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Most Women Remove Their Pubic Hair. Here's Why

And doctors disagree.

More women are going bald down there, but not for the reason you may be thinking.

According to a new study published in the journal JAMA Dermatology, 62.1 per cent of women between the ages of 18 and 65, from a sample group of 3,316, say they prefer to go completely bare below the belt. And 84 per cent of the group admits to regular grooming.

While researchers previously believed women went hairless to initiate sexual activity, the new study suggests the real reason is tied to hygiene and the perception that pubic hair is "unclean."

"Many women think they are dirty and unclean if they haven’t groomed," explains OB GYN Tami S. Rowen, lead author of the study.

In reality, pubic hair is not only completely normal and sanitary, it actually comes with a lot of pros. In a video from earlier this year, YouTube channel ASAP Science explains that keeping your pubic hair can decrease the spread of STIs, eliminate itching, rashes and ingrown hairs and even prevent some genital injuries.

While hygiene is marked as the leading reason for hair removal and grooming, perceived attractiveness is not far behind. Nearly 32 per cent of women surveyed say they groom because they believe it will make their genitalia more attractive. Only 21 per cent of women reported removing their genital hair to please their partners.

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