Doctor reveals if it is healthier for women to shave or go natural

A doctor has revealed whether it's better to shave or wax your pubic hair or let it go natural - and the answer is quite surprising. The important information was shared in a new TikTok video made by an OB-GYN who goes by the username @thevagdoc online.

She often takes to TikTok to answer common questions and talk about various topics around women's health. This time was no different, as she gave her thoughts on what to do with your hair down there in a clip that has reached over eight million views. 'Pubic hair actually serves a purpose,' the doctor began.

'It can actually help with bacterial biome balance in a good way, and there are actual studies that show that it reduces the risk of urinary tract infections by like, a statistically significant amount,' she continued. 'There is decreased risk of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea with it as well.'.

She explained that when it comes down to it, it's mostly a 'hygiene issue' based on what you prefer. A doctor has revealed whether it's better to shave or wax your pubic hair or let it go natural - and the answer is quite surprising. 'But not surprisingly, one in four, if not more people, have had some sort of shaving or waxing related injury to their pubic regions, which makes it a consideration for how you want to handle that area and if you want to do things,' she said.

According to HuffPost, there are certain risks that can come with waxing, like infections and burns. Dermatologist Sandra Johnson told the outlet that the tiny tears in the skin created by waxing can increase the chances of bacteria getting in there, which can cause infections like cellulitis.

Dr. Johnson also shared that she had seen things like ringworm from waxing, as well as developing infected ingrown hairs. But according to The Vag Doc, at the end of the day, keeping some hair down there could be beneficial. 'So, taking the whole thing off down there is not necessarily the hygienic and healthier option, because data actually suggests that there is some benefit to keeping you au natural in your nethers,' the OB-GYN concluded.

In the comments section of her video, many viewers shared their own grooming preferences - and they were pretty divided. 'I love my hair. Not trying to look like a baby. I'm a grown woman!' one person wrote. Dr. Johnson also shared that she had seen things like ringworm from waxing, as well as developing infected ingrown hairs (stock image).

Another agreed, 'We have that hair for a reason, I do Believe.'. 'Got folliculitis from shaving my girl. It was soooooo painful. NEVER again!!!' someone else typed. A user shared, 'I shave all mine and have NEVER had any problems!'. 'I was getting a Brazilian, chickened out half way through, and now I have a mullet,' a second user admitted.