There might be a link between shaving your pubic hair and higher STI risks

We all have our methods of dealing (or not dealing) with the hair down there. Whatever your methods, a new study says we should be careful when it comes to pubic hair removal: There may be a link between frequent pubic hair grooming and STIs.

The study of 7,580 U.S. adults, published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, found that both women and men who groom their pubic hair were at a higher risk for STIs than those who didn't.

Researchers theorize that people who frequently wax, shave, or trim are more likely to have small cuts around their pubic region, which can lead to a transfer of infection even when using condoms.

This affects a lot of people: Among participants, 88 percent of women and 66 percent of men regularly groomed their pubic hair. Of those people, 22 percent said they groomed on a daily or weekly basis.

Researchers suggest anyone who grooms regularly and is sexually active should check themselves thoroughly for cuts before engaging in sexual activity — a healthy conversation with your partner about STIs and protection never hurts, either.