Can Laser Hair Removal Cause Yeast Infections?
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that can be done at home or in a salon. It involves using an intense beam of light to remove hair from the body. The process is not only safe, but effective as well. However, laser hair removal does have its drawbacks. Some people report adverse reactions to the procedure and some report side effects that are more serious than others. One such side effect is yeast infections. This article also discusses can shaving pubic hair cause yeast infections and can too much pubic hair cause yeast infections.
Candida albicans, a fungus that naturally exists on your skin and in your mouth and vagina, is what causes yeast infections. When you shave or wax, you are removing some of this fungus from your skin, which can lead to an imbalance in your body’s natural flora and cause irritation for some women who may already be susceptible to yeast infections because they have other medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.”

Can Laser Hair Removal Cause Yeast Infections
First of all, why do we even have it?
Surprise! Pubic hair actually has a medical purpose beyond giving women yet another aspect of their appearance to worry about. There is debate among scientists over whether or not pubic hair was biologically designed help attract potential mates (you know, back in the days before Instagram filters and Tinder profiles). However, according to gynecologist Dr. Jessica Shepherd, pubic hair’s known function is to be a protective barrier for our body.
“Pubic hair helps to fend off bacteria and unwanted pathogens from entering the vaginal area, which helps to keep us from getting yeast infections and UTIs,” Shepherd told SheKnows. “In other words, pubic hair is supposed to be there.”
So, there’s a case for keeping the bush
Given these built-in protective benefits, embracing your womanly nature might be worthwhile. However, do take note: “Bacteria grows in moisture, and sometimes hair can contribute to having more of a moist area,” Shepherd said. “Some women work out a lot or like to go swimming, and this trapped sweat and moisture may increase the chances of getting a yeast infection.”
Basically, if you’re planning to go the zero-maintenance route, pay extra attention to keeping clean after physical activity.
Shaving vs. waxing: The showdown
Still wanna groom? That’s fine too — just make sure you’re getting it done properly.
Shaving may seem like the easier, more private option for women who aren’t comfortable baring it in a waxing setting. Though it gives you full aesthetic control, it can get a bit risky.
“Shaving requires lots of maintenance,” Shepherd said. “During maintenance, you could increase your chances of having infections or being exposed to sexually transmitted infections if you’re not careful.”
STIs typically spread through skin-to-skin contact, so any small cuts you get from shaving ultimately leave you vulnerable to infection. Using a dull razor can lead to these cuts and also to ingrown hairs, leaving you itchy and covered in those damn bikini-line pimples.
When it comes to shaving versus waxing, Chicago-based cosmetologist and waxing expert Jessica Rivera has a few thoughts.
“Waxing is more long-term, and it avoids razor bumps,” Rivera told SheKnows, adding that clients only need to get waxed every four weeks.
After deciding whether or not you can withstand the pain of having a 4-inch strip of hot wax torn from your vulva, the real key is to make sure you find a clean salon with highly trained professionals.
“A wax professional should be sure to have a client fill out a pre-wax form asking questions about medications and health conditions,” Rivera said, as certain skin care prescriptions like Accutane can make your skin surface dangerously prone to burns.
“They should also ensure that all utensils are new and disposable — double dipping is an absolute no,” she added.
Like shaving, waxing also causes microscopic tears of the skin, increasing your chances of contracting an infection or STI. It is for this reason that both of our experts suggest waiting 24 to 48 hours before having sex after hair removal, which — depending on the situation at hand, if you know what we mean — may be a reason to forego both methods entirely.
Hair care is not one-size-fits all
When it comes to caring for pubes, it is essential to listen to your body.
“Waxing experiences are different for each woman depending on the texture and growth patterns of their own pubic hair,” Rivera said. “If you are prone to vaginal or yeast infections, I would consult with your doctor before getting a Brazilian wax.”
It may also be time to explore other hair-removal options if you notice itching or irritation around hair follicles in your pubic area after shaving or if you’re finding that the hair removal process is painful. In this case, Shepherd often advocates for trimming.
