And that's not all! Bikini waxes also increase your chance of contracting an STD.
"The skin naturally forms a barrier between organisms, like bacteria and viruses, and the body," Nicole Budrys, M.D., medical director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine at Henry Ford Health System, explained to Shape. "Anything that causes small breaks in the skin, like shaving, makes it easier for infections to happen. It makes sense that infections like HPV and herpes, which are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, are seen more frequently in those who shave more than twice a month," she warned. Adding, "With waxing, we know that these small skin breaks can also happen and are also likely to increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases."
While hair removal is a completely personal decision, it's a good idea to keep these risks in mind before you book your next appointment.
