Does waxing or shaving a girl's pubic area make her more prone to infection?

Question

My girlfriends doctor told her that shaving or waxing her pubic area would make her more prone to infection. I searched for an answer, but didn't really find one. However my general feeling is this is a false statement. But looking for more opinion's/knowledge from the community. So does anyone know if shaving or waxing on a girl's pubic area does make her more prone to infections? Thanks!

Answer 1

I am adding this to the fire....it is really not a false statement that the doctor gave your girlfriend. There is some risk of infection in a few aspects. 1) bacteria (in general) getting into the open sore (which is what your doing when you rip the hair out) 2) possible risk of an STD such as HSV, HPV, or HIV. If the two of you know you don't have anything in that area to worry about...then the risk of just plan ol' bacteria getting into the sores is not a huge concern. If she has been shaving or waxing all this time and still wants to do it...she should. The doctor was only doing their part in expressing that is here risk of infection.  

Answer 2

Not exactly.  Shaving or waxing can make the skin irritated but it will not make her more prone to vaginal infection.  Doctors used to believe this was true years ago, that's why they used to shave pregnant women when they came to the hospital to deliver.

Answer 3

Girls who shave are at risk for developping an abscess (infection) in the area that she shaves since she can possibly cut herself while shaving and bacteria can find it's way into the cut, but this isn't something to be too worried about, it rarely happens just keep clean and be careful when shaving!  

Answer 4

It is only true if using an old razor or dirty waxing utensils, then the chances are slim to none. Your gf probably heard that from the doc but is telling you b/c she might not be ready to go bare down there. Personally Ive been shaved and waxed bare for about 8 yrs now and not one infection!!! So throw out those disposable razors after 1 use and the other ones keep out of the shower area so bacteria can not grow and she will be fine.