Bikini Waxing Increases Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Risk in Women: Latest Study Reveals

As of today, bikini wax is a common beauty treatment every woman who loves her bikini follows.

But according to a recent report, it may not be too safe an approach to depend on.

The work which got published appeared in the journal of JAMA Dermatology, observed that a bikini wax may increase the general risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in women.

The study says that through removal of pubic hair, viruses or bacteria get more opportunities to enter the body because of the "deficits in the mucocutaneous barrier"; waxing can cause micro-trauma for the skin and its underlying structures.

Dr. Robert Brodell, chief of the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Division of Dermatology previously explained that damaged skin makes women more susceptible to STIs.

"The body has a number of defense mechanisms to prevent infection. One of those mechanisms is normal, healthy skin, aberrations in the skin "open the door for catching the infection," Dr. Robert was quoted saying.

But the study also took into account the fact that it may not just be the removal of the hair but also the general behaviour and clean up schedule a woman follows after a bikini wax leads to a higher STI risk.

The reports states that grooming of pubic hair is turning into an increasingly common practice among women from all societies and demographic groups.

"In the United States, women are more likely to groom for reasons that are sexually driven and are more likely to stop grooming when lacking a current sexual partner. Further, pubic hair removal is significantly associated with a greater interest in sex and having a casual sex partner," the report noted.

Therefore it’s probably a better idea to know in detail about the potential risks of STIs associated with bikini wax before you go for your next one.