There are many different procedures and techniques for the deed, whether you choose a twin-blade or electric razor, waxing or laser hair removal. Whatever your choice, remember it's a delicate area and all the procedures present risks that, if not treated in time, can have serious consequences for your health. Be sure to weigh up the pros and cons long before you reach for that blade!

And what about Tops and Bottoms? Is it really true that more bottom guys shave than tops? It's often thought that many tops like their men shaved as it makes the sex more enjoyable, with easier penetration. They can use less lube, get a tighter fit and they just as easily slide in. Many tops think shaved cocks look bigger, but there's really no evidence at all for that. As for our bottom boys, well many prefer to shave because it's less messy for them, as they're the ones who have to do most of the clean up after!

So we've been investigating the Top 5 reasons why you should or should not shave your sensitive areas down below.

Pros Hygiene: Waxing or shaving can make it easier to clean your more intimate areas reducing the possibility of bad odors. STIs: You reduce the chance of catching crabs as they are mainly transmitted during sex and easily germinate in pubic hair. Partner Tastes: Many people don't like to be in contact with pubic hair during sex particularly if they are performing oral sex. Keeping Trim: In hot weather during the summer, many people decide to reduce pubic hair so they can wear smaller clothes. Size: Some men think it makes a penis look bigger, as you don't have a jungle of hair covering your member in all its glory.

Cons Itchy and Clammy: Shaved areas can sometimes feel itchy and clammy if you are wearing the wrong type of underwear. Injury: The most common are burns, irritation, cuts, or encysted follicles, when hair fails to break through the last layer of the skin, Bacteria: The humidity and temperature of the intimate area increases the possibility of contracting a bacterial infection. Keeping Going: Some men find it a bind to have to shave every few days to make sure they keep the look they like the best. Locker Rooms: There's a fear in some men that they may be taunted by others in changing rooms if they have no pubic hair.

So what do guys who've shaved or trimmed think of it all?

Josh says: I have shaved since I was 13, just as soon as I saw hair growing around my cock and on my balls I had to shave it. I loved touching myself and the act of shaving makes me horny. I must say I hate other guy's hair in my mouth so I wish more men would trim.

Kyle says: I don't like hair around my pubic area, but I do keep cutting my penis and balls with the electric shaver. I've decided to get a friend who is gay but trustworthy to shave it all for me - he'll do a much better job.

Rick Says: It’s not a gay or bisexual thing to shave pubic hair, it's just a matter of personal preference and hygiene. Spending time examining your balls while shaving is a good thing. Looking for lumps either beneath or on top of the skin while you're shaving will help you to detect any early problems.

Do most gay or bisexual men prefer to shave their public hair?

There is not an answer that can supported by any form of adequate data, so this issue will have to be decided from an unscientific contribution of opinions from a variety of different people.

Quentin says: I’ve never shaved nor done anything else to completely remove hair from my genitals. My late husband, who was a quite hairy toothpick, would occasionally trim some of his public hair. I will continue trimming on occasion just to aid sanitary maintenance.

James says: I’m going to refrain from indicating my preferences in those I choose as sexual partners. I’ve never used the “pubic smooth” criteria to make those decisions.

If you do decide to take the plunge the first step in shaving your pubes is to assemble the right tools for the job:

• Trimmer – Choose a trimmer that’s been made for the pubic area. Companies such as Manscaped, Australian Bodycare or Gillette all have Pubic Hair Trimmers. They have been specially designed with closely spaced blades that avoid making nicks and cuts. The Manscaped one is called a Lawn Mower!
• Shave Cream – Good old-fashioned soap and water aren’t going to cut it when you’re cutting your pubic hair. Shaving cream creates a layer of protection between the blades and your skin. Choose something soothing which has some Aloe Vera or Tea Tree Oil.
• Razor & Blades – It may sound counterintuitive, but the sharper your razor, the better. Why? Because a sharp razor gets the job done in one gentle stroke with very little pressure or tugging. It’s also a smart move to keep a separate razor for shaving your pubes.
• Anti-Chafing – If you’ve never used an anti-chafe stick, make sure you try one. It reduces the rubbing and friction that can lead to itchiness and irritation.
• Hand Mirror (Optional) – A hand mirror is always useful when it comes to shaving those hard-to-see areas.

Trimming Your Pubic Hair

Set up your trimmer so it can trim the hair with longest length, and gradually move on to the shorter hair. If your trimmer has a sensitive comb attachment use this for a gentle trim around more delicate areas like the scrotum and shaft.

You can go in the shower for easy cleanup later, but trimming is best done on dry hair, so we recommend trimming your pubic hair before switching on the water.

When you start trimming use short strokes and light pressure on the skin. Take your time and be gentle.

• Scrotum & Shaft – This is where the skin is most sensitive, so take your time here. Gently stretch the skin to flatten the shaving surface as you go to help avoid nicks.
• Between & Behind – If you can, try placing a foot on the side of the bath or on the toilet - just make sure that you’re well-balanced and standing on a non-slip surface. To better see what you’re doing, place a hand mirror on the floor.

Once you’ve trimmed, give your pubes time to soak. Warm water hydrates and softens your pubic hair and skin for an easier cut. So shower for a few minutes before you go onto shaving your pubes.

Lubrication is essential, especially when you’re shaving pubic hair. Apply a liberal amount of a hydrating shaving cream before manscaping.

Remember to use short strokes with gentle pressure. You can shave in any direction, but shaving “with the grain” will help to avoid excess shaving irritation. Clean the blade in water every 2-3 strokes to keep your hair from blocking the blades.

Using an anti-chafe stick like Gillette Intimate Pubic Anti-Chafing Stick is a game-changer. It protects skin from friction, which is the number 1 cause of itchiness and irritation. Glide the stick over any areas prone to irritation including your thighs, and use your fingers to apply the product to hard-to-reach areas underneath and behind.

Remember in the end there's absolutely no right or wrong answer to this, it's totally a personal preference of yours and if you have one, a boyfriend, partner, or husband. There really is only one golden rule - if you are taking a razor to your most valuable asset, do make sure you watch what you are doing, and don't cut anything you might later regret!

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