A comparison of the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among circumcised and uncircumcised adult males in ...
Extreme Pubic Grooming 'may Not Cause Sexually Transmitted Infections'
Using condoms correctly reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)Women who regularly remove all their pubic hair - known as "extreme" personal grooming - are not at greater risk of chlamydia or gonorrhea, a study of female students suggests.
The findings go against past research warning shaving and waxing could leave cuts in the skin and help sexually transmitted infections to take hold.
If left untreated, STIs can make getting pregnant more difficult.
Using condoms correctly during sex is the best form of protection.
STIs, which tend to affect young people and men who have sex with men, can usually be treated with antibiotics.
In this small study by Ohio State University, 214 women were asked how often and how much they groomed their pubic hair, and then tested for an STI.
While 53% said they had removed all their pubic hair every week in the past year and 18% in the past month - defined as "extreme groomers" - just 10% of the women tested positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea.
The results showed no evidence of a link between extreme grooming and the risk of getting an STI, the researchers said.
The chances of getting an STI were the same between extreme groomers and other groomers, the study in Plos One found.
The researchers said their findings were more accurate than previous research because they took into account factors such as frequency of sex, income, race and age.
Women who have more sex with more people - and are therefore more likely to develop infections - are more likely to be regular groomers, they said.
Almost all the women in the study said they had engaged in some degree of grooming at some point, using a non-electric razor.
Most of the women tested were white and single.
Jamie Luster, study author, said it was important for women to know that information found on the internet or heard from friends was not necessarily correct.
She said there were other steps they could take to reduce the risk of STIs.
"The most certain way is to not have sex," she said.
"If you are sexually active, ways to reduce the risk of STIs include using condoms properly every time you have sex, having fewer and monogamous sexual partnerships, and getting vaccinated against HPV, which is one of the most common STIs."
What are STIs (sexually transmitted infections)?How To Treat And Prevent Ingrown Pubic Hair
Tips for removing an ingrown pubic hair include applying a warm compress and other strategies to open the pore. Shaving techniques and topical creams can also help prevent ingrown hairs.
When the tip of a pubic hair folds back into the skin at the root, an ingrown hair can result. It can lead to a painful bump where the hair may be visible underneath. The bump may be hard or soft and pus-filled. It can become itchy, inflamed, or infected.
Read on to learn more about how to get rid of ingrown hair, as well as some tips for prevention.
Most ingrown hairs will resolve without treatment. However, if a bump becomes too itchy or painful, there are a variety of home remedies that people can use to help them heal.
Home treatments can include the following:
Topical products may also be beneficial for treating ingrown hair. It is best to contact a pharmacist or doctor for advice before applying products to the pubic area. They may recommend antibiotics, antimicrobials, or steroids.
The best way to encourage ingrown hair to come out of the skin is by applying a hot compress or cloth soaked in warm water. Taking a warm bath can also help.
To remove an ingrown hair, a person should use sterilized tweezers, and only once the hair is close to the surface of the skin.
Once the hair is near the surface of the skin, grasp the ingrown hair in the center of the loop, and gently twist both ways. This should loosen the hair and encourage the tip of the hair to come out of the skin.
Alternatively, a person could try inserting the edge of the tweezers under the loop and gently pulling it upward.
Once the tip of the hair is out of the skin, use the tweezers to carefully pluck the hair and remove it.
A person should then wash the area with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. Avoid touching the area until it has fully healed, as this can cause further irritation.
It is important to avoid squeezing or picking at ingrown hairs, as this can lead to infection.
The most effective way of preventing ingrown hairs is to avoid shaving. If a person does want to shave, then they can help reduce the chance of an ingrown hair by:
It is also important to avoid shaving too close, as this can make it easier for bacteria to enter the skin.
View the slideshow below for photos of ingrown hairs.
People who shave, wax, or pluck to remove pubic hair may be more prone to ingrown hairs. It can happen when the cut hair starts to grow back, but it curves inward.
People with curlier or coarser pubic hair are also more likely to experience ingrown hairs.
If the bumps look infected, a person should make an appointment with a doctor to get appropriate medical treatment.
Signs of infection include:
A doctor will examine the area and may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. For severe infections, they may recommend oral antibiotics.
If a person has symptoms of ingrown hair but is unsure whether a hair is causing them, it is best to contact a doctor. Some conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can cause bumps that are similar in appearance to ingrown hairs. A doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Learn about how to identify an ingrown pubic hair cyst.
Here are some frequently asked questions about ingrown pubic hair.
