Some women feel pressure to ensure that everything is perfect before they go. The truth is that your doctor and their staff do not care if you are clean-shaven or not. They are medical professionals. They know that hair growth is natural and normal.
You do not need to shave before a gynecologist appointment (or any doctor's appointment!). Your doctor doesn't care how you care for your pubic hair, because it isn't a health or hygiene concern. They've seen it all, and how you style (or don't style) your pubic hair probably won't even register.
As an ob-gyn, I want you to know that pubic hair is normal. Whether to groom or let it grow is your choice—no one else's. And there is no reason to apologize about your pubic hair, to your ob-gyn or anyone else.
These methods can lead to ingrown hairs and infections though, so most gynecologists warn against them and recommend trimming or letting it be instead. Dr. Jen Gunter, a gynecologist and author of the book "The Vagina Bible," said she waxes her pubic hair even though the method hasn't been studied or proven safe.
Wear comfortable clothing you can get out of easily. Tuck a pair into your purse and forget the lace-up boots and the intricate body shaper. Also, if you're having a mammogram before or after your Pap test, "wear a top and skirt or pants," said Dr. King.
You should always shower with soap before your appointment with a gynecologist to maintain proper vaginal hygiene. However, it is not necessary to shave or wax your pubic area beforehand.
Unlike other times you may have worn a paper hospital gown, the opening goes in the front so that your doctor can perform the necessary exams.
In general, pubic hair in females naturally covers the labia majora (outer lips) to the inner thighs and form a triangle-like shape up to the pubic bone. Some women will naturally grow thicker or thinner hair than others, so typically there's no cause for alarm when there's slight variation.
A gynecologist diagnoses and treats issues with female reproductive organs. They deal with all aspects of sexual health like preventive care, cancer screenings and physical exams. Some of the services and tests provided are: Pelvic exams and external genital exams.
Pubic hair removal is common — approximately 80 percent of women ages 18 to 65 report they remove some or all of their pubic hair.
MYTH: A full bush is a turn-off.
Reality: Technically, it depends on your partner, but there is some evidence that pubic hair could be a turn-on because it's full of pheromones.
Do not shave your abdomen (stomach) or pubic hair. Shaving before your surgery gives you a higher chance of getting an infection. A person from the health-care team will use clippers to get you ready for surgery if hair needs to be removed.
Don't shave before a sexual activity
If you are planning to get physical with your partner, it is advisable to avoid shaving down there as pubic hair acts as a barrier. That friction after you shave can irritate the skin and lead to ingrown hair.
Yes, it's totally okay to get a pelvic exam when you're on your period. But most nurses and doctors would rather do your pelvic exam on a non-period day when you're not bleeding, or at least not bleeding heavily. That's because menstrual fluid (aka period blood) can affect the results of some lab tests.
Many professional bodybuilders and fitness devotees shave because hair-free skin shows muscle definition better.
This lubrication helps the speculum, a medical instrument used during the exam, to slide in and out more easily. It's important to note that getting wet during a pap smear doesn't mean you're sexually aroused or that there's anything wrong with you. It's simply a natural response to the exam.
After you check in for your appointment and a medical assistant takes you to the exam room, let them know that you are on your period. You can remove your tampon, pad or menstrual cup in the restroom. Inside the exam room, pads are available to lay underneath you if needed.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls first see a gynecologist when they're between the ages of 13 and 15. Most girls will not need a pelvic exam during this first visit, though.
Pubic Hair Trends
According to the researchers, when asked if they removed their pubic hair, 80% of women and 39% of men removed their pubic hair near the time of the survey. Also, 3% of women and 21% of men had never removed their pubic hair.
In general, we recommend shaving every two to three days if you want a clean shave; three to five days if you want to simply style or trim; and if you want to just let your hair grow, then simply stop shaving.
Leave Your Socks On
But keep in mind they won't be affected, Dr. Ghodsi says. If you want to keep your socks on, for example, to cover up smelly feet, go ahead and do so. It's more for your own comfort than the doctor's, though, so don't feel obligated either way.
The nursing staff will explain to you what to wear under the gown, as it varies depending on the type of procedure. In the majority of cases, you will be asked to remove all other clothing and just leave your underwear on underneath the gown.
Before you can put on a hospital gown, you need to take off your clothes. In many cases, you will be able to leave on your bra and/or underwear, unless otherwise noted by the doctor.