The Blog/You Asked It: Do I Need to Shave before My Gynecologist Appointment?
Should I shave my pubic hair before my gynecologist appointment?
Nope! You do not need to shave before a gynecologist appointment (or any doctor’s appointment!).
Your doctor doesn’t care how you care for your pubic hair, because it isn’t a health or hygiene concern. They’ve seen it all, and how you style (or don’t style) your pubic hair probably won’t even register. So whether you like a close shave, a simple trim, or going au naturale, just keep doing you.
The same goes for other parts of your body too. Unless you want to, you don’t need to shave your legs, armpits, or anywhere else before your gynecologist appointment (or ever!).
If you shave or are thinking about shaving your bikini line though, it is important to do it safely.
This way, you can avoid razor burn and ingrown hairs. (Ingrown hairs are when the hair grows down into the skin instead of up out of the skin. They’re not usually a big deal, but can cause painful or irritating red bumps, and sometimes even an infection.)
- Trim longer hairs with scissors before shaving.
- Use shaving cream to soften the hair.
- Soak a towel in warm water and hold it on the area you’re going to shave. This can soften the hair and soothe the skin.
- ALWAYS use a clean blade, and make sure to change your razor often!
- Shave in the direction of hair growth and don’t go over the same area more than twice.
- Gently exfoliate after shaving to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Wash with soap and water and use lotion after shaving.
Ultimately, what you do with your pubic hair is totally up to you. Your gynecologist won’t be bothered by (or probably even notice) how you take care of your hair down there!
What you do or don't do with your pubic hair is totally up to you!
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ABOUT YOU ASKED IT
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. At theMount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, we answer a lot of questions. Topics range from nutrition to pregnancy prevention, and everything in between. Now, we’re bringing these questions back to you with our weekly advice column, You Asked It.
This column is not intended to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual, only general information for education purposes only.
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