Will an ingrown pubic hair go away on its own?Ingrown pubic hairs often resolve without treatment, so people should wait a while before tackling them. If a person shaves the area, they should avoid doing so for a few days. They could also apply a mild antiseptic onto the ingrown hair to help reduce the risk of infection.
Can I pop an ingrown pubic hair cyst?Avoid squeezing ingrown pubic hair cysts, as it can damage the skin and increase the risk of scarring. It also increases the chance of bacteria entering the wound and causing infection.
How long does an ingrown pubic hair last?Most ingrown hairs resolve once a person stops removing their hair, giving the damaged follicles a chance to recover. Anecdotally, ingrown hairs can last for months or years in some cases.
Ingrown hairs may resolve on their own. Various home remedies may help encourage healing, such as applying a warm compress, massaging the area, and keeping the area clean.
If the ingrown hair is near the surface of the skin, a person may be able to use sterile tweezers to gently pull the hair out.
If a person has concerns about ingrown hairs, or if they experience symptoms of an infection, it is best to contact a doctor for advice. The doctor may recommend antibiotics or other treatments.
Why Is My Vagina Itchy? 10 Potential Reasons—And How To Fix It, According To Doctors
Have you ever shoved your hand down your pants and went to town … on scratching, that is? There's nothing worse than feeling irritated in your undies and thinking, Why is my so vagina itchy? Whether you're scratching through your pubic hair or feel a creeping itch on your vulva (the outer part of female genitalia), vaginal itching is nothing short of uncomfortable.
That said, it's a pretty common occurrence, says Alyssa Dweck, MD, an ob-gyn in Westchester County, New York. In fact, it's one of the main reasons people go see their gynecologist, notes Katharine O'Connell White, MD, an ob-gyn and associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Boston University.
From external irritants like using a new soap to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and beyond, here are all the reasons you're urging to scratch down there—plus treatment options and when to see a doc. But remember, vaginal itching is highly individualistic, so don't hesitate to check in with your if you have a health concern, big or small.
Meet the experts: Alyssa Dweck, MD, is an ob-gyn in Westchester County, New York. Katharine O'Connell White, MD, is an ob-gyn and associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Boston University. Carroll Medeiros, MD, is an ob-gyn with Partners in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, an ob-gyn and a clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine. Suzanne Bovone, MD, is an ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group. Natasha Chinn, MD, is an ob-gyn with Brescia and Migliaccio Women's Health. Leah S. Millheiser, MD, is a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford Medicine. Kimberly Langdon, MD, is a retired ob-gyn with 19 years of clinical practice.
10 Causes Of Vaginal Itching 1. You have bacterial vaginosis (BV).Bacterial vaginosis is a condition caused by bacterial overgrowth and a pH imbalance in the vagina, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Itching isn't the primary symptom of BV—the hallmarks are typically loose, gray discharge, a strong vaginal odor, and general irritation—though it definitely can make you itchy, too.
To treat it, you can try an OTC medication like RepHresh to up the acidity of your vagina, according to says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, an ob-gyn and a clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine. It sounds counterintuitive, but acidity in the vagina is a good thing since it kills off bad bacteria, she explains. If OTC meds don't work, schedule a visit with your doc because you might need prescription antibiotics.
And while BV is not sexually transmitted (researchers don't know its exact cause, per the CDC) you should refrain from sex and avoid douching if you have or are being treated for BV, says Suzanne Bovone, MD, an ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group.
RepHresh Vaginal Gel
RepHresh Vaginal Gel Credit: Amazon 2. You could have a skin condition.
Eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis might be making that itch in your pants run wild. "Eczema and psoriasis can occur due to an allergy or autoimmune issue," says Natasha Chinn, MD, an ob-gyn with Brescia and Migliaccio Women's Health. Eczema often appears in the crevices of arms, folds, the groin area, and on the labia, she explains, and psoriasis can also emerge on the skin around the vagina.
You may also be dealing with contact dermatitis, says Dr. Minkin. "Soaps, detergents, bubble baths, a new kind of underwear, or any new products at all that come in contact with your vagina [can cause itching]," she says. Pads and tampons, condoms, lubricants, shaving products, and even toilet paper may also be to blame (stick to hypoallergenic stuff if you're sensitive).
Psoriasis sometimes warrants a prescription for an oral pill, Dr. Chinn says. You can also treat the itch with an Epsom salt bath or a hydrocortisone cream applied externally, and wait a few days to see if the itch resolves.
