also cultivate a safe, culturally relevant space for estheticians (i.e., skincare professionals) to deliver health promotion and, more specifically, sexual health promotion campaigns to young women. ...
... Until the SHE study, there was very little information on the relationship between estheticians and their clients, with no rich, descriptive data regarding the waxing profession. Past research has shown that 85% of young adult women practice pubic hair removal, which coincides with the population experiencing high rates of STIs and unintended pregnancy (Herbenick et al., 2010). Other studies have also illustrated a link between pubic hair removal and sexual activity, or at least an interest in becoming sexually active (Bercaw-Pratt et al., 2012;Herbenick et al., 2013). ...
Young women (18–25 years) are more likely to engage in pubic hair removal and experience higher rates of negative sexual health outcomes (e.g., sexually transmitted infections [STIs]). Hair removal salons may serve as novel environments for health interventions. The Sexual Health and Esthetician (SHE) Study aimed to better understand the pubic hair removal profession, explore the esthetician–client relationship, and assess potential for esthetician offices/salons serving as health promotion/sexual health promotion intervention settings. Using an exploratory qualitative design, in-depth interviews (N = 28) were conducted with licensed estheticians who provided pubic waxing services. In a large urban area in Southern California, the catchment area of salons included five unique neighborhoods, each with high reported STI rates. Data were analyzed using a social constructivist perspective and emergent themes from interviews. Synthesis of data showed estheticians provide a variety of waxing services for young women; during appointments, sex-related discussions occur, creating “sexy spaces” where otherwise taboo conversations happen with ease; they notice clients’ possible health concerns, including STIs, but have no protocols/procedures for handling these occurrences; and interactions with clients often result in the development of an intimate bond. Results indicate estheticians may be effective conveyors of sexual health promotion and risk reduction interventions.
... The study of Sangiorgi et al. [18] showed that Brazilian women who are satisfied with the appearance of their own genitalia have a stronger preference for complete removal of pubic hair. Herbenick et al. [19] indicated similar results in their study with 2451 women. In a study of DeMaria et al. [20] which was carried on with 663 female participants who had been removing pubic hair, it was demonstrated that women who were hair-free had a significantly more positive genital self-image than women with at least some hair on their genitals. ...
... In a study of Herbenick et al. [19] 2451 women between the ages of 18-65 were compared in terms of pubic hair removal type and sexual dysfunction, and found that women who had done total pubic hair removal had higher scores of total FSFI, desire, arousal, lubrication, pain and sexual satisfaction than women with no hair removal and partial hair removal. Also Bercaw-Pratt et al. [26] point to association between complete depilation and greater sexual activity. ...
Objectives: Both males and females carried out pubic hair removal by various methods usually for visual/aesthetic or psychosexual reasons. The aim of the present study was to evaluate self-esteem, body image and sexual functions of women before and after total laser pubic hair removal (TLPHR) which is frequently being prefered due to its long-lasting effects. Methods: A total of 45 sexually active women between 20 and 50 years of age who underwent total laser pubic hair removal were included in the study. The sociodemographic features, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES), Body Cathexis Scale (BCS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) of the participants were assessed before the first session and after the 6th session of TLPHR procedure. Results: Total RSES, total BCS scores and the 40th item of the BCS score significantly decreased after the TLPHR procedure (p < 0.001). Total FSFI scores and also FSFI subscales of desire, arousal, lubrication and satisfaction scores were significantly increased after TLPHR (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study results demonstrated that self-esteem, genital and total body image, sexual desire, sexual arousal and sexual satisfaction was improved after TLPHR procedure. Wider sampled studies examining the effects of laser pubic hair removal on individual, relational and psychosocial issues in both males and females are needed.
... 4,[7][8][9] Pubic hair removal is a unique appearance management behaviour for women, given its selective visibility (including in a sexual context), and it has been related to increased sexual activity. 4,6,10 It is associated with having received oral sex recently, 10 more sexual partners, 11 using genital hygiene products, and casual sex. 12 Of importance, women are more likely to remove hair if their partner indicates a preference for removal, suggesting the significance of sexual relationships in predicting removal behaviours. ...
... 4,[7][8][9] Pubic hair removal is a unique appearance management behaviour for women, given its selective visibility (including in a sexual context), and it has been related to increased sexual activity. 4,6,10 It is associated with having received oral sex recently, 10 more sexual partners, 11 using genital hygiene products, and casual sex. 12 Of importance, women are more likely to remove hair if their partner indicates a preference for removal, suggesting the significance of sexual relationships in predicting removal behaviours. ...
Background
Body hair removal is a behaviour that has become normative among women in Westernised cultures, and is presented by the media as the feminine ideal, despite being painful and a potential cause of infection. Of concern, removal may be part of a more global pattern of appearance dissatisfaction and risky sexual behaviour. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships among pubic hair removal, body image and sexual health indicators. Methods: Women (n = 264; Mage = 33.82, s.d. = 11.13, range = 18–66) completed self-report questionnaires assessing these constructs, including an assessment of body hair removal practices. Results: Greater appearance concerns (as measured by thin-ideal internalisation, appearance investment and self-objectification) and sexual health indicators (i.e. less condom use self-efficacy when a partner disapproves of condom use) all predicted greater importance of reasons for pubic hair removal (R² = 0.315, F(8184) = 9.97, P < 0.001), controlling for age groups. Additionally, women who removed a greater amount of hair reported more thin-ideal internalisation and appearance investment than those who removed less hair. Conclusions: Women who express stronger reasoning for pubic hair removal, and remove a larger amount of it, may endorse problematic beliefs and behaviours particularly related to appearance concerns. It is important for practitioners to consider this practice as distinct from grooming and to be aware of its association with a broader array of risky beliefs and behaviours that can compromise women’s well-being.
... 2-4 Pubic hair removal has been associated with genital self-image and higher levels of sexual response. 5,6 Although pubic hair grooming is widespread, the risks associated with hair removal, such as genitourinary injuries, remain largely uncharacterized. ...
... This result is consistent with previously published rates of pubic hair removal, ranging from 48% to 87% for women and 33% to 50% for men, depending on age and sexual orientation. 2, 3,5,12,14,20 Unlike prior studies that we are aware of examining trends in pubic hair removal, 6,12,20 this survey included respondents from a wide range of ages, geographic locations, and sexual activity patterns that mirrored the current population of the United States. 17 We found significantly greater prevalence of grooming among younger groups. ...
Importance
Pubic hair grooming is a common practice that can lead to injury and morbidity.
Objective
To identify demographic and behavioral risk factors associated with pubic hair grooming–related injuries to characterize individuals with high risk of injury and develop recommendations for safe grooming practices.
Design, Setting, and Participants
This cross-sectional study conducted a national survey of noninstitutionalized US adults (aged 18-65 years). The web-based survey was conducted through a probability-based web panel designed to be representative of the US population. Data were collected in January 2014 and analyzed from August 1, 2016, through February 1, 2017.
Main Outcomes and Measures
Grooming-related injury history (yes or no), high-frequency injuries (>5 lifetime injuries), and injury requiring medical attention.
Results
Among the 7570 participants who completed the survey (4198 men [55.5%] and 3372 women [44.5%]; mean (SD) age, 41.9 [18.9] years), 5674 of 7456 (76.1%) reported a history of grooming (66.5% of men and 85.3% of women [weighted percentages]). Grooming-related injury was reported by 1430 groomers (weighted prevalence, 25.6%), with more women sustaining an injury than men (868 [27.1%] vs 562 [23.7%]; P = .01). Laceration was the most common injury sustained (818 [61.2%]), followed by burn (307 [23.0%]) and rashes (163 [12.2%]). Common areas for grooming-related injury for men were the scrotum (378 [67.2%]), penis (196 [34.8%]), and pubis (162 [28.9%]); for women, the pubis (445 [51.3%]), inner thigh (340 [44.9%]), vagina (369 [42.5%]), and perineum (115 [13.2%]). After adjustment for age, duration of grooming, hairiness, instrument used, and grooming frequency, men who removed all their pubic hair 11 times or more during their lifespan had an increased risk for grooming injury (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.97; 95% CI, 1.28-3.01; P = .002) and were prone to repeated high-frequency injuries (AOR, 3.89; 95% CI, 2.01-7.52; P < .001) compared with groomers who did not remove all their pubic hair. Women who removed all their pubic hair 11 times or more had increased odds of injury (AOR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.53-3.19; P < .001) and high-frequency injuries (AOR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.78-5.01; P < .001) compared with groomers who do not remove all their pubic hair. In women, waxing decreased the odds of high-frequency injuries (AOR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03-0.43; P = .001) compared with nonelectric blades. In total, 79 injuries among 5674 groomers (1.4%) required medical attention.
