For a few decades now, most people think of pubic hair only in connection with how to remove it most effectively. Meanwhile, there are trends that suggest a reversal of this trend. But regardless of fashion trends, the question arises, what is the original function of pubic hair? When does it come into being and what are the peculiarities worthy of attention?
What is pubic hair?
Pubic hair is the hair on the primary sexual organs in men and women. The growth of pubic hair in girls usually begins about two years earlier than in boys, around the age of 10 to 12. Initially, sparse growth of a few straight hairs begins. Over time, the growth increases and the hair usually begins to curl. As the hair matures, it spreads over the mons veneris to the navel. Pubic hair can also grow in the area of the anus and on the sides of the thighs. In women, the shape of growth usually resembles an inverted triangle. In adolescent males, pubic hair grows in a more trapezoidal shape towards the navel. Both the base of the penis and the scrotum are overgrown. Likewise, depending on genetic predisposition, the skin area around the anus is more or less overgrown. The anus itself consists of mucous membrane on which no hair grows. In addition to individual differences, certain ethnic similarities can also be identified. While the pubic hair in large parts of the European population usually grows curly or slightly curly, it is often very curly in Africans. In Asians and Native Americans, on the other hand, the pubic hair is usually smooth and more densely attached.
Anatomy and structure
Pubic hair, like the rest of the body hair (axillary hair, beard hair, chest hair, arm hair, and leg hair), is called terminal hair. Unlike vellus hair, which covers our entire body in a downy manner, terminal hair only begins to transform as puberty progresses. It becomes more medullary and thus acquires a stronger, sometimes even wiry structure. The pigmentation also changes. Often pubic hair and the rest of the body hair are darker than head hair. However, in very light blond, reddish-haired or black-haired people, the pubic hair may well be the same color. Each individual pubic hair has a relatively limited lifespan and falls out after about six months. With a length growth of about 1 cm per month, the hair remains quite manageable, even without external intervention. For a more precise distinction, the hair in the anal area is also referred to as perianal hair. This hair surrounding the anus (peri = surrounding) can be a hygienic problem. If it is very pronounced, it can be difficult to keep this area hygienically clean after defecation.
Function and tasks
As for the function of the pubic hair, opinions differ. A real protection against heat and cold, the pubic hair at this point probably long ceased to be. Whereby this may well have been different with our unclothed ancestors, but these had altogether clearly more body hair. Also a kind of buffer function, which is supposed to be useful during sexual intercourse, is rather questionable. It seems more plausible that the hair in the intimate area serves to strengthen the sexual scents. Even if we do a lot to emit as little body odor as possible, these pheromones seem to play a not inconsiderable role in partner selection. The fact that there is an increased sensitivity of the skin to touch via the hair makes pubic hair in the area of the sexual organs seem to make a lot of sense. The increased sensitivity due to the hair growth can also be a protection against parasites, such as lice, or ticks, whose penetration is thus more easily noticed. What is quite certain, however, is that pubic hair is a clear identifier of sexual maturity and reproductive ability.
Diseases and ailments
As in all places of the body where hair grows, there is a risk of hair follicle or hair root inflammation or the development of boils in the area of the pubic hair. The trigger for these inflammations is usually the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which is part of the healthy skin flora. Problems are therefore caused less by the bacterium itself than by its toxic metabolic products. However, other bacteria can also trigger these inflammations.Through small injuries that can occur during shaving, bacteria manage to penetrate the skin and cause irritation. In addition to these tiny troublemakers, it can also come to the dreaded infestation with much larger parasites. For crabs, pubic hair is the ideal habitat, which is why they also lay their eggs on the hair. But even if you get rid of pubic hair, there can be complications. The most harmless one is irritated skin after using depilatory cream, shaving, epilating or waxing. This problem usually resolves on its own, or after applying a skin-soothing lotion. Somewhat more unpleasant are ingrown hairs, which can also quickly become painfully inflamed. The pubic hair itself can also cause difficulties. If the hair structure is very wiry, the sensitive skin in the pubic area can be affected accordingly. Another stored problem can be the loss of pubic hair. This partial hair loss can accompany the onset of menopause. With aging, pubic hair also loses its natural pigmentation and turns gray or white.