“If someone has consistent ingrown hairs, instead of shaving I recommend using scissors to trim pubic hair to a length so it’s not completely all the way off,” she said.
Other options include laser hair removal or depilatory creams formulated specifically for your bikini line.
The newest grooming trend? Self confidence
The truth is, there is no single “best” or “worst” pubic hair aesthetic; it is entirely a matter of your taste and assessment of the benefits and risks of each. Whatever choice you make about any of your body hair, make it for yourself. Being comfortable with yourself and your body is most important.
How to Care for Your Hair … Down There
There are several pubic hair products on the market, but they seem to offer a solution to a nonexistent problem.
How do I care for my pubic hair without giving myself a yeast infection? Is there anything I can do besides washing in the shower? I’ve noticed there are now oils and creams on the market, but I am wary based on past experience.
Short Take
There is no need for a special pubic hair care regimen. There are several pubic hair care products on the market, but all seem designed as a solution to a nonexistent problem.
Tell Me More
How to care or not care for pubic hair has not been studied. We know that removing pubic hair is associated with injuries — burns from hot wax, for example, or lacerations from razors. Infections from injuries or ingrown hairs can also happen. There is also data that suggests pubic hair removal may be associated with an increased risk of transmission of some sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. It is possible that the infection risk rises because the removal of pubic hair creates an easier portal of entry for some bacteria and viruses. It is also possible that pubic hair removal could change the microenvironment of the vulva in a way that reduces natural defense mechanisms. This association between pubic hair removal and STIs could also be correlation and not cause and effect. Basically, we don’t know what we don’t know.
There is no data linking pubic hair grooming of any kind with vaginal yeast infections. Remember, the vagina is inside your body and the areas of the vulva that have pubic hair are on the outside (where clothes touch the skin). The labia minora, the part of the vulva that is closest to the vaginal opening, does not have pubic hair. Biologically, it seems improbable that pubic hair care regimens or removal would contribute to vaginal yeast infections.
Could pubic hair removal contribute to vulvar yeast infections? These infections, much less common than vaginal yeast infections, produce intense external itching as well as redness of the vulva. It is possible that pubic hair removal could, through microtrauma, allow yeast that is normally on the skin to cause a vulvar yeast infection, although this hypothesis has not been studied.
Removal aside, it seems biologically implausible that how you care for your pubic hair could lead to any infection. Washing the area with a cleanser instead of soap is likely better for the skin on the vulva because soaps are drying and can raise the pH level of the skin. (The pH level of the vulvar skin is normally low.) Additionally, dryness or temporary changes in pH could lead to irritation that might be mistaken for a yeast infection.
What about oils and creams? These commercial products are all untested. If you feel your pubic hair is dry, try switching from a soap to a fragrance-free facial cleanser. You do not need a special vulvar cleanser. If you want to try a pubic hair product to see if that gives you softer hair, you can try cooking oil, such as a small amount of coconut or olive oil. These are also untested, but unlike the commercial products, they have only one ingredient. If fancy products in jars spark joy for you, just be wary of any irritation; many of these products have fragrances, which could be an irritant or allergen.
Remember, pubic hair care products are highly unlikely to offer any health benefit, so be clear to yourself why you are using them — for fun or how they make you feel as opposed to treating or preventing any medical condition.
Can Shaving Pubic Hair Cause Yeast Infections
Possible link between stye outbreaks and waxing/shaving pubic areas. In addition to vaginal redness and intense itching, these infections are much less common than vaginal yeast infections. Although this hypothesis has not been studied, it is possible that pubic hair removal could allow yeast that is normally on the skin to cause a vulvar yeast infection via microtrauma.
Biologically speaking, it is highly unlikely that the way you care for your pubic hair, even if you don’t remove it, will cause an infection. Since soaps are drying and can increase the skin’s pH level, it is likely better to wash the vulvar area with a cleanser rather than soap. (Vulvar skin has a naturally acidic pH.) Itching, brought on by, for example, dryness or momentary shifts in pH, could easily be misdiagnosed as a yeast infection.