Conclusions and Relevance
Grooming frequency and degree of grooming (ie, removing all pubic hair) are independent risk factors for injury. The present data may help identify injury-prone groomers and lead to safer grooming practices.
... There has always been a demand for treatment of superfluous hair in the more intimate areas of the body [1][2][3]. Temporary methods of removing hair in this sensitive area have been achieved using sugaring, plucking, threading, razors, shavers, trimmers, epilators, depilatory creams, electrolysis, hot wax and cold strip wax methods, all of which can cause side effects such as hyperpigmentation, ingrown hair and folliculitis. Best practice general guidelines for safe laser hair reduction have already been published in peer reviewed professional medical journals [4]. ...
General best practice guidelines for safe laser/IPL hair reduction have already been published in peer reviewed professional medical journals. The safe operation of a laser/IPL for hair reduction demands creation of a facility safety protocol, compliance with laser/IPL system set-up, designated client parameters and dosimetry. Compliance with national, regional and local regulations are equally applicable for hair removal prior to gender reassignment surgery. These guidelines briefly review the options for hair reduction and the mode of action of photoepilation but concentrate on classification of birth male and birth female intimate body areas and treatment procedure including planning prior to gender reassignment surgery. There is a dedicated review section on pilonidal sinus treatment procedure as well as delegation of photoepilation, adverse effects, safety precautions, pain control and client aftercare.
... We also observed the association of BV with the genital hair removal. North American studies sought to associate factors, prevalence, and characteristics for the genital hair removal, demonstrating that this practice is associated mainly with young women, relationship status, and sexual practices [37,38]. However, there are no studies relating this hygienic practice to BV, thus providing no comparison of data. ...
The BV is the most prevalent alteration of the vaginal microbiota and constitutes an important public health problem, the prevalence varies by age, ethnicity, socioeconomic factors, and geographic region and the risk factors associated with this condition, are included the number of sexual partners, the use of the intrauterine device, use of vaginal douche, hygiene habits and sexual practices/behaviors. To determine the prevalence and factors associated with bacterial vaginosis in women of reproductive age. Cross-sectional study was developed in Botucatu, Brazil, including 315 women. Data were obtained by applying a questionnaire and gynecological examination, with sample collection for analysis of the vaginal microbiota pattern, according to the Nugent scoring system. The association between independent variables and outcome was performed using a regression model. The variables that most influenced the outcome (p<0.20) were taken to the multiple logistic regression model and those independently associated with the outcome (p<0.05) were identified. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 32% (101/315) and the associated variables were: not living with a partner [1.13(1.02-1.25), p=0.021], use of vaginal douche [1.42(1.22-1.64), p=0.000] and genital hair removal [1.19(1.01-1.42), p=0.042]. Results point to the importance of screening for this vaginal dysbiosis in routine gynecological care and suggest the importance of health professionals conducting guidance on proper intimate hygiene practices for women.
... Nicknamed the "Barbie look" because Barbie has no genital structures, 13,14 this ideal is largely promulgated by the pornography 15 and FGCS industries. 16 A diverse range of procedures that alter the structure and ap- 17 Increasing demand for FGCS has been said to be due to increased social acceptability of cosmetic surgery procedures, 18 the trend for pubic hair removal, 19,20 and broad population exposure to pornography, 21,22 combined with a poor general understanding of what constitutes a normal vulva. [23][24][25] A recently published survey of 433 Australian general practitioners found that 97% had been asked about vulval normality, and 50% had been asked for a referral for labiaplasty surgery. 2 Vulval anatomy is therefore very relevant to the contemporary student cohort who are of an age where some may be questioning the normality of their own anatomy while also training to become medical practitioners who will take their medical anatomy knowledge to frontline consultations. ...
Anatomy has often been regarded as an immutable discipline where everything that needs to be known is known. This article focuses on the teaching of vulval anatomy, the diversification of gender in contemporary society, and the increasing popularity of the Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery (FGCS) industry. The binary language and singular structural arrangements contained in lectures and chapters on “female genital anatomy” are nowadays rendered exclusive and incomplete. A series of 31 semi‐structured interviews with Australian anatomy teachers identified barriers and facilitators for teaching vulval anatomy to contemporary student cohorts. Barriers included lack of connection to contemporary clinical practice, time and technical difficulty involved in regularly updating online presentations, the crowded curriculum, personal sensitivity to teaching vulval anatomy, and reluctance to introduce inclusive terminology. Facilitators included lived experience, regular use of social media, and institutional initiatives toward inclusivity including the support of queer colleagues.
... Vários estudos mostraram que os homens adultos e adolescentes investem na compra de roupas para aumentar sua autoestima e atratividade de acordo com os ideais culturais locais para parecerem mais populares, mais magros ou mais musculosos, por exemplo (Frith & Gleeson 2004;Hargreaves & Tiggemann 2006 Dentre os mamíferos e especificamente dentre os primatas, os humanos encontram-se relativamente nus, exceto pelo crescimento dos pelos axilares, craniais e púbicos (revisado em Rantala 2007). Entretanto, os cortes e a depilação têm sido praticados desde os tempos antigos até as sociedades contemporâneas (Butler et al. 2015;Craig & Gray 2019;Dixson et al. 2019;Herbenick et al. 2010). Os padrões para a depilação têm variado significativamente através das culturas e do tempo. ...
Este livro foi pensado para ser um primeiro texto introdutório às bases ecológicas e evolutivas do comportamento humano, voltado para o ensino ao nível de graduação. Embora cada capítulo possa ser lido em qualquer ordem, organizamos de modo que a sequência sugerida permita ao aprofundamento paulatino dos diferentes conceitos e disciplinas dedi- cadas aos estudos do comportamento humano.
... La depilación íntima se ha convertido en una tendencia contemporánea, con una creciente popularidad en la remoción total del vello púbico, especialmente entre adolescentes y adultos jóvenes (9) . En Estados Unidos, el 70 %-88 % de las mujeres jóvenes informa la eliminación parcial o completa del vello púbico (10) ; sin embargo, no se ha estudiado, en gran medida, la asociación que dicha práctica pudiera tener con la presencia de infecciones genitourinarias. ...
Objetivo: evaluar la influencia de la depilación íntima en la aparición de infecciones vulvovaginales y urinarias (genitourinarias). Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal. Se incluyeron 861 mujeres mayores de 18 años, con el hábito de depilación íntima, que acudieron a la consulta externa de ginecología, residentes en el Quindío, Colombia, en tres clínicas de alta complejidad, entre 2014 y 2019. El diagnóstico de vaginosis bacteriana se estableció usando la puntuación de Nugent, el de vaginitis (candidiasis o tricomonas) mediante el frotis directo en fresco y la infección urinaria, por urocultivo. Se relacionaron los datos asociados con el tiempo de la práctica de la depilación, la presencia de infecciones genitourinarias, así como la prevalencia. Resultados: la edad media de la población fue de 27,74 ± 5,19 años. El 29,96 % de las mujeres llevaba depilándose durante un período superior a cinco años y menor de diez años; el 62,36 % reportó diez años o más y el 7,66 %, menos de cinco años. El 84,43 % presentó infecciones genitourinarias, de las cuales, el 41,95 % fueron infecciones vaginales; el 27,37 % presentó infecciones urinarias y el 30,67 %, infecciones vaginales y urinarias de forma concomitante. Se observó una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el tiempo de depilación mayor de cinco años y la aparición infecciones genitourinarias (p = 0,001; (odds ratio [OR] = 5,79; intervalo de confianza ([IC] 95 %: 1,89-7,35). Se encontró mayor riesgo entre las mujeres que usaban pantalones largos, usuarias de tampones y las que no utilizaban ropa interior de algodón (OR = 6,92; IC 95 %: 1,11-15,28). Conclusiones: existe relación entre la depilación íntima y la aparición de infecciones vulvovaginales o urinarias. Las futuras investigaciones deben confirmar estos hallazgos, así como la influencia de los diferentes métodos de depilación que estuvieran asociados a una mayor o menor infección.
... Desde hace algunos años, la depilación "es un nuevo mandato social" pues, desde que los adolescentes se depilan por seguir la moda, han asociado higiene y estética con el hecho de depilarse el vello púbico, incluyendo la presión social para realizarlo. 1,2,3 Los riesgos asociados con la depilación, como las lesiones del área genital, siguen siendo en gran medida un área sin caracterizar. Las lesiones durante o después del arreglo del vello púbico llegan a presentar quemaduras por el uso de cera, irritación local, laceración, heridas cortantes, vellos enquistados, foliculitis, pustulosis, celulitis, ...
