Is Shaving 'Down There' Bad for Your Health?

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It's been suggested that Jennifer Aniston is a fanatical devotee of waxing, along with countless other celebrities, and it's certainly no secret that the "Brazilian" and "Hollywood" craze has been mainstream for quite some time now - with some estimates claiming as many as 80% of American women engage in some form of pubic shaping. 

But could this practice endanger your health?

A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that 60% of those who shave 'down there' have at least one health complication as a result, including a higher risk for certain STDs, such as warts and herpes. 

As a medical professional, I've long been concerned about the waxing trend, and spoke with my local ABC 10 news channel about it a few years ago. As I explained at that time, too aggressive removal of the pubic hair (via waxing) can cause punctate bleeding, and shaving it can also result in tiny nicks and cuts. All of this leaves you more prone to infection. In fact, in the operating rooms of most modern hospitals today, they don't remove all of the hairs from the surgical area, due to these concerns.

So waxers, be careful. Avoid sex if you experience breaks in the skin down there, be aware of the risks, don't overdo it, and make sure you go to a professional facility that follows sanitary guidelines.