Correlation between pubic hair grooming and STIs: results from a nationally representative probability sample

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sexual Health

Background:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are highly prevalent among adults.
• Pubic hair grooming is a common practice with a growing prevalence.
• Previous small-scale studies suggested a link between pubic hair grooming and STIs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between pubic hair grooming and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• To examine this relationship in a large, representative sample of US adults.
• To differentiate associations based on grooming frequency and STI type.

Main Methods:

• A probability-based survey of 7,580 US residents aged 18-65 years was conducted.
• Data collected included self-reported pubic hair grooming practices, sexual behaviors, and STI history.
• Grooming was categorized, and STIs were classified as cutaneous, secretory, or lice.

Main Results:

• 74% of respondents reported pubic hair grooming.
• Pubic hair grooming was positively associated with a history of STIs (OR 1.8), including cutaneous (OR 2.6), secretory (OR 1.7), and lice (OR 1.9).
• Extreme and high-frequency grooming showed stronger associations with cutaneous STIs, while non-extreme grooming was linked to lice.

Conclusions:

• Pubic hair grooming is positively associated with a history of STIs in a representative US adult population.
• The findings highlight a potential risk factor for STI acquisition.
• Further research is needed to understand STI risk-reduction strategies related to grooming practices.