Pubic hair removal is a common practice today
among women and men. More common among
young women, sexually active women routinely
remove their genital hair more frequently than
non-active women. The frequency of genital hair
removal is variable; between 15 and 35% do it
only for special occasions (wearing a bathing
suit, doctor’s appointments or in preparation for
sexual activity); between 25 and 45% remove it
at least once a week and between 20 and 47%
at least once a month. The primary reasons why
women report removing their pubic hair are normative, for sensuality, and cleanness.
... 1,2 Motivations for grooming include genital hygiene, body image, partner preference, and sexual activity. 1,3 Pubic hair grooming is associated with more frequent sexual activity and a greater number of lifetime sexual partners. 1 The relationship between grooming and sexual activity seems to be stronger among men who have sex with men (MSM) than among men who have sex with women, especially for anal grooming. ...
Background:
Pubic hair grooming has been correlated with a self-reported history of sexually transmitted infections (STI). We examined this relationship further in a cross-sectional survey of patients attending an urban STI clinic in San Francisco in 2018.
Methods:
Pubic hair grooming practices and detailed sexual histories were obtained. STIs were confirmed via laboratory diagnosis or physical exam by a licensed provider.
Results:
314 individuals completed the survey. The median age of participants was 31. In total, there were 247 (80%) men, 58 (19%) women, and five (2%) transgender participants. Of the 247 men, 177 (72%) identified as gay or bisexual. 257/314 (82%) patients reported pubic hair grooming within the past three months. Seventy-eight (25%) patients were diagnosed with a new STI during their visit. There were no significant associations between reporting any anal or genital grooming and being diagnosed with an STI. However, anal groomers were three times as likely to be diagnosed with a rectal STI after adjustment (aOR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2-7.5) compared to genital only groomers and non-groomers. Participants who report removing all of their pubic hair more than six times within the past year had higher prevalence of genital STIs (33.3% 6-10 times; 28.6% >10 times) compared to participants who never groom all of their pubic hair (15.3%, p=0.01).
Conclusion:
We found no association between recent grooming and genital STIs. Anal grooming was associated with rectal STIs in gay and bisexual men.
... Overall, the prevalence of axillary and pubic hair removal in men and women residing in Germany is substantial with 37%. Our findings TA B L E 3 t tests results comparing remover of axillary and pubic hair and nonremover corroborate previous studies [4][5][6]16 in terms of the association be- According to previous studies, we found a positive association between body hair removal and income 1 or level of education. 5 The higher socio-economic status of body hair removers suggests that those who remove regularly body hair refer to a stronger socially desirable behavior and body norms than nonremovers. ...
Background:
Body hair removal is an increasing trend that has an impact on the individual's body image.
Aims:
To characterize current body hair removal practices in Germany and the extent to which body hair removal was related to demographic characteristics, body image, and body mass index.
Patients/methods:
A national survey was conducted from September to October 2016 in men and women in Germany. Body experience was measured by a standardized questionnaire. In addition to sociodemographic data, age, gender, education, marital status, monthly income, and body mass index were collected.
Results:
A total of n = 2510 participants aged 14 to 94 years (Mage = 48.4 years (SD = 18.2), 53.4% females) were randomly selected from the general population. 69% of the questioned women removed their body hair while only 41% of men do. The gender effect is statistically significant (χ2 = 203.43; df = 1; P < .001). Income, a higher level of education, and living in an urban region were significantly associated with body hair removal in both, men and women. Furthermore, significant differences with regard to body image were found between hair removers and nonremovers which are associated with a different attitude toward the own body.
Conclusions:
Germans were likely to remove body hair if they were of younger age, better educated, and with high income. Hair removal is above all a women's issue. Especially, female hair removers experience their body as an esthetic entity with the need of active reshaping. There is a "shift" from ideal of a naturally hairy body to an increased hairlessness in Germany.
... There was a strong correlation between pubic hair removal and younger age. 21 In a qualitative internet-based survey of female genital perception in 496 women and 186 men, presence of too much pubic hair was the most commonly stated dislike in women and the second most common in men. 22 It, therefore, comes as no surprise that some girls may start removing pubic hair as early as 13 years. ...
Genital dissatisfaction in healthy young women is on the rise. Pubic hair removal reveals genital tissue previously hidden, while social trends promote the absence of any protruding genital tissue as the feminine ideal. Information with regard to the natural diversity of external genitalia anatomy, and lifestyle changes to improve physical symptoms related to labial tissue may suffice to reassure a distressed adolescent. Female genital cosmetic surgery is rarely supported, before attaining genital maturity. However, genital dissatisfaction may lead to significant embarrassment and anxiety, requiring formal psychological counselling. Sexual education needs to counterbalance perceived normal anatomy, portrayed in pornography or female genital cosmetic surgery advertisements.
... Cherkasskaya and Rosario's (2018) perspective is supported by additional research: In one large online survey (n = 2451), women's pubic hair grooming was found to be indicative of their genital self-image and sexual desire. Women who were more confident about how their genitals looked and had higher sexual desire tended to remove all of their pubic hair (Herbenick, Schick, Reece, Sanders, & Fortenberry, 2010). Women who were less confident about the appearance of their genitals did not tend to remove pubic hair. ...
... Despite the popularity and rhetorical valence of choice discourse in neoliberal postfeminist contexts (Braun 2009), Fahs's work revealed women's body hair practices to be highly regulated, with any individual woman's choice to remove body hair bound up in cultural expectations and a desire to avoid harsh social policing of transgression. Some studies (Basow 1991;Toerien, Wilkinson & Choi 2005) have found women with lesbian and/or feminist identities reporting removing body hair at lower rates, as did older women (Herbenick et al. 2010;Toerien, Wilkinson & Choi 2005). But it is far from clear that these identities offer spaces of viable resistance to appearance norms for femininity and how they intersect with appearance norms is also likely to change depending on context (e.g., Li & Braun 2017). ...
Do women with body hair continue to evoke disgust? Are men without body hair read only as athletes and/or gay? To explore contemporary sense-making practices around apparently counter-normative gendered body hair practice, we developed a two-stem story completion task. We collected stories from 161 undergraduate students (129 women and 32 men) about David, who had decided to start removing body hair, and Jane, who had decided to stop removing body hair. We analysed the data thematically within a constructionist framework, resulting in three themes: secrecy and shame; the personal benefits of going against the grain; and the personal is political. The personal benefits theme included four distinct (gendered) subthemes: increased heterosexual attractiveness; increased sporting prowess; removal of a hassle; and liberation from conformity. These story data gave access to familiar but also somewhat different accounts than those collected through typical self-report measures.
... Removal of pubic hair in women may be partial or total. Total hair removal has been associated with women who are younger in age, have a sexual status of being partnered (as compared to single or married), have received cunnilingus in the previous month, have closely examined their own genitals in the prior four weeks, and who consider themselves to have a more positive sexual function and genital self-image [17]. ...
Genital rejuvenation is applicable not only to women (vaginal rejuvenation) but also to men (scrotal rejuvenation). There is an increased awareness, reflected by the number of published medical papers, of vaginal rejuvenation; however, rejuvenation of the scrotum has not received similar attention in the medical literature. Scrotal rejuvenation includes treatment of hair-associated scrotal changes (alopecia and hypertrichosis), morphology-associated scrotal changes (wrinkling and laxity), and vascular-associated scrotal changes (angiokeratomas). Rejuvenation of the scrotum potentially may utilize medical therapy, such as topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, for scrotal alopecia and conservative modalities, such as depilatories and electrolysis, for scrotal hypertrichosis. Lasers and energy-based devices may be efficacious for scrotal hypertrichosis and scrotal angiokeratomas. Surgical intervention is the mainstay of therapy for scrotal laxity; however, absorbable suspension sutures are postulated as a potential intervention to provide an adequate scrotal lift. Hair transplantation for scrotal alopecia and injection of botulinum toxin into the dartos muscle for scrotal wrinkling are hypothesized as possible treatments for these conditions. The interest in scrotal rejuvenation is likely to increase as men and their physicians become aware of both the conditions of the scrotum that may warrant rejuvenation and the potential treatments of the scrotum for these individuals.
... Furthermore, women who have had labiaplasties have not reported improvements in their sex lives (Bramwell, Morland, & Garden, 2007). Instead, negative genital attitudes correlate with women refusing to allow a partner to perform oral sex on them (Bay-Cheng & Fava, 2011), being resistant to genital self-examinations, using vibrators less, and attending fewer gynecological appointments (Herbenick, Schick, Reece, Sanders, & Fortenberry, 2010). The supposedly empowering outcomes of female genital cosmetic surgeries are thus not supported by the literature and seem to contribute to a variety of other problems associated with women's sexualities and bodies in contemporary culture. ...
