29 Jun Genital Grooming a Cultural Phenomenon Among Younger, White and Educated Women

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Tami Rowen

Tami Rowen MD MS
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
UCSF

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: This study sought to answer the question of which women are engaging in genital grooming and understand their motivations. Prior studies have been limited by geography and age thus our goal was to provide a nationally representative sample of women.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Women groom who groom tend to be younger whiter and more educated and are grooming for many reasons aside from intimacy, including visiting a healthcare professional. Their grooming practices are also highly motivated by their partners preference for it as well; however it’s not related to specific types of sexual activity. This shows that grooming is very much a cultural trend.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: We already have research showing some of the risks related to grooming but more research on the new and emerging trends of laser and other non surgical hair removal would be beneficial to better counsel women on risks. we know nothing of long term feelings regarding permanent hair removal, which is increasing in prevalence. Qualitative research would also be helpful to delve deeper into motivations, since we now know that grooming is related to far more than intimacy. Indeed, young women who are not even sexually active are engaging in grooming and understanding their motivations would be helpful for healthcare providers and aestheticians alike.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: We appreciate the interest this topic has generated.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Pubic Hair Grooming Prevalence and Motivation Among Women in the United States
Tami S. Rowen MD, MS, Thomas W. Gaither BS, Mohannad A. Awad MD, E. Charles Osterberg MD, Alan W. Shindel MD, MAS, Benjamin N. Breyer MD, MAS
JAMA Dermatol. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.2154 Published online June 29, 2016.

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on June 29, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD