Gynecologist has message for anyone shaving ‘down there’ as Kim Kardashian’s x-rated underwear sparks debate

Whether you like to keep it bare, trimmed or a full bush, your bikini line is being talked about right now and a gynecologist has an important thing to tell you.

After Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS underwear sparked a huge online debate about wearing a temporary bush, Dr Holly W. Cummings of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, has said her piece.

Kardashian’s SKIMS rocked its release of a retro inspired 80s bush underwear, and it had people debating.

There have been many methods of dealing with the downstairs hair in modern times, from leaving it to grow freely, to waxing every little hair from existence, to even plucking, lasering it off, or using chemical gels to melt the hair follicle.

I don’t know when it became trendy to force ourselves to become as smooth as a baby, despite naturally growing hair that protects body parts from bacteria and particles, but here we are.

To shave or not to shave? (Getty stock images)

If you are holding in your ‘but it’s unhygienic’ thought, I’m here to tell you that not only does the bush reduce odours, but it also can prevent bacterial infections like cellulitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginitis, and yeast infections.

According to Cummings, ‘pubic hair is natural’ and many people may be uncomfortable about growing hair down there because of ‘societal expectations’, but it’s your choice to do with it what you will.

If you choose to get rid, you do have to take precautions to ensure you’re doing away with the hair in the safest way.

To her, trimming is your best bet.

She explained: “Trimming is the safest option because it shortens your pubic hair without cutting close to the skin, which can lead to injury or infection.”

To do this, you can use scissors or a ‘trimming tool marketed for use on pubic hair’, or tools made for cutting beards.

Trimming is a great method as it has a low risk of creating infection for those who need to be careful when their immune systems are compromised, like those who are undergoing chemotherapy or have diabetes.

Kim Kardashian's underwear sparked a debate (Instagram/kimkardashian)

Another option is waxing, but this can be painful.

She says: “There is a risk of burns and general irritation, plus small cuts and other skin damage you can’t see.

“If you choose waxing or sugaring, go to a licensed professional with lots of experience.”

Make sure they are taking safety precautions and aren’t double-dipping the applicator.

She went on to share that laser hair removal is also a safe option, but is expensive, and requires several sessions to remove all of the hair.

Now, if you prefer using gels and creams to dissolve the hair...the expert shared a warning.

She wrote: "I do not recommend these hair removal products, which dissolve hair at the skin line. The chemicals in these creams can be very irritating to the genital area."

Essentially, it's all down to your own preference, but if you're prepping your skin before doing any type of hair removal yourself (soap, shaving cream, mirror), you'll be good to go.