Does it really have a purpose?
Yes, pubic hair has a purpose. First of all, it reduces friction during intercourse and prevents the transmission of bacteria and other pathogens.
There may be other reasons why we have pubic hair.
Everyone has pubic hair, but we make different decisions about what to do with it.
Some people prefer to grow it, while others prefer to cut, scrape or wax it. What you do with yours is up to you.
Read more about why it grows, how it affects hygiene, the risks associated with removal, and more.
What does it do?
When it comes to hair, humans are an anomaly among mammals.
However, this does not mean that pubic hair has no purpose. We evolved this way for a reason.
Reduce friction
The skin around your genital area is thin. Pubic hair acts as a protective buffer and reduces friction during sex and other activities.
Some sources refer to pubic hair as “dry lubricant”. Because rubbing hair to hair is easier than rubbing skin to skin.
Pubic hair can also warm the genital area, which is an important factor in sexual desire.
Protection against bacteria and other pathogens
Pubic hairs act similar to eyelashes or nose hairs. It captures dirt, debris, and harmful microorganisms.
In addition, hair follicles produce sebum, an oil that prevents the growth of bacteria.
This suggests that pubic hair may protect against certain infections, including:
cellulite
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
urinary tract infections (UTIs)
vaginitis
yeast infection
Are there other benefits?
We don’t fully understand all the underlying causes of hair loss. Some additional theories are described below.
Indicates reproductive ability
Pubic hair appears during puberty. It is an obvious physical sign of sexual maturity and therefore reproductive capacity.
In the past, it may have served as a visual cue for potential mates.
Pheromone transmission
Another theory links pubic hair to the transmission of pheromones, or scented chemical secretions, that affect mood and behavior. We don’t yet know how pheromones affect sex.
Pheromones are secreted by apocrine sweat glands. Compared to other parts of the body, there are more of these glands in the pubic area.
So, the theory goes, pubic hair traps pheromones and increases how attractive we appear to our partners.
