'Taboo' topic 65% of women won't discuss

New research conducted, ahem, Down Under, has revealed that while the majority of women shave their pubic hair, 65 per cent of Aussie women don’t feel comfortable talking about their pubic grooming routine.

It's a topic that sexologist Chantelle Otten, along with Gillette Venus, wants people to feel confident and open to going public about.

Why people don’t discuss 'the hair down there'

Chantelle believes that we as a society have been led to believe that it's not okay to talk about pubic hair.

“There have been so many messages over the years, that pubic hair for women and femmes should be gone, that it shouldn't be there,” Chantelle explains. “And I guess we all have a level of criticism. It is like these are scrutinised patches of our bodies, and especially the pubic region.

"I think that when it comes to pubic hair, we have to make sure that we are more open. And we are highlighting the fact that you're allowed to have whatever hairstyle you want down there and that's perfectly okay and reasonable.”

The 'Scary' about the hairy

Chantelle reveals that there are some myths that need de-bunking when it comes to pubic hair, from the ridiculous to the scary!

“Questions like the colour of your pubes match the hair on your head, but does the curtain match the drapes? And that is not true,” Chantelle explains. “Actually, if you want to know more about what colour pubic hair is you have to look at someone's eyebrows, because it tends to match eyebrow colour, except, of course, the hair down there is a little bit coarser.”

Chantelle says another myth is that a full bush is a turn off, and it actually depends on you and your sexual partner and what your preferences are.

“Of course, if you like full hair down there then you're absolutely welcome to have full hair down there. There's also evidence that pubic hair could be a turn on because it's full of pheromones!”

As a sexologist, Chantelle also says that it’s a myth that pubic hair protects against STIs, as pubic hair actually works as a bit more of a breeding ground for bacteria.

“So many people incorrectly assume that pubic hair protects them from things like herpes or any other STIs that result from skin to skin contact, but they are not sufficient enough to protect against STIs and you absolutely need to use protections such as condoms or a dam to protect yourself.”

And for those with sensitive skin, Chantelle offers some helpful advice on how to tame (or not) your downstairs tresses!

“Another myth that we have is that if you have sensitive skin, you shouldn't shave down there."

How to become more 'Pubic Hair Aware'

Chantelle says that looking at imagery that promotes pubic hair in a positive light is beneficial.

“There is a great website that's called 'Comfortable in My Skin' which shows different types of voiceovers (and comb-overs!).

“There is the vulva gallery. There is the labia library. These all show different types of hair but also different types of labia and vulva and I think that it's important that we have a look and recognise that we're all different down there. You know, vulvas are like snowflakes. They have different shapes, different sizes, and I think that it's super easy and important that we recognise that we don't and we're not meant to all look the same.

"We're meant to look different and having a unique look and style is super important to our own identity and I think that we should embrace it.”

'Going Bush' with your mates

Venus and Chantelle are encouraging women to lift the lid on conservations surrounding pubic hair grooming and #SayPubic with the launch of the Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin Collection.

While talking about this topic is still often considered taboo, Chantelle stresses it shouldn't be.

“I think that we have to become more pube-positive by actually talking about it more. Talking to your friends, talking to, or looking at the kind of the conversation online with the Venus campaign is really important,” she says.

“And I think that actually saying to your friends, 'I'm trying to grow it out' or 'I'm trying a different style down there'. Or, 'I bought this new pubic hair and skin range and I'm gonna experiment with it!'.

"I think that it just comes with starting small and saying the word pubic first, and then starting to see if it opens up a conversation with your friends or people around you.

"Of course, sharing your own preference of talking about pubic hair will allow for conversation to flow.”

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.