In this chapter, we illustrate the paradox of pleasure and danger by examining points of tension, contradiction, and conflict about women’s sexuality, power, and empowerment. We have divided this chapter into two parts. In Part 1, we begin by reiterating Fahs and McClelland’s (2016) argument for critical sexuality studies and argue for how such a lens can revise the concepts, practices, and ways of seeing used by feminist psychologists studying sexuality. We follow this with a critical examination of the typical ways in which sex researchers construct sexual satisfaction, embodiment, sexual activity and virginity, and agency. Last, we briefly explore the implications of traditional sex research for conceptualizing women’s sexuality and understanding the social policies that affect women (e.g., the development of flibanserin or “female Viagra”). In Part 2, we revisit the feminist paradox of pleasure and danger (Vance, 1983) by pairing it with recent theories and empirical studies that have examined the contradictions of women’s sexuality. We follow this by examining neoliberal discourses on sexuality (i.e., the notion of individualistic consumers, informed by capitalism, claiming “sexual empowerment”) and how these discourses have influenced modern sex research as well as feminist responses, critiques, and revisions to traditional sex research.
... Pubic hair removal may be a risk factor for VIN or correlated with the increasing incidence of VIN. Until the 1980s, it was considered normal for women to shave only the bikini zone and armpits, while the latest trend, especially among younger women, is total pubic hair removal [11]. This trend can be observed in magazines like Playboy, which demonstrate a transition from completely hairy pubic areas to different degrees of shaving and, finally, to total pubic hair removal [12]. ...
Objective
The risk factors for vulvar dysplasia and infections are not fully known. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between pubic hair shaving and the occurrence of vulvar inflammation, dysplasia, and cancer.
Methods
This study was performed between January 2013 and December 2016 in which a standardized questionnaire concerning genital hair shaving was administered to vulvar dysplasia and cancer patients and healthy participants. The presence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and the occurrence of genital inflammation were documented.
Results
We recruited 49 patients with vulvar dysplasia or cancer and 234 healthy women as a control group. Smoking, HPV infection, genital inflammation, and complete pubic hair removal were significantly more common in the vulvar dysplasia/cancer group. Pubic hair shaving per se presented a clear association with vulvar dysplasia/cancer. Shaving the labia majora in particular showed also an association.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that partial or complete pubic hair shaving using a razor is correlated with and could be a potential risk factor for the development of genital inflammation, vulvar dysplasia, and malignancies. These results need to be confirmed in larger studies. HPV status and genital inflammation should be documented by medical personnel.
... Other studies also reported associations of the preference for complete depilation and greater sexual activity. 9,12,15 In line with these observations, we also found that, in general, subjects who preferred no depilation had lower frequencies of intercourse. ...
Purpose To evaluate the preferences of women and men regarding female pubic hair depilation and identify possible reasons for these preferences.
Methods This is a cross-sectional study of men and women over 18 years old who were invited by the official blog of our institution to respond anonymously to an online and self-administered questionnaire made by the researchers. The analyses were made using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, SAS Inc., Cary, NC, US) software, version 9.3, and contingency tables were used to verify the distribution of variables. The univariate statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson chi-squared test, and the differences for values of p < 0.05 were considered significant.
Results We obtained data from 69,920 subjects (52,787 women and 17,133 men). The mean age was 31.9 years for men, and 28.5 years for women. Most women (64.3%) and men (62.2%) preferred complete removal of female pubic hair, and this preference was more pronounced in younger women and men. Most women reported performing depilation at home (55.8%), with 44.4% using hot wax and 40.1% using a razor blade. About half of the women (44.7%) and men (50.1%) reported sexual activity, having intercourse 2 to 3 times per week. The frequency of intercourse and sexual satisfaction in women correlated with total pubic hair removal.
Conclusion Most Brazilian women and men prefer the complete removal of female pubic hair, especially those who are younger and more sexually active. Women who are satisfied with the appearance of their own genitalia have a stronger preference for complete removal of pubic hair.
... 9,10 During the recent years, the attention and visibility of the vulva and labia have increased, primarily because of the increased popularity of removing pubic hair. 11,12 Furthermore, pornography and labia images, often selective or digitally edited, are widely available through the media and the Internet, leading to misguided assumptions of what is normal and desirable. 8,13 Consequently, many women perceive nonprotruding and symmetrical labia minora as normal 8,14 and hence desire a "prepubescent" appearance. ...
Objectives:
The aims of the study were to describe and to assess the size of labia minora in normal women, including the women's perception of their genitals to offer better counseling to the women seeking for labiaplasty.
Materials and methods:
This cross-sectional study was undertaken in the outpatient clinic at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Kolding Medical Center between May 2012 and October 2013, when study participants were recruited in connection with their routine visits. Main outcomes of interest were visibility and width of the patients' labia minora. In addition, women were asked whether they perceived their genitals as being normal. Information about age, body mass index, and parity was also collected. We used descriptive statistics and paired t test to compare the clinical measurements.
Results:
In total, 244 women were included in the study. The median width of labia was 15 mm, and 90% of labia were less than 26.5 mm. Fifty-six percent of the women had visible labia minora. Regarding perception, 86.5% considered their labia as being normal. Within the group of women who perceived their genitals to be abnormal, 73.3% had visible labia minora. Among women with the largest labia (>26.5 mm), two thirds considered themselves normal. There was no statistically significant association between the measurements of labia minora and age, body mass index, or parity.
Conclusions:
One of 10 women had a measurement of labia minora of at least 26.5 mm in width. It is just as common to have visible labia minora as hidden labia minora. Women who considered their genitals to be abnormal more often had visible labia minora than women who considered their genitals to be normal.
Objectives: Our study aimed to determine the prevalence and techniques of body hair removal. In addition, we also looked at the various complications that had arisen in our patient group. Materials and Methods: An online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey was conducted in the north region of Morocco to collect data that was sent to participants who live in one of the cities of northern Morocco. IBM SPSS, version 25, was employed to analyze the data with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A total of 660 randomly selected women responded to the questionnaire. The mean age was 31.02 ± 8.89 (SD). Pubic and axillary hair were the most often depilated areas (90–94%). The main reason was hygiene (46.9%). Age, income, family situation, and social status were significantly associated with body hair removal areas and methods. The complications that occurred in different parts of the body were minimal and similar to those already reported in the literature for pubic grooming. They were mainly associated with the technique of removal. Conclusion: Younger women were more likely to remove hair from the face, forearms, and legs when compared to the older. Traditional techniques such as waxing and shaving were still the most often employed. Key words: Body areas, Complications, Hair removal, Regional survey, Techniques What is known about this subject in regard to women and their families? Hair removal is above all a women’s issue. Although the practice is highly popular, there are still complications related to various hair removal methods. What is new from this article as messages for women and their families? There is no previously published data on the prevalence, techniques, and complications of body hair removal among women in our region. More effort is needed to educate women to choose the most appropriate technique with fewer complications.
PurposeThe study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of treating atrophied labia majora with hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA).Methods
Ten participants complaining of sagging or loss of volume in the labia majora were evaluated and randomly assigned to two groups—treated with CaHA or AH. Photographic documentation was taken and appreciated by the participants and by blind observers.ResultsThe study showed an improvement in labia majora regarding volumization and flaccidity that was more significant after 90 days of treatment in both treatments. Besides flaccidity, volume replacement resulted in better balance and proportion between the labia majora and labia minora. The evaluators, independent and blind, judged that in 80% of the cases of the HA group and in 50% of cases of the CaHA group, there was an excellent improvement.Conclusion
CaHA and HA are both effective and safe for treating the intimate region, and this study cannot prove the superiority of one over the other. An appropriate assessment involving the analysis of sagging and/or volume loss and the creation of a sequential treatment protocol, involving CaHA and HA, seems to be the best solution.Level of Evidence IEvidence obtained from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Zusammenfassung
Die Haarentfernung im Intimbereich ist eine weltweite Praxis der Körpermodifikation, die bei Frauen häufiger als bei Männern, bei jüngeren häufiger als bei älteren Menschen sowie bei sexuell aktiven häufiger als bei abstinenten Personen mit soziokulturell unterschiedlicher Motivation Anwendung findet. Da es mit wenigen Ausnahmen keine medizinische Indikation für die Intimepi‐ und ‐depilation gibt, findet sich in der Fachliteratur eine nur sehr begrenzte Evidenz über eingesetzte Methoden und deren Risiken. Um den Anwendern aus dermatologischer Perspektive eine Orientierung beim Einsatz unterschiedlicher Verfahrensweisen und damit verbundener Risiken zu geben, wurden die vorhandenen Daten in einer systematischen Literaturrecherche zusammengetragen, analysiert und bewertet. Dazu wurden in Literaturdatenbanken (PubMed, Google Scholar) nach definierten Suchstrategien insgesamt 290 Beiträge in der englisch‐ und deutschsprachigen Fachliteratur identifiziert und nach Bewertung der Relevanz 61 Publikationen mit wissenschaftlicher Aussagekraft identifiziert. Dabei wurde deutlich, dass Depilationsmethoden (Rasur, Trimming, chemische Depilation) im Vergleich zu Epilationsmethoden (Waxing, Sugaring, mechanische Epilation, Elektroepilation, Laser, Intense Pulsed Light , medikamentöse Epilation) häufiger zur Anwendung kommen. Die unterschiedlichen Risiken und unerwünschten Effekte wurden methodenassoziiert analysiert und prophylaktische Strategien zur Vermeidung von Komplikationen erarbeitet.
