Pubic Hair Grooming Prevalence and Motivation Among Women in the United States

• Autores: Tami S. Rowen, Thomas W. Gaither, Mohannad A Awad, E. Charles Osterberg, Alan W. Shindel, Benjamin N. Breyer
• Localización: JAMA Dermatology, ISSN 2168-6068, Vol. 152, Nº. 10, 2016, págs. 1106-1113
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Importance Pubic hair grooming is an increasingly prevalent trend. Several studies have sought to characterize its prevalence, associated demographics, and motivations.

    Objective To characterize current pubic hair grooming practices in the United States.

    Design, Setting, and Participants In this cross-sectional study, a nationally representative survey was conducted in January 2013 of noninstitutionalized adults aged 18 to 65 years residing in the United States via the GfK Group (formerly Knowledge Networks) panel members. Data analysis was performed from November to December 2015.

    Interventions A questionnaire examining pubic hair grooming habits.

    Main Outcomes and Measures Demographic characteristics and motivations associated with pubic hair grooming.

    Results A total of 3372 women were surveyed. Fifty-six women did not answer the grooming question; consequently, 3316 women were included in the analysis. Of these women, 2778 (83.8%) reported pubic hair grooming and 538 (16.2%) reported never grooming. On multivariate regression, several factors associated with grooming were found. When compared with younger women (aged 18-24 years), women aged 45 through 55 years (odds ratio [OR], 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.49; P = .01) and those older than 55 years (OR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.00-0.34; P = .003) were significantly less likely to groom. Women with some college (OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.65-6.84; P = .001) or a bachelor’s degree (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.17-4.88; P = .02) were more likely to have groomed. Race was also significantly associated with grooming, with all groups reporting less grooming when compared with white women. No association was found between grooming and income, relationship status, or geographic location.

    Conclusions and Relevance This study provides a nationally representative assessment of contemporary female pubic hair grooming habits. Demographic differences in grooming were found, which may reflect cultural variations in preference related to pubic hair. Health care professionals and those who provide grooming services can use this information to better counsel patients and understand grooming practices.

    Introduction Pubic hair grooming is an increasingly prevalent trend in the 21st century.1 Several studies2- 5 during the past 5 years have found that most women report engaging in pubic grooming and hair removal, including total removal of all pubic hair. This practice is most common in younger women. Other factors that have been associated with pubic hair grooming include race, being in an unmarried relationship, sexual activity, and higher scores on sexual function scales,1,4 which implies better sex life satisfaction for women who groom.2 Pubic hair grooming practices pose some potential risks of injury to women, most often related to shaving.6,7 Obese women are particularly prone to injury during pubic hair grooming, which is important to any practitioners who address gynecologic health.6 There are also known benefits to pubic hair grooming, such as decreased rates of pubic hair lice.8 Knowledge of grooming behaviors is important for health care professionals because these behaviors reflect cultural norms and a source of patient morbidity. Much of what is believed to be the driving factor for grooming is a cultural trend, epitomized by representation of genitalia in popular media.1 The mainstream media’s portrayal of women discussing and engaging in pubic hair removal is also a major factor for grooming-related influences.9 Furthermore, there is an increasing trend of genital cosmetic surgery, and a previous study10 highlights that the motivating factor is aesthetics rather than functionality. Some surgeons believe that the current grooming trends are responsible for this increase because women are able to visualize their labia more easily now than in the past and are thus more motivated to change their appearance.11 A major limitation of the existing literature on pubic hair grooming in women is generalizability.2- 5 Most studies2- 4 to date have used convenience samples that are racially and demographically homogenous. Some studies4,5,12 have enrolled more diverse populations but have been limited to specific geographic regions and often limited age ranges. To date, there are no nationally representative samples of US women and their current pubic hair grooming practices. Such a sample is relevant for health care professionals because women often seek advice related to grooming and counseling on risks for injury; hence, it is important for health care professionals to be familiar with the common grooming practices among women. The objective of this study is to report on pubic hair grooming practices and characteristics associated with grooming in a nationally representative sample.