Representative image. An American man named Timothy Friede has subjected himself to more than 200 snakebites and 700 injections of venom over 18 years.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

For millennia, there have been stories of people who tried to make themselves immune to poison by regularly ingesting small, non-lethal doses of it. The practice is called mithridatism after the Pontic king Mithridates VI (135-63 BC), who reputedly immunised himself to various poisons this way.

Mithridatism is no longer practised today because scientists have developed safer, surer ways to protect the body against many toxins. A famous example is vaccines, which work by exposing the body to, say, a weakened virus so that the immune system learns to fight a non-weakened virus.

On May 2, US researchers published a paper in Cell reporting that an American man named Timothy Friede had subjected himself to more than 200 snakebites and 700 injections of venom over 18 years to immunise himself against their deadly effects. Injuries and deaths due to snakebites are hard to prevent, especially in India, because they usually occur in areas with poor access to antivenoms and because each snake’s venom requires a specific set of antibodies to fight.

Fortuitously, the researchers found that a combination of antibodies in Mr. Friede’s blood and a drug called varespladib could shield mice against 13 kinds of venom and partially defend against six more. This is a step towards the long-sought broadly neutralising antibodies — drugs that can defend people against most, if not all, venoms.

Pubic hair removal and grooming has ancient roots, based around hygiene and aesthetics in Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and linked to Persian rites of adulthood. By the Middle Ages however, it was linked to soliciting for sex work so much so that women started to use Merkins — pubic wigs — to hide syphilis. Fast forward to the 20^th century and beauty standards along with marketing came into play. Razor company Gillette’s 1915 advertisement framed body hair as “unsightly,” and by the 1990s, razor and waxing brands began pushing the myth that pubic hair is unhygienic. The porn industry and media cemented this idea, making hairlessness, especially among women, seem like the norm rather than a choice. 

But is pubic hair really unhygienic?

“Body hair is a marker of good health,” says Tanaya Narendra, a sex health expert working at Abhilasha Hospital and IVF care, Allahabad. She explains that pubic hair increases the surface area of the genitals, which makes it easy to regulate temperature and reduce chaffing during the summer. With India being hot most of the year round, pubic hair is a useful tool to maintaining hygiene and health, she points out.

The ill effects of excessive grooming

In women, shaving and waxing can weaken the skin’s barrier and immune defences, causing chronic inflammation and making the vulva more vulnerable to conditions such as lichen sclerosus (a chronic skin condition) and vulvar melanosis (increased pigmentation of the vulva), says Dr. Narendra. These grooming methods also disrupt the skin’s pH and lipid balance, reducing levels of the protective bacteria Lactobacillus in the microbiome. As a result, the area becomes more susceptible to infections such as , candidiasis (yeast infection) , bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

“Women and girls who removed pubic hair frequently, like weekly or monthly, were the ones who had recurrent UTIs,” says Andrzej Galbarczyk, a public health professor/researcher at Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.. His study found that extreme grooming was linked to a higher risk of recurrent UTIs—three or more per year—suggesting that frequent hair removal may disrupt the pubic area’s protective microbial ecosystem. 

Frequent grooming also leads to microtears, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through bloodstream exposure. A meta-analysis published in BMC Women’s Health by Asmaa Eltobgy et al last year, found that the odds of having gram-negative gonorrhoeal and chlamydial infections in pubic hair groomers were found to be statistically significant. Despite the hygiene myth, grooming can cause irritation, compromise protection, and lead to common issues like genital itching.

Excessive grooming can also cause vestibulodynia, a hypersensitive skin condition of the vulva. Shaving and waxing often lead to irritation, ingrown hairs, and folliculitis, which can escalate into staph infections or abscesses. A blocked Bartholin gland (mucus-secreting glands located on either side of the vaginal opening) from poor hygiene or hair removal may cause abscesses and, in some cases, lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). “A healthy vulva and vagina need the same care as your face,” says Sherry Ross, obstetrician-gynaecologist and author based in Santa Monica, California. stressing regular cleaning to prevent build-up, odours, and infection. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and diabetes can further complicate grooming due to hormonal imbalances, skin issues, and delayed wound healing.   

For transwomen with neovaginas, the skin is especially delicate and more prone to dryness, irritation, and heightened sensitivity. Pubic hair removal in this sensitive area can lead to microtears, inflammation, and infections, which may complicate essential practices like daily vaginal dilation by causing pain and worsening skin conditions. Gentle grooming methods and proper aftercare are crucial to reduce these risks and maintain vulvar health, say experts. 

