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A gynaecologist has warned women against shaving their pubic hair.

Dr Jen Gunter, the author of The Vagina Bible, warns waxing or shaving creates “microscopic trauma” that can lead to infections.

While the purpose of pubic hair is somewhat of a mystery, going “au naturel” is thought to protect the skin by acting as a barrier against the outside world.

Getting a Brazilian may also reduce sexual pleasure, with pubic hair being connected to nerve endings that might help arousal, Dr Gunter added.

Pubic hair “grooming” has almost become the norm, with many blaming the p3rn industry.

Scientists from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), asked more than 3,300 women about their downstairs grooming.

Of which, 83.8% claimed to wax, shave or epilate their pubic hair, with just 16.2% leaving it intact.

“Hygiene” was the most commonly reported reason (59%) for women removing their hair.

But Dr Gunter warns waxing, shaving or “sugaring” – mixing sugar, lemon juice and water to create a wax-like gel – may do more harm than good.

“You are causing microscopic trauma to the skin,” she told the BBC.

The gynaecologist added she sees women with cuts, grazes and even infections when hair removal goes awry.

“Pubic hair has a function, it is probably a mechanical barrier and protection for the skin,” she said.