Background:
The anatomy of the fatty parts of the vulva, specifically the mons pubis and labia majora, has not been extensively studied.
Objectives:
This study aimed to provide a comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) picture of mons pubis and labia majora by defining and measuring their dimensions. Furthermore, the study sought to calculate the different ratios, volumes, and weights of these structures.
Methods:
The study included 214 women, who were divided into 2 groups based on their body mass index (BMI). The researchers defined 27 dimensions to describe the width, height, and length of the mons pubis and labia majora and specified the measuring methodology.
Results:
The height of the mons pubis was approximately three quarters of its length and half its width. The labia majora were wider and taller anteriorly than posteriorly, and their ratios decreased as they went posteriorly, from 4 to 2. The ratio of monal height to maximum labial height and to labial length was 3 and 1 respectively, while the ratio of monal width to the sum of maximum labial widths was nearly 1.5. The calculated volumes and weights of the mons pubis and labium majus were 200 cc, 30 cc, 180 g, and 27 g in group 1, and 300 cc, 40 cc, 270 g, and 36 g in group 2, respectively.
Conclusions:
The dimensions, ratios, weights, and volumes defined and measured in this study should serve as the basis for any esthetic measures involving the mons pubis and labia majora. Moreover, BMI and the different ratios should be considered in such measures.
Pubic hair removal is a body modification practice done worldwide for different socio-cultural reasons, which is more common in women than in men, more common in younger than in older people, and more common in sexually active people than in abstinent individuals. Since there is no medical indication for genital epilation and depilation, with a few exceptions, there is only very limited evidence in the literature about the methods used and their risks. In order to provide users with guidance from a dermatological perspective on the use of different procedures and associated risks, the existing data were collected, analyzed and evaluated in a systematic literature search. For this purpose, a total of 290 articles in the English- and German-language scientific literature were identified in databases (PubMed, Google Scholar) according to defined search strategies, and 61 publications with scientific significance were identified after assessing relevance. It became clear that depilation methods (shaving, trimming, chemical depilation) are used more frequently compared to epilation methods (waxing, sugaring, mechanical epilation, electro-epilation, laser, intense pulsed light, drug epilation). The different risks and undesirable effects were analyzed in a method-associated manner and prophylactic strategies to avoid complications were developed.
Background:
Female pubic hair grooming (PHG) habits have changed in the last 20 years. Most studies present findings around female PHG attitudes, practices, and behaviours, lacking data on male attitudes and practices.
Aims:
We explored the attitudes and practices of PHG from male and female perspectives.
Materials and methods:
A cross-sectional convenience survey was conducted online with 1560 male and female young adult participants aged 18 to 25 years. The study was conducted over two time periods (2014 and 2021). The survey explored attitudes, practices, and behaviours around PHG. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and proportions for categorical variables and the median for continuous variables. Males and females were compared using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. We used logistic regression to explore independent factors of PHG.
Results:
Seventy-two percent (n = 471/728) of females and 64.7% (n = 257/728) of males were likely to engage in PHG. Participants were more likely to groom their pubic hair for reasons associated with religion (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 9.01, 95% CI: 2.87-28.2), comfort when wearing clothing (aOR: 3.85, 95% CI: 1.52-9.71), a neater and cleaner genital appearance (aOR: 3.90, 95% CI: 1.62-9.41) and before attending a healthcare consultation (aOR: 4.79, 95% CI: 2.27-10.09). Moreover, twice as many females compared with male groomers reported watching pornography (69.7% vs 30.3%).
Conclusion:
Several factors can influence PHG. Our findings demonstrate that the reasons participants engage in PHG practices are for hygiene, aesthetics, comfort, and sexual satisfaction.
Genital self-image describes the perception of one's genital appearance as being "normal" or "abnormal," and a disharmonious image leads to an increasing number of women seeking esthetic genital surgery each year. The concept of what constitutes "normal" is strongly influenced by the media, cultural norms, and sexual relations. In reality, the extent of normalcy is highly variable and overall patient education regarding extremes of size and shape should be provided to all patients considering surgery. When performed with appropriate training, expertise, and attention to detail in a properly selected patient, esthetic genital surgery is associated with minimal complications or sequelae.
Objectives
To describe demographic trends of consumer product-related injuries in the pediatric cohort from 2011 – 2020.
Methods
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database surveying emergency department visits was retrospectively searched for all pediatric genitourinary injuries from 2011 to 2020. Data on demographics, diagnosis, products, disposition, and anatomy injured were collected on patients between the ages of 0-19 years. Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression.
Results
There were 12,953 reported pediatric cases involving injuries of the genital region from 2011 to 2020 with a national estimate of 324,636 (95% CI 241,527 – 407,746) pediatric genital injuries, comprising 0.76% of total pediatric injuries in the past decade. Of these patients, female (54.2%), white (39.7%) individuals sustained the most injuries, and items most commonly responsible included bicycles (9.4%), playground equipment (6.9%), toilets (4.6%), beds (4.5%), bathtubs and showers (4.4%), soaps (4.4%), chairs (4.1%), and razors and shavers (2.3%). Urethral injuries were due to chemical injuries from soaps (22%), furniture (17%), playground injuries (17%), insertion of foreign bodies into the urethra (13%), bicycles (10%), and swimming related injuries (4%). Genital injuries in children 0-5 years old were primarily caused by furniture (47.8%), while injuries in the 6-10, 11-15, and 16-19 age groups were attributed to sports and recreation (41.2%, 24.6%, 12.2% respectively). There was no significant change in the annual number of pediatric genital injuries from 2011 to 2020 (R² = 0.38, P=0.057).
Conclusions
Identifying factors involved in pediatric genital trauma can allow for increased legislation, surveillance, and prevention of such injuries in targeted age groups.
Pubic hair grooming (hair removal) has been linked to body image and sexual behaviour and, given the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on access to sexual partners and beauty salons, we explored these associations. Data derive from a cross-sectional online survey. Participants were aged 18 years or over and in Australia. All genders were included. We explored factors associated with changes to hair removal using logistic regression and analysed free-text responses using content analysis. Of 256 participants, 89 (34.8%) had changed their grooming practices. Multivariable analysis found that female participants had 4.5 times increased odds of changed grooming (95%CI 1.8, 11.0; p = 0.001) compared with males. Individuals who reported 'more' or 'less' oral sex compared with the previous year were more likely to report increased odds of changed grooming (AOR 3.2; 95%CI: 1.4, 7.7; p = 0.009 and AOR: 3.3; 95%CI:1.6, 6.7; p = 0.001, respectively). Most who changed their grooming practices said it had reduced, attributing this to lack of partners, inability to access beauticians, and the mental health effects of the pandemic. For most, this change had no impact on sexual behaviour or body image; however, some spoke of reduced sexual desire and willingness to receive oral sex. Partner expectations influenced whether reduced grooming had negative consequences, and women were more affected than men, highlighting a gendered impact.
The study investigated the effectiveness of a very brief video aimed at increasing adolescent girls’ knowledge of the variation in normal female genital appearance and improving their attitudes towards their own genitals. The video was developed by the researchers and included information about the anatomical features of cisgender female genitals and their function, as well as emphasizing the diversity in the appearance of these features, particularly the external genitalia or vulvar region. A sample of 343 female adolescents aged 16-18 years were randomly assigned to view the educational video or a control video. The educational video significantly increased the girls’ knowledge of female genital anatomy. The educational video also significantly increased genital appearance satisfaction and decreased consideration of undergoing cosmetic genital surgery or labiaplasty in the future. The participants who watched the educational video were also more likely to recommend focusing on the diversity in normal female genital appearance when educating other young people on the topic of female genital anatomy. Our results suggest that a very brief educational video could be a useful tool to assist young girls with their genital self-image.
