Should I shave my pubic hair before having sex?
- Adair*

Shaving, whether it's your legs, armpits, or pubic area, is a personal choice. You certainly don't have to shave before sex if you don't want to. Shaving pubic hair (or not) is a cosmetic preference, and it does not mean you are "cleaner" if you shave.

If you do prefer to shave, try not to do it right before sex. Instead, shave the day before to give the area time to calm down. Your skin is more sensitive and prone to ingrown hairs right after shaving, so any friction during sex could cause irritation. Also, try not to wear really tight clothing (such as leggings) or anything that will rub against your skin right after shaving down there, since that can also cause irritation or bumps.

Reviewed by: Julia Brown Lancaster, BSN, RN, CAPA
Date reviewed: January 2012

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.