Can Shaving Your Pubic Area Cause a UTI?

Shaving pubic hair is a common grooming practice, but it can lead to unintended health concerns. One question that arises is whether it increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). While UTIs are typically caused by bacteria entering the urethra, certain factors related to shaving may contribute to an increased risk.

Understanding how hair removal affects the skin and bacterial balance is essential in evaluating its potential link to UTIs.

Functions Of Pubic Hair

Pubic hair serves multiple biological purposes, many of which are often overlooked in discussions about grooming. One of its primary roles is to act as a protective barrier, reducing friction between the skin and external surfaces. This is particularly relevant in areas where constant movement occurs, such as the inner thighs and genital region. By minimizing direct skin-to-skin contact, pubic hair helps prevent chafing and irritation, which can otherwise lead to microtears. These small abrasions create entry points for bacteria, increasing the likelihood of infections.

Beyond mechanical protection, pubic hair helps regulate moisture and skin health. Hair follicles are associated with sebaceous glands, which produce sebum—a natural oil that maintains hydration and creates a slightly acidic environment. This discourages harmful microorganisms while supporting the skin’s microbiome. Hair also helps trap moisture at appropriate levels, preventing excessive dryness or irritation.

Another key function of pubic hair is its role in pheromone distribution. Apocrine sweat glands in the pubic and underarm regions secrete sweat containing pheromones—chemical signals that may influence social and sexual interactions. Pubic hair helps retain these secretions, allowing them to disperse gradually. While the extent of pheromonal influence in humans is still being studied, research suggests scent-based cues contribute to subconscious attraction and reproductive signaling.

Shaving And Skin Irritation

Shaving pubic hair disrupts the skin’s natural barrier, exposing it to irritation, inflammation, and potential injury. The removal of hair, particularly with a razor, creates microscopic abrasions in the outermost layer of the skin. These tiny cuts may not be visible, but they compromise the skin’s protective function, making it more susceptible to irritation from friction, clothing, and personal care products. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that nearly 60% of individuals who removed pubic hair experienced complications, with skin irritation being among the most common.

Shaving also disrupts the skin’s natural oils and microbiota. The removal of hair eliminates a physical barrier that regulates moisture, leading to increased dryness or, conversely, excessive perspiration due to the absence of hair to absorb sweat. This change in the skin’s environment can promote irritation, particularly in humid conditions. Additionally, shaving creams, gels, and aftershave products often contain fragrances, alcohols, and other chemicals that can further irritate freshly shaved skin, leading to redness, itching, and, in some cases, contact dermatitis.

Ingrown hairs are another common consequence of shaving, particularly in the pubic region where hair is naturally coarse and curly. When hair is cut at an angle or extremely close to the skin, it may curl back and grow into the follicle instead of outward. This can trigger inflammation, leading to painful bumps resembling pustules or small cysts. A systematic review in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology highlighted that ingrown hairs are especially prevalent in individuals with curly or thick hair. Persistent ingrown hairs can cause prolonged irritation and, in some cases, secondary bacterial infections.

Role Of Local Bacteria

The human body hosts a diverse array of microbial communities, and the pubic region is no exception. The skin and mucosal surfaces in this area house various bacteria that help regulate pH levels, outcompete harmful pathogens, and contribute to overall skin health. Disrupting this bacterial balance can create an environment where opportunistic microbes have a greater chance of proliferating.

Hair removal, particularly shaving, alters the local microbiome by removing hair follicles that serve as microhabitats for beneficial bacteria. Shaving also exposes the skin to external contaminants, as razors can harbor bacteria if not properly sanitized. A study in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that shared razors can act as reservoirs for bacterial species, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both of which have been linked to skin infections. While these bacteria are commonly present on the skin, breaches in the epidermal barrier from shaving can allow them to penetrate deeper, increasing the risk of infection.

Moisture and warmth in the pubic region further influence bacterial activity. Without hair to absorb sweat and sebum, the skin remains in direct contact with perspiration, which can promote bacterial overgrowth. This is particularly relevant for individuals who wear tight clothing or synthetic fabrics that trap heat and humidity. Research in Microbiome has shown that microbial composition in moist environments shifts toward species that thrive in high-humidity conditions, some of which are linked to skin irritation and inflammation. Frequent shaving can exacerbate these changes, repeatedly disturbing the natural bacterial population and skin barrier.

Relationship With Urinary Tract Infections

The connection between shaving pubic hair and urinary tract infections (UTIs) lies in how hair removal affects the skin’s integrity and bacterial balance in the genital region. UTIs occur when bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli, enter the urinary tract and multiply in the bladder or urethra. While poor hygiene and sexual activity are widely recognized risk factors, disruptions to the skin barrier and changes in bacterial populations may also contribute to susceptibility.

Shaving can create microscopic abrasions that serve as entry points for bacteria, allowing them to colonize areas near the urethral opening. These tiny cuts may not be visible, but they can provide a pathway for opportunistic microbes, particularly in moist environments with frequent friction. A study in Urology Annals found that individuals who engaged in frequent pubic hair removal had a higher incidence of minor skin infections, which could facilitate bacterial migration toward the urethra. This risk is amplified if razors are reused or improperly sanitized, introducing additional pathogens to the shaved area.