The effects of total laser pubic hair removal on sexual functions, body perception and self-esteem in women

Abstract

Objectives: Both males and females carried out pubic hair removal by various methods usually for visual/aesthetic or psychosexual reasons. The aim of the present study was to evaluate self-esteem, body image and sexual functions of women before and after total laser pubic hair removal (TLPHR) which is frequently being prefered due to its long-lasting effects. Methods: A total of 45 sexually active women between 20 and 50 years of age who underwent total laser pubic hair removal were included in the study. The sociodemographic features, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES), Body Cathexis Scale (BCS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) of the participants were assessed before the first session and after the 6th session of TLPHR procedure. Results: Total RSES, total BCS scores and the 40th item of the BCS score significantly decreased after the TLPHR procedure (p < 0.001). Total FSFI scores and also FSFI subscales of desire, arousal, lubrication and satisfaction scores were significantly increased after TLPHR (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study results demonstrated that self-esteem, genital and total body image, sexual desire, sexual arousal and sexual satisfaction was improved after TLPHR procedure. Wider sampled studies examining the effects of laser pubic hair removal on individual, relational and psychosocial issues in both males and females are needed.

Effect of Body Hair Removal on Female Sexual Function

“…The study shows that 86.5% of women feel that sexual activity changes to better, 67.1% receive positive comments from their husbands on their body after removing body hair and 76.6% of them feel more attractive after removing body hair. This result agrees with [14]who reported total female sexual function score and desire, arousal, lubrication and satisfaction subscale scores were significantly increased after hair removal compared to baseline scores. There is a prominent improvement in both sexual functions and sexual satisfaction of the participants after hair removal procedure.…”

“…The increase in both sexual desire and sexual arousal might be attributed to the previous asseverations claiming that pubic hair removal provides increased aesthetic appearance and increased tactile sensitivity of the clitoris. Body satisfaction, self-esteem and sexual functions improve after total laser pubic hair removal in women [14].…”

Attitudes and practices associated with pubic hair grooming behaviours: A cross‐sectional study

“…Sangiorgi et al 12 reported that Brazilian women have increased satisfaction with the appearance of their genitalia, indicating a strong preference for complete PHR. Similar findings have been supported by Herbenick et al, 3 Aydos et al 13 and DeMaria et al, 14 indicating that PHR may be positively associated with positive genital self‐image compared with women who choose not to groom their pubic hair.…”