You didn’t mention lotions, did you? There has been no testing of these commercial offerings. Try switching from soap to an unscented facial cleanser if you notice your pubic hair is becoming dry. To clean your genitalia, you won’t need anything special. A small amount of cooking oil, like coconut or olive oil, can be used as a pubic hair product to see if it softens hair. These have not been tested either, but unlike commercial products, there is only one ingredient in them. Even if fancy jarred products make you happy, you should be aware that many of them contain fragrances that could cause irritation or allergies.
If you’re using pubic hair care products, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons, like vanity or how it makes you feel, and not because you think it will help you in any way with your health.
What Causes Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are a common condition that affects many people, especially women. These infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, most commonly Candida albicans, in the body. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of yeast infections, including:
- Weakened immune system: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to yeast infections.
- Antibiotics: Taking antibiotics can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the body, leading to an overgrowth of yeast.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of yeast infections.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes have higher levels of sugar in their blood, which can promote the growth of yeast.
- Poor hygiene: Not practicing good hygiene, such as wearing damp clothes or not changing underwear regularly, can create an environment conducive to yeast growth.
- Diet: A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can feed yeast, leading to an overgrowth.
Other risk factors for yeast infections include using hormonal contraceptives, wearing tight-fitting clothing, and being overweight. It’s important to note that yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections, although they can be passed between sexual partners.
Preventing Yeast Infections
There are several steps you can take to help prevent yeast infections, including:
- Practicing good hygiene, such as wearing clean, dry clothes and changing underwear regularly.Avoiding douching, as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.Eating a balanced diet low in sugar and refined carbohydrates.Avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics.Managing underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, that can increase the risk of yeast infections.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection, such as itching, burning, or unusual discharge, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Can Too Much Pubic Hair Cause Yeast Infections
Itching and burning in the genital area are the most common signs of a yeast infection, though some women also experience a thick, white discharge. Fun fact, though: some women naturally experience discharge like that (without itching) and mistake it for a yeast infection, leading them to the pharmacy. Vulvar (vaginal opening and lips) irritation is a real problem for some women. Dr. Gunter claims that only one-third of women can accurately self-diagnose a yeast infection, and that persistent treatment may actually exacerbate the problem.
The vulva and vagina have many nerve endings, making them highly sensitive. Dr. Gunter, a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, explains that women may mistake yeast infections for symptoms of irritation caused by certain products and habits. Some people are sensitive to gel- or water-based lubes because they contain ingredients like benzocaine, which is found in anti-itch creams like Vagisil, condoms containing spermicide, and other similar products. (Worried reader, beware: she says there’s no need to stop doing or using any of these things if you don’t have problems.)
Besides that, bacterial vaginosis (an imbalance of bacteria that can cause discharge), trichomoniasis (an STD), herpes (an STD), vulvodynia (a nerve disorder), postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, and lichen simplex chronicus (a skin condition caused by scratching that can make the vulva look like eczema) can all show the same signs. She explains that it’s difficult to tell the difference between a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and a urinary tract infection because the symptoms are so similar. Patients who are already feeling hopeless may feel even worse after hearing about all the possible causes.
Being able to find over-the-counter remedies for yeast infections is both a boon and a bane. They’re easy to use, but they might not help if you don’t have a yeast infection, and they might kill off good bacteria, leading to an even bigger yeast problem. Some women simply contract a particularly virulent strain of yeast, while others have problems with the lactobacilli, the “gatekeeper bacteria” responsible for maintaining a healthy vaginal ecosystem (yes, this is a thing). An overgrowth of yeast can occur if the bacteria that normally keep it in check are either ineffective or are eliminated, as can happen when using anti-fungal creams frequently or when taking antibiotics for what you think is a bad cold but are actually sinus infections. Disease, meet your cure.
Having vaginal itching isn’t life-threatening, but it can be very annoying. Alternatively, a week. …or a given calendar month. Dr. Gunter says that while yeast infections are often dismissed as minor ailments, the reality is that they can consume the lives of many people. So, what is it that you ought to do?
