Regularly waxing, trimming or shaving pubic hair quadruples the risk of picking up a sexually transmitted infection, a new study suggests.

Hair removal is becoming increasingly common worldwide for both men and women, with many people believing it is cleaner and more attractive.

But a new US study of 7,500 people between 18 and 65 found a link between grooming and sexually transmitted infections.

‘Extreme groomers’, categorised as those who trimmed, shaved or waxed completely at least once a month, were four times more likely to have picked up an infection.

However, any type of grooming was associated with an 80 per cent heightened risk of having a sexually transmitted infection compared with no grooming.