The majority of pubic hair and genital self-image research describes women living in the USA, UK and Australia. This may leave attitudes and behaviours across other cultures and geographic regions ambiguous. The purpose of this study was to describe pubic hair removal attitudes and behaviours among reproductive-age women living in Italy. Individual interviews were conducted with 46 women aged 18-45 years between June and July 2017, living in Florence, Italy and currently utilising the Italian healthcare system. Pubic hair removal was popular among participants. Women mainly removed pubic hair by waxing. Sexual partners influenced removal, as did cultural norms and the desire for cleanliness. Most participants indicated pubic hair removal onset during adolescence, often upon puberty. However, most participants had never discussed removal complications with providers. Pubic hair removal often related to a more positive genital self-image because of social norms surrounding hairlessness. Removal among this sample appears to differ from the literature in other contexts, with women living in Italy engaging in more frequent and earlier waxing. Findings offer opportunities for clinicians to proactively address safe pubic hair practices and women’s genital concerns during consultations.
Introduction:
Genital hygiene can play an essential role in avoiding vulvovaginal discomfort and preventing infections. The scientific evidence on best practices on genital hygiene is scarce, and without doubt, gynecologists should be the best person to discuss and guide the subject.
Objective:
Evaluate the general genital female gynecologist hygiene.
Methods:
This descriptive analytic study identified genital hygiene and sexual practices of 220 female gynecologists, through a questionnaire with 60 self-answered questions. The data were analyzed and presented using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation.
Results:
The studied population was constituted by middle age (37.3 years) and white (71.3%) female gynecologists. More than a half (53.6%) declared spending over 10 hours a day away from home and complained of vaginal discharge in 48.1% of the cases. Regular vulvovaginal hygiene: 17.8% reported washing genitals once a day and 52% twice a day. The use of dry paper alone was reported in 66.4% post urination and 78.5% post-evacuation. Using running water and soap was practiced by 25.9% and 21.5% respectively. Vulvovaginal hygiene related to sex: More than half of them had intercourse 1-3 times a week, and 37.4% and 24.1% had frequent oral sex and eventually anal sexof the participants, respectively. Genital hygiene before sex was positive in 52.7% of the subjects and, post-sex hygiene in 78.5% of them.
Conclusion:
Genital hygiene habits of female gynecologists can be improved, despite the high grade of scientific knowledge they hold.
An analysis of the cultural and economic drivers of the growing phenomenon of FGCS, written by cross-disciplinary experts, this book challenges the concept of individual consumer choice in FGCS: A decision that is rarely exercised in a socio-cultural vacuum. Four distinct aspects of FGCS are covered: Variations in female genital anatomy; surgical techniques and evidence; historical contexts and ethical dilemmas; norm-critical understandings to inform professional responses. Rendering philosophical critiques accessible, and exposing dubious social values that underpin the practice, this text is crucial in driving a broader understanding of FGCS as a cultural phenomenon of our times. Only with a fuller understanding of the multiple perspectives of FGCS, can there be sensible alternatives for women and girls psychologically troubled by their natural, healthy form. Offering explanations and interventions at individual, institutional and societal levels, this text will be valued by both professional and non-professional audiences.
Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery - edited by Sarah M. Creighton February 2019
This study explores the gendered body hair removal norm and the meanings of male body hair by examining young people’s sense-making around male body hair removal. The novel technique of story completion was used to collect data from 102 psychology undergraduates. They were presented with a story “stem” featuring a young man (David) deciding to start body hair removal and asked to complete the stem. David was most often portrayed as a young heterosexual man who was excessively hairy, in the “wrong” places, was often subject to teasing and bullying, and was concerned about his diminished sexual capital. Hair removal did not always end “happily ever after” for David. While in some stories he “got the girl,” he was punished for his vanity and foolishness in others. These different endings arguably reflect currently ambivalent meanings around male body hair depilation. The production of a hairless, or less hairy, male body is both desirable and a potential threat to masculinity. The data spoke strongly to the power of social norms surrounding body hair practices and suggest that story completion provides a useful tool in interrogating the discourses that sustain these norms.
This chapter opens with a discussion on penis size. Individuals have their preferences but the data swerve sharply toward penis size being irrelevant except for a small proportion of women who like the aesthetics of a larger penis and those gay men who are hooked on size as an erotic trigger. The chapter next talks about the vagina and highlights that the vulva is outside, and the vagina is inside. It then talks about circumcision. As of now, no major medical organizations are suggesting that all newborn infants be circumcised for health reasons. Instead, the view is that the procedure should be available to any family that wants it and should be reimbursed by insurance. The chapter further talks about the G-spot in women, testosterone, and biological sex.
I look at several depictions of birth in popular culture that seem to be breaking ‘Hollywood’s last taboo’ against showing graphic representations of the birthing body. I offer four illustrations of this relatively recent departure from conventional birth imagery and discuss (1) the 2006 sculpture of Britney Spears birthing on a bearskin rug, (2) the crowning scene in the 2007 movie Knocked Up, (3) a 2012 birth scene depicted in the HBO show Game of Thrones, and (4) a birth montage from an episode of the Netflix show Sense8, to suggest that representations of birth no longer solely depict asexual bodies. I consider the consequences that these sexualized representations of the birthing body might have for women’s embodied experience of birth and evaluate this sexy birth imagery in light of a cultural shift towards an increasingly (hetero)sexualized femininity. In particular, I am interested to explore how normative (hetero)sexualized femininity may align with the growing medical management of childbirth and the uptick in surgical delivery. I investigate whether graphic depictions of birth leave us with increased sexual objectification or the possibility for a new sexual subjecthood. I close by offering a queer reading of the birth depictions in the Netflix drama Sense8 and consider how its non-normative depictions of women’s laboring bodies may unsettle the powerful norms that constitute (hetero)sexualized femininity and refigure women’s experiences of childbirth.
Women present for vaginal tightening procedures for enhancement of sexual function. Women with positive genital self-image experience higher levels of sexual functioning and lower levels of sexual distress. Female genitalia modified by genital cosmetic surgery are considered more attractive regardless of age and gender. For vaginal tightening procedures, there appears to be an evidence-proven anatomic justification. Evidence in the literature confirms that orgasm and orgasmic intensity may be produced by, and intensified by, pressure on the more intensely innervated anterior vaginal wall approximately one-quarter of the way in from the introitus, in the approximate area considered by many to be the G-spot or G-area. Patient selection, especially in relationship to reasonable expectations, is crucial. Also of paramount importance, as pointed out by Liao and Creighton, is as considered an evaluation of motivations as possible, in an effort to primum non nocere.
In the past few years, the Brazilian bikini wax—a procedure involving the removal of hair from women's genital area—has become the subject of substantial media attention. From HBO's Sex and the City to popular magazines and in several Web sites, the Brazilian wax has been described as the latest craze among Hollywood stars. This article explores the Brazilian wax practice from a feminist perspective. Like the removal of hair from other body parts, the Brazilian wax is being promoted by consumer capitalism—particularly through beauty salons, popular magazines, and Web sites—as a way for women to increase their attractiveness and sexuality. Notably absent from media coverage are critical views of this practice and its potential repercussions, including its contribution to the sexual objectification of girls and women and to the social construction of women as childlike.
Women's body hair removal is highly normative across contemporary western cultures. Nevertheless, little is known about the production and maintenance of this norm. Drawing on qualitative survey data from 678 women in the UK, this study offers two explanations: First, hairlessness and hairiness are predominantly constructed as positive and negative alternatives, respectively. Consequently, the ‘options’ to depilate, or not, are unequally weighted. Second, should a woman fail to depilate, she is likely to be subject to interactional sanctions. These exact a social price for being hairy, and serve to ‘enforce’ the depilation norm. Depilation is, then, shown to be a matter not merely of personal preference, but of conforming to a social norm reflecting an imperative to ‘improve’ the body. Taking a feminist perspective, this study understands the depilation norm as an instance of the ‘policing’ of women's bodies within a narrow ideal of social acceptability.
Although womens body hair removal is strongly normative across contemporary Western cultures, only two studies of mundane depilation have been published, and they were based on data from the US (Basow, 1991) and Australia (Tiggemann & Kenyon, 1998), respectively. The present survey, comprised of a sample of 678 women, extends this work. We investigated UK practices, a wider array of body regions and removal methods, and the relationship between depilation and age. Over 99% of participants reported removing some hair, most commonly from the underarms, legs, pubic area, and eyebrows. Shaving and plucking were the most common removal methods. Significant relationships between age and leg, pubic, and facial depilation were found. Results document the normativity of hair removal, and we argue that hair removal is part of the taken-for-granted work of producing an acceptable femininity.