Frequent grooming also leads to microtears, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections risk through bloodstream exposure. Photograph used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

The case of men

Men have increasingly embraced pubic hair removal as well, but the anatomical differences between male and female bodies influence how grooming affects health outcomes. In males , the urethral opening and the anus are approximately 18 to 20 cm apart, which significantly reduces the likelihood of cross-contamination by bacteria and, consequently, lowers the risk of UTIs and STIs. In contrast, females have a much shorter distance — around 4 cm — between the vaginal opening and anus, making them more vulnerable to bacterial migration and infections. 

However, this doesn’t mean grooming is without risk for men. According to Dr. Narendra, men who frequently remove pubic hair often experience boils, microtears, and skin irritation, particularly on the scrotal skin, which is thin, highly vascularised, and prone to trauma. These minor injuries can become entry points for pathogens, potentially leading to folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), abscesses, or even secondary infections. 

These issues are compounded by the fact that in India, it is still taboo to talk about genital health. Numerous patients have said that their attempts at conversation with medical professionals about pubic hygiene have not gone well, leaving them to opt for do-it-yourself remedies or turn to wellness gurus. “Many patients come with chemical burns on vulva because they used a hair removal product that was not the right pH or was not designated for intimate areas,” says Dr. Narendra, who says she has seen young patients with scar tissue and altered cellular architecture of the vulva due to a lack of knowledge and understanding about their own bodies and products. 

Body image issues

The physical toll apart, the emotional toll of body image issues can be just as significant. Dr. Ross explains that women often feel insecure about their vulvas. “I hear comments like: ‘My lips are too big,’ ‘too bumpy,’ ‘too dark,’ ‘too uneven,’… or ‘My boyfriend/girlfriend tells me my labia are not pretty.’” She attributes this to the influence of porn and social media, which lead adolescent girls to obsess over the “perfect” vulva. Dr. Ross emphasises the need for self-awareness: “Everyone needs a roadmap.” She says she gives mirrors to her teen patients to help them understand their anatomy, empowering them to prevent sexual dysfunction and to build a healthier connection with their bodies. She also stresses the importance of discussing pubic hair removal practices and sexual history during consultations, to ensure comprehensive care. 

The importance of educating ourselves, especially in light of the rise in social media-promoted products targeting young women and trans individuals has never been more crucial. “Whether you were born with a vagina or had one created, it is important to clean the vulva, but you don’t have to do too much internal cleaning,” says Dr. Ross, emphasising that the vagina naturally maintains its pH balance, and disrupting this can lead to infections. 

The digital world is rife with inaccurate medical advice. ’Dr. Google’ can lead to confusion, conflicting advice, and further issues. Taking charge of our health is key. “Educating those with a vulva and vagina is the first step to dispelling dangerous genital hygiene recommendations,” Dr. Ross says.

It’s time to shift the way women view their bodies, particularly vulvas and vaginas. The shame and anxiety surrounding sensitive topics into pride and comfort must go. Women need to become better health advocates, not only for their genitals but also overall wellness. People must seek a reliable healthcare provider to partner with on their health journey.

(Neelanjana Rai is an independent journalist covering global health, indigenous communities, innovations and environmental issues. neelanjana189@gmail.com)

The human fascination with erotic imagery is ancient. But never before in history could humans instantly access, stream, and interact with vast oceans of visually stimulation erotic material—free, anonymous, and available twenty-four hours a day. Photograph used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: Getty Images

In a recent divorce ruling, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court adjudicated a case where the husband accused his wife of being addicted to pornography, alleging that it amounted to cruelty within the marriage. But the court ruled that private viewing of adult content does not qualify as cruelty. While the court addressed the question through the lens of individual autonomy and marital privacy, the judgment invites a deeper inquiry: can pornography consumption be considered an addiction? Because the judiciary recognises substance addiction—like alcoholism or drug dependence—as valid grounds for divorce under the charge of cruelty. But pornography sits in a grey area. It is not a chemical substance but a sensory stimulus and leaves no visible scars on the body after consumption. However, it shares unsettling similarities with known addictive behaviours.

The origins of erotic art

The human fascination with erotic imagery is ancient. The sensuous murals of the Ajanta caves etching expressions of sexuality have always had their place in art. But never before in history could humans instantly access, stream, and interact with vast oceans of visually stimulation erotic material—free, anonymous, and available twenty-four hours a day. Today, an ordinary person can access more bodies, fantasies, and acts than a medieval king could dream of in his harem.

The human brain is wired to respond to novelty in sexual mating. The Coolidge effect is a unique mammalian behavioural pattern that refers to the biological tendency to be re-stimulated by a new mate or stimulus. Modern pornography capitalises on this evolutionary trap with endless scrolls, categories, and ever-changing scenarios. It is not just about arousal; it is about novelty. This novelty acts as a supranormal stimulus, referring to artificially enhanced stimuli that hijack natural reward systems.