Related Story 3. You might have a yeast infection.Vaginal yeast infections—which occur due to overgrowth of the yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida—are probably the first thing people think of when they feel discomfort down there. "A cottage cheese-like discharge, redness around the labia and vulva, and itching are all classic signs of a yeast infection," Dr. Minkin says.
That said, only about one-third of women who experience itching and irritation truly do have a yeast infection, she says. The easiest way to tell which category you fall into is to use an OTC treatment like Monistat. You can try a 3-day or 7-day yeast infection treatment over a 1-day course, Dr. Bovone says, but if symptoms persist, visit your doctor.
Monistat Complete Therapy, 3 Ovule Inserts
Monistat Complete Therapy, 3 Ovule Inserts 4. You could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Itching isn't really a classic symptom of most STIs, though it can sometimes be a first sign that something is up, says Dr. Minkin. From there, symptoms may progress to burning, painful urination, smelly discharge, genital sores, or painful intercourse, at which point you should definitely head to your ob-gyn for a vaginal culture.
Here are the STIs most commonly associated with vaginal itchiness:
There are many ways to treat STIs, and you should consult a trusted medical professional if you suspect you have one, says Dr. Minkin. Some STIs require antibiotics, like cefatriaxone for gonorrhea, or azithromycin and tetracycline for chlamydia. Herpes, on the other hand, can be treated with valacyclovir, an antiviral medication. The best ways to avoid getting HPV are to wear condoms during sex, get vaccinated, and make sure your partner does the same.
Related Story 5. You're going through hormonal changes.Hormone fluctuation during your menstrual cycle means you might end up with drier vaginal tissue than normal, which can cause itching. Pregnancy can cause vaginal itchiness and dryness, too, since the vaginal biome's typical pH is disrupted, says Dr. Dweck. Discomfort can also occur during perimenopause thanks to the drop in estrogen, says Dr. Minkin.
An OTC moisturizer like Replens might provide relief for internal itching for about three days, Dr. Minkin says. Your provider can also give you a prescription estrogen cream for any external itching. (And if vaginal dryness is impacting your sex life, adding lube down there can help).
Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Feminine Moisturizer
Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Feminine Moisturizer 6. You have a urinary tract infection (UTI).
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that crops up anywhere in your urinary tract (read: kidneys, urethra, ureters, and bladder), and will commonly cause pelvic pain, a strong urge to pee, a burning sensation while urinating, an inability to release all urine at once, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
But it can also cause itching in the form of a tingling, irritated sensation, especially if the infection is located near your urethra, says Dr. Minkin. If you're concerned, book an appointment with your doctor ASAP and get a urinalysis to check for the presence of bacteria (which an antibiotic can clear up).
Related Story 7. Your beauty treatments are to blame.Women have grown more preoccupied with the appearance of their vulvas over the past few decades, says Dr. Minkin. Beauty treatments like charcoal vulva masks (basically a facial for your vagina) and vaginal steaming are popular, but they could cause irritation, she says. "The vulva tissue is the most sensitive, delicate tissue in the body," she adds. "Treat it with respect and a gentle hand. The less stuff you do to it, the better."
If you regularly shave your bikini area, you're prone to razor burn and razor bumps. "When we wax or shave anywhere on the body, we disrupt the skin's integrity," says Dr. Chinn. "Redness, itching, and burning can occur if you're sensitive to it." Keep your skin dry and clean and use hypoallergenic creams and lotions if you must use a product, Dr. Chinn says. You may also need to stop waxing, wax less frequently, change up your shaving products, or try a different method, like sugaring hair removal.
Finally, step away from the tanning beds—they up your risk of developing skin cancer, and tanning in the nude can burn the skin around the vagina. "Redness and peeling of the skin causes itching—that's what tends to happen when women go to a tanning bed," says Dr. Chinn.
Take Care Down There 8. You have vulvar cancer.Vulvar cancer—which is caused by an abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the vulva—is a rare cancer typically diagnosed in older women, says Carroll Medeiros, MD, an ob-gyn at Partners in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Most women don't notice they have it until a doctor sees an irregularity, like a lesion on their skin, she explains.
The discomfort also tends to be localized, Dr. Medeiros says. "The kind of itching you have from a vulvar malignancy tends to turn into pain really quickly. As the cancer grows superficially and deeply, it pinches upon nerves and causes pain," she adds.
Although vulvar cancer may cause itching, you'll probably experience other symptoms like skin changes, too. The condition is rare, but if you're concerned, it's best to consult your doctor who can take a closer look.
