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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2026, vol. 32, issue3
Subject Area: Medicine
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2026323.7108
Published online: 23 September 2026
Review article
J of IMAB. 2026 Jul-Sep;32(3):7108-7113
THEORIES ABOUT A POTENTIAL CORRELATION BETWEEN PUBIC HAIR REMOVAL AND PREDISPOSITION TO ABORTION
Katia Telbiyska1, 2
, Mariya Angelova2,
1) Selena University Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
2) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
Background: Pubic hair removal (PHR) modifies the body by depilation and epilation procedures but is not included in abortion etiology.
Review Results: The potential predisposition to abortion following PHR is based on the following theories:
Inflammatory neurogenic theory
An inflammation following PHR induces the release proinflammatory cytokines and the activationf sensory neurons. Miscarriage may result from overactivation of inflammation or may be associated with the sensory pathways of itch.
Neuroendocrine theory
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis has neuronal, hormonal and stress regulation. Hair follicles (HFs) function as a peripheral equivalent to the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and exhibit elements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. HFs are an extrapituitary source of prolactin regulated by cytokines with potential abortion effects. Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors can be found in the endometrium, the central nervous system and skin. The corticotropin-releasing hormone may regulate myometrial contractility during pregnancy.
Theory of arachidonic acid metabolism activation
Arachidonic acid (АА) and prostaglandins are released because of skin injury and erythema, complications occurring following PHR. Abnormal gene expression associated with AA metabolism has been identified in implantation failure. AA metabolism activation towards prostaglandin F2α, stimulating uterine contractions, has been associated with abortion pathogenesis.
Conclusion: PHR has not been reported as a modifiable risk factor of abortion. The present review suggests a potential correlation between PHR and predisposition to abortion, although the evidence confirming or refuting this remains insufficient.
Keywords: abortion, pubic hair removal, risk factors, arachidonic acid, prostaglandins, hair follicle, hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis,
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Please cite this article as: Telbiyska K, Angelova M. Theories About a Potential Correlation Between Pubic Hair Removal and Predisposition to Abortion. J of IMAB. 2026 Jul-Sep;32(3):7108-7113. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2026323.7108]
Correspondence to: Katia Telbiyska, Selena University Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Plovdiv; 80, Peshtersko shosse Str., Plovdiv, Bulgaria. E-mail: dr_k.telbiyska@mail.bg
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Received: 01 April 2026
Published online: 23 September 2026