Structural equation modelling was used to assess the strengths of the links between sexual satisfaction and self-reported (a) relationship well-being, (b) mental health, and (c) physical health for women in same-sex (i.e., homosexual, n = 114) versus mixed-sex (i.e., heterosexual, n = 208) relationships. Participants came from a large-scale Internet study. Sexual satisfaction was found to be an extremely strong predictor of relational well-being, a strong predictor of mental health, and a weak to moderately strong predictor of physical health. A two-group comparison model indicated that the strength of these links was the same, regardless of whether the women were in a sexual relationship with a man or with another woman.
This article presents the development of a brief, self-report measure of female sexual function. Initial face validity testing of questionnaire items, identified by an expert panel, was followed by a study aimed at further refining the questionnaire. It was administered to 131 normal controls and 128 age-matched subjects with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) at five research centers. Based on clinical interpretations of a principal components analysis, a 6-domain structure was identified, which included desire, subjective arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Overall test-retest reliability coefficients were high for each of the individual domains (r = 0.79 to 0.86) and a high degree of internal consistency was observed (Cronbach's alpha values of 0.82 and higher) Good construct validity was demonstrated by highly significant mean difference scores between the FSAD and control groups for each of the domains (p < or = 0.001). Additionally, divergent validity with a scale of marital satisfaction was observed. These results support the reliability and psychometric (as well as clinical) validity of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in the assessment of key dimensions of female sexual function in clinical and nonclinical samples. Our findings also suggest important gender differences in the patterning of female sexual function in comparison with similar questionnaire studies in males.
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is a brief multidimensional scale for assessing sexual function in women. The scale has received initial psychometric evaluation, including studies of reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity (Meston, 2003; Rosen et al., 2000). The present study was designed to crossvalidate the FSFI in several samples of women with mixed sexual dysfunctions (N = 568) and to develop diagnostic cut-off scores for potential classification of women's sexual dysfunction. Some of these samples were drawn from our previous validation studies (N = 414), and some were added for purposes of the present study (N = 154). The combined data set consisted of multiple samples of women with sexual dysfunction diagnoses (N = 307), including female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), female sexual orgasm disorder (FSOD), dyspareunia/vaginismus (pain), and multiple sexual dysfunctions, in addition to a large sample of nondysfunctional controls (n = 261). We conducted analyses on the individual and combined samples, including replicating the original factor structure using principal components analysis with varimax rotation. We assessed Cronbach's alpha (internal reliability) and interdomain correlations and tested discriminant validity by means of a MANOVA (multivariate analysis of variance; dysfunction diagnosis x FSFI domain), with Bonferroni-corrected post hoc comparisons. We developed diagnostic cut off scores by means of standard receiver operating characteristics-curves and the CART (Classification and Regression Trees) procedure. Principal components analysis replicated the original five-factor structure, including desire/arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pain, and satisfaction. We found the internal reliability for the total FSFI and six domain scores to be good to excellent, with Cronbach alpha's >0.9 for the combined sample and above 0.8 for the sexually dysfunctional and nondysfunctional samples, independently. Discriminant validity testing confirmed the ability of both total and domain scores to differentiate between functional and nondysfunctional women. On the basis of sensitivity and specificity analyses and the CART procedure, we found an FSFI total score of 26.55 to be the optimal cut score for differentiating women with and without sexual dysfunction. On the basis of this cut-off we found 70.7% of women with sexual dysfunction and 88.1% of the sexually functional women in the cross-validation sample to be correctly classified. Addition of the lubrication score in the model resulted in slightly improved specificity (from .707 to .772) at a slight cost of sensitivity (from .881 to .854) for identifying women without sexual dysfunction. We discuss the results in terms of potential strengths and weaknesses of the FSFI, as well in terms of further clinical and research implications.
A 20-year-old Australian woman with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes presented with life-threatening Streptococcus pyogenes and Herpes simplex infection of her external genitalia following a routine perineal “Brazilian” bikini wax. Extensive pubic hair removal is
now common among young adults in Australia and elsewhere. However, the infectious risks of these practices, particularly among
immunosuppressed individuals, are often underappreciated.
The factor structure and reliability of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was evaluated in a Finnish population based sample of 2,081 women, age 33-43 years. In addition, associations between female sexual function and age, psychological distress, alcohol use, hormone based contraceptives, child sexual abuse (CSA), and adult sexual abuse were examined. The results supported a six factor solution for the FSFI with high internal consistencies, in line with earlier research in clinical populations. Psychological distress was positively associated with every dimension of the FSFI except desire problems. Age was associated with fewer pain problems. Alcohol use was associated with every dimension of the FSFI, but the direction of the association depended on if it was drinking in general or in connection to intercourse. More drinking in general was related to fewer sexual function problems while drinking in connection to intercourse was related to more sexual function problems. No significant correlation was found between adult sexual abuse and sexual function but between CSA and lubrication, satisfaction, and pain problems. Usage of oral contraceptive pill was not significantly associated with sexual function. The use of hormone based intrauterine systems was significantly associated with less pain and more desire, arousal, and satisfaction. In conclusion, the study supports use of the FSFI for assessing sexual function not only in clinical samples but also in population based samples. The associations found between sexual function and other important variables showed the complexity of sexual function.
The corporeal ideal of a female form free of body hair has a long tradition in Western thought, originating in antiquity and culminating in the eighteenth century. Early-modern discourses on art, aesthetics, cultural theory, and anthropology explicitly defend the ideal of the naked, depilated woman with reference to antique depictions of Venus. Denis Diderot's speculations on the origins of the hairless female body are exemplary for the eighteenth century. His fondness for the "depilated lap" provides for a far-reaching theory of civilization based on female "shame." Pubic hair, in Enlightenment thought, came to be associated with female sinfulness and the fall of civilization. This essay aims to trace the stages of the depilation argument in the eighteenth century. Particular emphasis is set upon its interrelation with contemporary concepts of antiquity and of the female body. Finally the essay analyzes the tendency to establish a self-reflexive metatheory--hair as a "metaphor of a metaphor"--drawing on examples from art and literature.
The study aimed to explore the motivations behind and predictors of the practice of body hair removal among women. A sample
of 235 Australian female undergraduate students completed questionnaires asking about the frequency and reasons for body hair
removal, as well as measures of media exposure. It was confirmed that the vast majority (approximately 96%) regularly remove
their leg and underarm hair, most frequently by shaving, and attribute this to femininity and attractiveness reasons. A sizeable
proportion (60%) also removed at least some of their pubic hair, with 48% removing most or all of it. Here the attributions
were relatively more to sexual attractiveness and self-enhancement. Further, having a partner and exposure to particular forms
of media predicted pubic hair removal. It was concluded that pubic hair removal is currently different in connotation from
leg or underarm hair, but is likely to be on the increase. It can only further the belief that women’s bodies are unacceptable
the way they are.
Women's sexual function may be influenced by various factors including medical conditions, trauma or abuse, medications, relationship dynamics, relaxation, mood, and body image. However, few studies have explored the influence of a woman's genital self-image on her sexual function or behaviors.
The purpose of this study was to establish a reliable and valid measure of female genital self-image, the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), and to assess the relationship between scores on the FGSIS and women's sexual function.
The FGSIS was developed in two stages. Phase One involved an analysis of cross-sectional paper-based survey data and a review of the literature. Phase Two involved a cross-sectional internet-based administration of the scale items to a total of 1,937 women.
Psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated through the use of reliability analysis, factor analysis, and score differences based on women's experience of orgasm from receiving cunnilingus or from self-masturbation with a vibrator. Correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between female genital self-image and scores on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
The scale was found to have sufficient reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88) and one factor that explained 59.23% of the variance. Women who had ever experienced orgasm as a result of cunnilingus or self-masturbation with a vibrator and women who reported having had a gynecological exam in the previous 12 months had significantly higher FGSIS scores than those who had not (P < 0.001). Scores on the FGSIS were positively and significantly correlated with scores on all FSFI domains (P < 0.001), including the Total score, with the exception of the Desire domain.
The FGSIS was initially found to be a reliable and valid measure though further research is needed to understand its properties in diverse populations. In addition, female genital self-image was found to be positively related to women's sexual function.