Related Story 9. You have lichen planus or lichen sclerosus.Lichen planus is "a condition that happens when your immune system attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes (like the vagina)," Dr. White explains. Swelling, itching, and irritation are prevalent symptoms, especially when they occurs in the vaginal area, says Dr. Medeiros. People with lichen planus may also notice painful sores and blisters.
Similarly, lichen sclerosus is a patchy white rash that causes intense itching in your genital area (though it can appear on other parts of the body, too). People in their 40s and 50s are most often affected, but it's pretty rare, and it impacts just one to two percent of the world's population, Dr. White says.
A lichen sclerosus rash can often mimic vulvar cancer, so its appearance may complicate things a little, says Dr. Minkin. "In young women, it's more likely to be lichen sclerosus than cancer, but I'll often bring patients back in a few weeks to see how it's looking, especially if they are older," says Dr. Minkin. "We want to make sure we're not missing cancer, so if it hasn't cleared up with steroids, I may do a biopsy to scan it."
While medical professionals still don't know why it happens, the good news is that it isn't contagious. A topical low-potency or high-potency steroid is the mainstay treatment for lichen planus and lichen sclerosus, but Dr. Medeiros recommends consulting a dermatologist to figure out the best treatment.
Related Story 10. You might have pubic lice.No one wants to think about bugs crawling around on any part of their body, but especially not down there. Unfortunately, that's exactly what pubic lice (a.K.A. Crabs) is: an easily transmittable infestation of little bugs in your genital area—specifically on your pubis—that cause a major itch. There are two reasons for the sensation: the bites from the crabs and the eggs (nits) they lay on your skin, both of which cause irritation, Dr. Chinn says.
Having sex isn't even the only way to get pubic lice. "They're passed from skin to skin," says Dr. Chinn. "[For example], you go to a dirty hotel and there are nits or lice in the sheets you slept on, and then you go home to your partner and have sex. Or maybe you loan your sister your pants and [she] had them, then you wear the pants and the crabs crawl into the vaginal area." Like head lice, this condition can be treated with an OTC medication like permethrin cream.
Related Story How Vaginal Itching Is DiagnosedIf you're concerned about vaginal itching, the following symptoms are indicators that you need to check in with your gyno, according to Kimberly Langdon, MD, a retired ob-gyn, and Leah S. Millheiser, MD, a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford Medicine.
If vaginal itchiness does not go away with washing, drying, and a change of panties, Dr. Langdon says you should see your doctor ASAP. From there, your doctor will discuss each symptom and inquire how many days you've noticed each sensation, says Dr. Dweck. Your provider will also address medical history, such as diabetes, immune problems, and infections to diagnose the itch as well, Dr. Dweck adds.
Finally, your doctor will examine any patterns related to your itchiness to diagnose potential allergies or dermatological issues. Should there not be a pattern, they will likely perform a urinalysis. In rare instances, should the itching persist for a long time, your doctor may perform a biopsy, according to Dr. Minkin.
Treatment For Vaginal Itching Home Remedies For Vaginal ItchingAvoid harsh cleansers and body washes, says Dr. Medeiros. Instead, go for products like a Dove fragrance-free wash. Her rule of thumb is, if you wouldn't put it on your face, don't put it near your vagina. You also only need your fingers, soap, and water—no washcloths or loofahs, Dr. White adds.
When getting out of the shower, be sure to pat your vulva dry—don't rub, Dr. White says. And make sure you buy soft, white, unscented toilet paper. You don't need to use any powders, sprays, or scented wipes on your vulva either, as it's normal for your vagina to have its own natural scent, Dr. White says.
Related StoryIf you find that you're sensitive to menstrual hygiene products, try swapping out your usual ones for organic cotton tampons and pads, or a medical-grade silicone menstrual cup, Dr. Dweck says. And yes, your undies can cause vaginal itchiness, too. Opt for 100 percent moisture-wicking panties, and don't let yourself linger in any wet workout clothes or bathing suits when you wear them, Dr. Dweck advises.
Try not to use fabric softener or dryer sheets on your underwear, Dr. White advises. Instead, opt for a fragrance-free detergent. Finally, if your vagina is already itchy and it gets worse after condom use, try polyurethane condoms instead of latex, Dr. White says.
Maria Serra is a freelance writer at Women's Health. With a never-ending curiosity about all things sex, relationships, and wellness, she is always on the hunt for the latest studies and even sexy tech advancements. When not reading or writing *spicy* articles, she can be found performing comedy in Cleveland or chilling with her old pug-chihuahua Bobbie—who is definitely a source of joke material. Follow her on Twitter/X.
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