Waxing, shaving pubic hair may increase risk of sexually transmitted infection

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Brazilian and bikini waxes may increase risk for viral infection.

Researchers discovered that passing a pox virus called Molluscum contagiosum (MCV) could be facilitated by the increasingly popular waxing trend. The infection appears as pearl-like papules, or nodules, on the skin. It is spread through direct contact or through contact with contaminated items like towels or razor blades.

The research was published in a letter in BMJ's Sexually Transmitted Infections on March 19.

While MCV tends to be found in children or in people whose immune systems are compromised, it is increasingly being passed through sex.

French researchers wanted to see if waxing was connected to the proliferation of the viral infection. They noted that while removing pubic hair has been around for religious or cultural reasons, it has become the trend in recent years, including among men.

"The reasons for choosing genital hair removal remain unclear, but may be linked with internet based pornography ... increased sexual sensation ... an unconscious desire to simulate an infantile look ... or a desire to distance ourselves from our animal nature," they wrote.

Researchers examined subjects who went to a private skin clinic in Nice, France between January 2011 and March 2012.

In total, 30 cases of MCV were identified in six women and 24 men, average age 29.5. In four cases, the nodules had spread to the abdomen and in one case to the thighs. Ten cases showed other associated skin conditions like ingrown hairs, warts, bacterial skin infections known as folliculitis, cysts and scars.

Out of the infected, 93 percent had their pubic hair removed. Seventy percent shaved their public hair, while 13 percent clipped it and another 10 percent waxed.

MCV can spread on the body through self-infection like scratching, leading researchers to think that the "micro trauma" caused to the skin by waxing or shaving could aid the virus in growing.

Dr. Robert T. Brodell, a professor and chief of the division of dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, explained to NBCNews.com that cutting an infected nodule is an easy and common way to spread an sexually transmitted infection. He was not involved in the study.

"You cut through a wart ... and pull [the HPV] along a line so you end up with warts in a line. You have the original wart and nine more," he said.

He suggested that it wasn't wise to have sexual contact with someone with MCV because it was easily spread, especially if you have razor bumps or tiny wounds from waxing. Sharing razors with someone who is infected may also spread the disease.

If you do find yourself with this minor sexually transmitted infection, he said to shave around the bumps not through them. Even growing hair back would not provide a "defensive barrier," he added.

"You have sexual contact with someone (after shaving or waxing) who has it and it is easier to pick up the virus," Brodell says.

[ItsAllAboutControl]

If you play in the mud you get muddy.
Check out the following, an article that makes more sense about shaving/waxing.
http://gizmodo.com/5975982/pubic-lice-is-becoming-an-endangered-species-because-everybodys-getting-brazilian-waxes

[bullwinkle64]

It neither hair nor nair to me. I'm just grateful to get it grecian, gray or otherwise.

[John_Rational]

There are few things in this world more sickening and disgusting than a bald vagina. If you are into little girl vagina you need to see a psychologist. The second I see a bald vagina I tell the stupid creature to get dressed and get lost. I don't allow nuclear war mutants in my bed. I don't care how beautiful a woman is, when that bald vagina peeks out she gets ugly as hell!

[hypnotoad72]

Just find someone special and don't cheat on them.

Communicate - not all relationships last forever, unless both people really try (and that's another long-gone quality) - if you want to find someone else, end the current relationship appropriately and maturely first.

be considerate of others, regardless of relationship type. That's the ultimate situation - and that too is a fleeting quality...

[endrepubs]

I have felt like a freak in recent years as all of my male peers think I am crazy for preferring women with a full bush of pubic hair. I feel vindicated now. Stop all that shaving and trimming women! You look way sexier with your long curly hair. Same for female armpit hair....it's just plain sexy.

[you_MAY_be_right]

Luckily your opinion doesn't mean **** to anyone else.

[hypnotoad72]

Our society defines hair as a 'masculine' trait.

TBH, I prefer looking at non-hairy women... or hairy men, but that's another story...

A woman's parts do look more arousing if they're shaved. Otherwise she looks like a man sans the "outie" part...

[kbbpll]

Yeah, but it's like having sex with a dolphin!

[caligirlabc]

You can thank the influence of the porn industry on this obsession with hairless pubes. It's a real shame that teenage girls think they have to be hair free. It isn't a necessity, it is a choice, but the fascination with porn is to blame for this.

[bajajohn1]

Depends....do you have source?

[you_MAY_be_right]

"You can thank the influence of the porn industry on this obsession with hairless pubes. It's a real shame that teenage girls think they have to be hair free.'



So who is allowing their "teen" daughters to watch porn?

[winchester70]

Fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Beats golf or football.

[kenodenis]

This article is ridiculous. And the writer gets paid for this nonsense?

[busterthedawgy]

I am a child of the '70s. I say the more hair, the better:)

[you_MAY_be_right]

I'm a child of the late 60's and early 70's. I say shave that thing clean!

Makes about as much sense as your comment, doesn't it?