Doctor reminds us that pubic hair is a good thing

I came under some criticism a while back for saying that I think we have overplucked, waxed, shaved and otherwise depilated the American vagina, pointing out it's probably kinder to your sexual health to maintain that natural barrier of hair.

Now the directory of a university health center has issued a statement advising women to back off on depilation.

A doctor has called for an end to the “war on pubic hair “– by urging us to stop ravaging our nether regions with hair removal products and procedures.

Writing on KevinMD.com, Dr Emily Gibson said: “Pubic hair does have a purpose, providing a cushion against friction that can cause skin abrasion and injury and protection from bacteria.

“The amount of time, energy, money and emotion both genders spend on abolishing hair from their genitals is astronomical.”

According to The Independent, the hair removal market was estimated to be worth around $2.1billion in the US during 2011, and is on a similar scale in the UK.

While many of us are well aware of that awkward, often uncomfortable "in-between" stage before the next wax, Dr Gibson, who is the director of the health centre at Western University in Washington State, gives these harrowing facts: “Pubic hair removal naturally irritates and inflames the hair follicles, leaving microscopic open wounds.

via 'End The War On Pubic Hair' Doctor Emily Gibson Urges, As She Warns Of Boils, Pustules And Even MRSA