Burning and swelling can be a sign of infection. The best way to find out what’s going on is to make an appointment at Teen Clinic.  A healthcare provider can do an exam to identify or rule out infection. She will also give you tips on how to avoid irritation in the vaginal area.  Give us a call soon to be sure you’re healthy!

• Are you supposed to shave your genitals before sex?

The best way to find out is to see a healthcare professional, particularly if the bumps are new or causing you discomfort.   Make an appointment at Teen Clinic or get in touch with the doctor you normally see.  Even if the bumps are a normal part of your body, it’s important to find out for sure.  Knowing what’s healthy and regular for your body is an important part of staying safe!

The decision to wax your genitals—regardless of style—can be a safe and healthy personal choice. However, waxing does increase your risk for infection.   Removing the hair from your genitals exposes delicate tissue in the pubic area. With little or no hair to protect it, your pubic area is more susceptible to infections spread through skin-to-skin contact, including Herpes and HPV.

Little is known about the risks of waxing in a salon. Some sources suggest that transmission of STIs is possible if the wax applicator is re-used or improperly sterilized between patients. Women can also get non-sexual infections like folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicules, after waxing.  If you decide to wax your genitals, be sure to use as sterile an environment as possible.  Wash your genitals regularly, and do not pick at any bumps or boils that may form.  If you experience discomfort or are concerned about infection, come see a nurse at Teen Clinic.

Choosing whether or not to shave your genitals is a very personal decision.  Some people shave because they find it more attractive; some people don’t shave because they find it more attractive. Some people shave because they find it more pleasurable; some people don’t shave because they find it more pleasurable!  In the end, your decision will come down to what you prefer.  Try to avoid thinking of shaving as something you’re “supposed to” do–it’s your body!

Why do we have pubic hair in the first place?  Many clinicians believe that pubic hair protects against infection. Others praise its ability to reduce friction during intercourse, leading to less irritation.  And most sources agree that pubic hair plays a key role in spreading pheromones, which are bodily scents that make you more sexually attractive to others.

Medically, either decision can be safe and clean.  Keep in mind that small cuts in the genital area make it easier for sexually transmitted infections to spread. If you do shave and happen to cut yourself, make sure you know whether or not your partner has STIs, and avoid intercourse until the cuts have healed.  Those who shave may experience itching when the hair begins to grow back in. They may also experience ingrown hairs, which is when a hair grows backward into the skin, causing inflammation and irritation.  However, plenty of healthy and happy adults remove the hair from their genitals.  Check out this guide to grooming options.

Consider talking to a trusted adult about your decision.  And remember–you can change your mind as many times as you’d like!