She sees hairy patients. The gynecologist says what she thinks of them

Many women wonder whether intimate area depilation is necessary before a gynecological examination. Gynecologist Dr. Holly W. Cummings decided to dispel their doubts on this matter.

In an article posted on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' website, Dr. Holly W. Cummings admitted that she has often heard apologies from her patients because of pubic hair.

"I'm very sorry, but I haven't shaved in a long time" - she heard more than once before the examination. Therefore, she decided to dispel doubts and fears of patients related to this topic and openly admitted what she thinks about it.

The doctor emphasized that pubic hair is something natural and - she highlighted - its main task is protection. Hair is supposed to stop sweat, sebum, and bacteria, keep the skin in that area of the body warm and protect it from chafing.

She pointed out that taking care of the intimate area can be achieved by simply rinsing it regularly with water. "In short, there is nothing dirty or unclean about pubic hair and there are no medical reasons to remove it, and the pressure associated with hair removal comes from a belief entrenched in society about gender, beauty and cleanliness," she stated.

"As an obstetrician-gynecologist, I want you to know that pubic hair is a normal phenomenon. Whether you shave it or allow it to grow depends on you - nobody else. And there's no reason to apologize to a gynecologist or anyone else for pubic hair" - she emphasized.

The specialist noted that the safest option is to trim hair so as not to damage the delicate skin of intimate areas. She pointed out that if someone nevertheless chooses to shave, they should always use a new, clean razor and remember to use soap or cream as a moisturizer.

She also admitted that she does not recommend hair removal products that dissolve hair at the skin line. "Chemical substances contained in creams can be very irritating to the genital area," she wrote.