Dear unohombre,

It's totally normal to have hair on the shaft of the penis, testicles (balls), and buttocks. Some guys have a lot of hair in these areas and some have only a little. Some people prefer the way they look with hair, and some people prefer the way they look with less hair or without hair — it's strictly a matter of personal preference. The same goes for sex partners — some people prefer partners with more hair, and some prefer partners with less hair.

Whether someone chooses to shave, trim, or remove body hair is ultimately a personal choice, and it's usually done for cosmetic reasons. If a guy decides to trim or remove body hair, the amount he decides to remove is up to him. But it's important to keep in mind that shaving in sensitive areas can lead to razor burn and in-grown hairs — both of which can be itchy and painful. An electric razor is also safer than a safety razor for removing unwanted hair.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.