The only reasons I prefer shaved are because most who decide to keep hair have no idea how to keep it clean, nor properly trimmed. You have to was your patch with soap and water every time you use the bathroom. Yes it helps keep bacteria at bay in one way, but if someone or something has to pass through your the blockade to enter you, and you are not cleaning properly, you can actually get infections and GIVE infections to your partner far easier than without. Douche every day with natural warm water, and once a week with the solution using a ACTUAL Douche bottle with reverse flow jets. In addition to the benefits of hygiene this almost completely removes the vaginal smell as a bonus!