Long pubic hair Hair increases the surface area for bacteria and bodily fluids to linger and lead to odor. Think of it as a dance floor.
No, pubic hair is not unhygienic. However, it does trap dirt and sweat, so it can become more pungent than areas of the body that have less hair. Like other areas of the body, pubic hair does require regular cleaning.
The research shows that body hair by itself is not a cause of bad body odor. But everyone is unique. Some guys report smelling better after their shave their armpits, body hair, or pubes. They feel that it makes them sweat less and smell better.
The vagina and the area around it (groin skin, vulvar, etc.) contain healthy bacteria that are a part of our microbiome and include sweat glands. These can produce an odor that varies for each person. If you are a heavy sweater, you may have stronger smells at times.
Vaginal odor can be caused by diet, sweating, menstruation, or pregnancy. It can sometimes also be caused by infections like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.
“Never ever put anything with fragrance on or near the vulva,” Lincoln says. “You're just asking for a skin reaction.” Any fragrances, including those marketed as skin-safe or natural, can break down sensitive skin and cause infection.
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It's also called "fish odour syndrome". Sometimes it's caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn't always the case. There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help.
Lice eggs (nits) are often easier to see than live lice. They look like tiny yellow or white dots attached to the pubic hair, close to the skin. Nits can look like dandruff. But you can't pick them off with your fingernail or brush them away.
The bacteria on your skin breaks down the sweat, which creates the unpleasant smell. The bottom line is this: shaving armpits and body hair leads to fewer bacteria and less smell.
Abnormal vaginal odors
The most common causes of unpleasant vaginal odor are: Bacterial vaginosis (BV): An infection that's caused by an imbalance in your vagina's flora. BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex.
It is totally normal to have pubic hair extend to the upper part of your thighs. Even after your period begins, your body keeps developing: your breasts get fuller and your pubic hair continues to spread for a couple of years.
Trimming is important from the hygiene point of view: It tends to get hot and sweaty down there. Sweat will contribute to bacteria which can cling to your pubic hair. Moreover, not shaving after regular intervals will make you stink down there. It can lead to odour and make you uncomfortable.
You can shave it. Just be sure to use shaving cream and a sharp razor. The good news about shaving is that it doesn't actually make hair thicker or darker, it just looks that way. If you want to avoid the stubbly look you can get from shaving, you can use depilatories or wax.
Pubic hair may extend out to their thighs, and some girls may have a line of hair up to their belly button. Most girls attain their peak height by age 16, but some may continue growing through age 20.
"This is a predestined thing—it's genetic and can happen at any age." With that said, she cites the late thirties as the time at which pubic hair typically begins to gray. Some health factors, however, may accelerate the graying process, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD.
As for the curliness of pubes, Brian Steixner, M.D., Director of the Institute of Men's Health at Jersey Urology Group in Atlantic City, suspects it's because curly hair does a better job at trapping the pheromones secreted from sweat glands around the groin area.
Groin sweat contains fatty acids and proteins which feed bacteria. As the bacteria break down the nutrients in groin sweat, foul-smelling acids are left behind.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Children with GERD often regurgitate food which can cause oral health problems. Liver problems: When the liver is not functioning properly, the unprocessed bile that accumulates in the body can produce breath that smells like fish or rotten eggs.
Olfactory reference syndrome (ORS), also known as olfactory reference disorder, is an underrecognized and often severe condition that has similarities to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with ORS think they smell bad, but in reality they don't.
Pubic hair doesn't require its own beauty regimen, as long as you're showering on a regular basis. "It just needs to be washed with soap and water," says Dr. Knopman. Seriously: There's no real need to shampoo it, condition it, give it an oil treatment, or treat it to a spa day.
Avoid shaving over irritated skin patches, as the friction can worsen skin conditions.” Remember not to apply too much pressure. The sharp blade should be doing the work for you.