Little is known about women's use of vibrators within sexual partnerships. Data were collected from a population-based, cross-sectional survey of 2056 women aged 18-60 years in the United States. Partnered vibrator use was common among heterosexual-, lesbian-, and bisexual-identified women. Most vibrator users indicated comfort using them with a partner and vibrator use was related to positive sexual function as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). In addition, partner knowledge and perceived liking of vibrator use was a significant predictor of sexual satisfaction for heterosexual women (p < .01). Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Media images of the female body commonly represent reigning appearance ideals of the era in which they are published. To date, limited documentation of the genital appearance ideals in mainstream media exists. Analysis 1 sought to describe genital appearance ideals (i.e., mons pubis and labia majora visibility, labia minora size and color, and pubic hair style) and general physique ideals (i.e., hip, waist, and bust size, height, weight, and body mass index [BMI]) across time based on 647 Playboy Magazine centerfolds published between 1953 and 2007. Analysis 2 focused exclusively on the genital appearance ideals embodied by models in 185 Playboy photographs published between 2007 and 2008. Taken together, results suggest the perpetuation of a "Barbie Doll" ideal characterized by a low BMI, narrow hips, a prominent bust, and hairless, undefined genitalia resembling those of a prepubescent female.
In a previous study, sexual function was related to a woman's self-perceived body image and degree of bother from pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
To evaluate sexual function, prolapse symptoms, and self-perceived body image 6 months following treatment for POP and to explore differences in body image perception and sexual function following conservative and surgical treatment for POP.
After institutional review board approval, consecutive women with > or = stage II POP were invited to participate. In addition to routine urogynecologic history and physical examination, including Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q), the participants completed three validated questionnaires before, and 6 months after, treatment for POP: Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, Modified Body Image Perception Scale and Prolapse subscale of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory to assess condition specific bother from POP. Main Outcome Measures. Changes in sexual function and body image perception following treatment for POP.
A total of 235 women with a mean age of 62 +/- 12 years returned for a 6-month follow-up. The majority of our participants had surgical repair for POP (88%). At 6-month follow-up visits, the patients reported significant improvement in sexual function from baseline (33 +/- 0.6 vs. 43 +/- 0.8, respectively P < 0.0001). Improvement in sexual function, as measured by PISQ-12, was not significant among sexually active patients treated with a pessary compared with those treated surgically (-2.5 +/- 5.5 vs. 11.5 +/- 1, respectively P < 0.0001). A multivariate linear regression model demonstrated that body mass index and changes in body image perception were the only independent factors associated with changes in PISQ score following POP treatment (beta = -0.5, P < 0.01 and beta = -0.4, P < 0.03, respectively).
Resolution of POP symptoms after treatment improves women's self-perceived body image and sexual function. Not surprisingly, pessary is less effective in improving sexual function compared with surgical repair of POP.
This work is based on extensive research. It involves a synthesis of material that distils a diverse variety of socio-cultural principles into a succinct argument. In doing so, it challenges the traditional view that Australia is a place dominated by a culture of the bush. It presents a series of papers that suggest that Australia is now a country that has embraced a beach culture. No Yes
A previous study demonstrated that women seeking treatment for advanced pelvic organ prolapsed (POP) reported decreased self-perceived body image and decreased quality of life.
To determine the relationship between: (i) sexual function and POP, (ii) self-perceived body image and POP; and (iii) sexual function and self-perceived body image in women with prolapse.
After IRB approval, consecutive women with POP stage II or greater presenting for urogynecologic care at one of eight academic medical centers in the United States were invited to participate. In addition to routine urogynecologic history and physical examination, including pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ), consenting participants completed three validated questionnaires: Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) to assess sexual function; Modified Body Image Perception Scale (MBIS) to assess self-perceived body image; Prolapse subscale of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (POPDI-6) to assess condition specific bother from POP. Pearson's correlations were used to investigate the relationship between independent variables.
Sexual function and modified body image score and its correlation with symptoms of POP.
Three hundred eighty-four participants with a mean age of 62 +/- 12 years were enrolled. Median POPQ stage was 3 (range 2-4). 62% (N = 241) were sexually active and 77% (N = 304) were post-menopausal. Mean PISQ-12, MBIS, and POPDI scores were (33 +/- 7, 6 +/- 5, 39 +/- 23, respectively). PISQ-12 scores were not related to stage or compartment (anterior, apical, or posterior) of POP (P > 0.5). Worse sexual function (lower PSIQ-12 scores) correlated with lower body image perception (higher MBIS scores) (rho = -0.39, P < 0001) and more bothersome POP (higher POPDI scores) (rho = -0.34, P < 0001).
Sexual function is related to a woman's self-perceived body image and degree of bother from POP regardless of vaginal topography. Sexual function may be more related to a woman's perception of her body image than to actual topographical changes from POP.
Hair is a distinguishing feature of mammals, though the persistence of visible head, axillary, and pubic hair remains anthropologically unclear. Humans throughout the ages have modified their head and body hair, but aesthetic removal of pubic hair has become the "the ultimate barometer of how fashionable you really are" in the 21st century. The aim of the article is to examine the trends in pubic hair removal and its impact on health and sexuality.
A literature search was performed, with a further search performed using an Internet-based search engine. For discussion, the results have been classified into the topics of "Development and anthropology","Cultural and artistic significance", "Medical implications", "Psychological and sexual significance and popular culture", "Impact of body hair loss on sexuality" and "Style and terminology."
Pubic hair removal has been common since the ancient times. Pubic hair was rarely depicted in artistic representations of the nude until the late 19th century. It is postulated that the current trend of pubic hair removal may be related to the increased accessibility of Internet-based pornography. Anecdotally, pubic hair removal may carry benefits regarding increased sexual sensation and satisfaction though there is no quantative research in this field. There is a recognized morbidity to pubic hair removal, and also a lack of standardization of terms for styles adopted. We propose a definitive grading system for male and female body hair based on the widely used Tumor Node Metastasis staging system.
Pubic hair removal appears to be an important aspect of expressing one's sexuality and participation in sexual activity. This practice has an interesting psychosexual basis which, to date, has not yet been fully explored in sexual medicine.
The methods of hair removal vary between simple inexpensive means of home treatment (shaving, plucking, depilatories) to expensive and potentially time-consuming means used by paraprofessionals, nurses, and/or physicians (electrolysis, lasers, x-ray). The ways in which these different methods induce hair removal, the duration of such removal, and the nuances between devices within the same category of methods are discussed. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:143-55.) Learning objective: At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be cognizant of the different control mechanisms for hair growth and how the different means of hair removal affect these. Readers will also become familiar with the different types of electrolysis and lasers currently used for hair removal and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
It has recently been alleged that there was, among Greek men of the classical period, a deep-seated fear of the female genitals, and that pubic hair was a focus of that fear. On account of this phobia, it has been suggested, in order to achieve a satisfactory sexual relationship, Greek men required their women fully to depilate their genitals. The thesis has logical problems: if the cause is the sight of the mother's genitals during childhood, the syndrome can affect only one generation. Besides this, it is clear that any depilation would tend to make the vulva more visible, while a heavier growth of hair would tend to hide it. To put the alleged phobic syndrome further to the test, three questions must be answered: Did Greek women practise total pubic depilation? Did they practise pubic depilation at all? If they did depilate, why did they? As for most questions of daily life, there are two major sources of information: Comedy and vase painting. The evidence presented will show that Athenian women did practise partial genital depilation, and that female genital display—including display of pubic hair—is an important element in Attic erotic painting. These two facts are not compatible with a theory of genital phobia.
Anecdotal experience in our clinic suggests a recent reduction in cases of pubic lice despite increased patient numbers and increasing prevalence rates of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Also, in recent years we have seen an increasing number of patients who have undergone extensive pubic hair removal procedures, such as the “Brazilian.” Could there be an association between the rates of pubic lice and the introduction of pubic hair removal practices? We have looked at the prevalence rates of pubic lice in relation to hair removal practices and, for comparison, also looked at the rates of gonorrhoea and chlamydia over the same period.
Annual cases of pubic lice, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea diagnosed at the Department of Genitourinary Medicine, …
Managing vulvar pruritis in Mumbai
- N Madnani
Madnani N. Managing vulvar pruritis in Mumbai, India. Presented at the XVIII World Congress of the International
Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease. 2006. Queenstown, New Zealand.
The female body hair(less) ideal Available at http://www.focusanthro.org
- L Yakas
- Femininity
- Hair
Yakas L. Femininity, sexuality and body hair: The female body
hair(less) ideal. Focus Anthropology 2009;VIII:1–18. Available
at
http://www.focusanthro.org/archive/2008.2009/yakas_
0809.pdf (Accessed June 20, 2010).
Exploring the depilation norm: A qualitative questionnaire study of women’s body hair removal
- Toerin
Managing vulvar pruritis in Mumbai, India
- Madnani
Femininity, sexuality and body hair: The female body hair(less) ideal
- Yakas