Globally, studies suggest that pornography consumption is more prevalent among males than females, with self-reported surveys indicating that approximately 60–70% of young men and around 30–40% of young women engage in regular viewing. However, these numbers vary widely by age, cultural context, and methodology. The most reliable study to date—a nationally representative Australian survey—found that 4.4% of men and 1.2% of women “considered themselves addicted to pornography”. India lacks large-scale, peer-reviewed research on pornography use. Much of the available data is based on self-reporting that is prone to bias.

The line between habit and harm

Pornography use is not classified as an addiction by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 & the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). The ICD-11 does acknowledge ‘Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder’, which includes persistent and distressing patterns of sexual behaviour like porn use, but places this under impulse control disorders, not addictions. This hesitation reflects a deeper scientific dilemma: where do we draw the line between habit and harm, between high-frequency use and clinical pathology? The difficulty in categorisation begins with the elusive nature of the behaviour itself. In the case of substances like alcohol or nicotine, thresholds can be defined in grams, blood levels, or measurable physical harm. With porn, the metric is psychological: does it interfere with daily functioning, does it cause distress, does it lead to compulsive patterns? The model includes impaired control (such as cravings or failed attempts to stop), functional impairment (neglect of work, studies, or relationships), and risky use (continuing the behaviour despite adverse consequences).

This is further complicated by the fact that porn is sensory stimuli, not a physical drug like tobacco nor a tangible engagement like gambling. It doesn’t require a casino, partners or money; unlike alcohol, it doesn’t leave a smell or a hangover. All it needs is a smartphone and a closed door. This ease of access powered by the digital revolution makes porn consumption nearly frictionless. This invisibility makes it harder to measure, regulate, and study. The scientific community faces another challenge: there is no real control group or animal model. With the explosion of internet access post-2000, nearly all adolescents and young adults today have been exposed to pornographic content, often before they experience partnered intimacy. In this sense, our generation lacks a “control group” or “baseline”, making it impossible to determine the long-term psychological effects of this exposure. When everyone smokes, lung cancer becomes normal.

Unlike substances that can be tested in animal models to study addiction pathways, pornography—being a visual and cognitive experience unique to humans cannot be replicated in lab rats or monkeys. There is no rodent equivalent of compulsively watching or endlessly scrolling through nude mates. This absence of animal models has hampered the routine route of scientific enquiry and stalled the progress of understanding porn consumption.

Porn use and the brain

Neurobiological evidence about porn use however, is accumulating. Functional MRI studies have shown that people with compulsive porn use display altered activity in brain regions involved in reward processing, such as the ventral striatum and amygdala. Repeated exposure to high-stimulation erotic content results in what neuroscientists call “sensitisation”—heightened response to cues—and “desensitisation”—the need for more extreme or novel content to feel the same level of arousal. Over time, changes in the prefrontal cortex may weaken impulse control, mirroring what is seen in substance use disorders.

These structural and functional changes are mediated by key neurotransmitters: dopamine, which regulates pleasure and reward; glutamate, which governs learning and habit formation; and serotonin, which modulates mood. Just like alcohol or cocaine, pornography also appears to rewire the brain. Clinically self-reported porn consumers reported heightened anxiety, insomnia, poor concentration, irritability, and relationship dissatisfaction. There is also growing concern about body image issues, unrealistic expectations about sex, and emotional detachment in intimate relationships.

Pornography and the Young Person | Women Uninterrupted podcast – Season 5, Episode 2

An ongoing, natural experiment

In epidemiology, natural experiments refer to large-scale phenomena not designed or controlled by scientists but observed historically to understand their impact. The widespread and unregulated consumption of digital pornography may be such an experiment. Just as Marie Curie worked with radioactive isotopes before understanding the dangers, or as Hollywood once glamorised cigarette smoking as a symbol of sophistication, we may be living through a phase of cultural naivety. We are normalising a behaviour whose long-term effects on brain development, social bonding, and emotional regulation we have yet to understand fully.

No fixed threshold can define “what’s too much,” but science agrees that the brain is malleable. Whether this adaptation is healthy or harmful depends on the context, the individual, and the consequences. But as researchers continue to debate, as platforms continue to evolve, and as generations continue to consume, one thing becomes increasingly clear—we are in the midst of one of the largest unregulated psychological natural experiments in human history. And the results may take decades, if not longer, to fully unfold.

The Madras High Court judgment appears well-aligned with existing medical consensus. Whether future evidence shifts this perspective remains uncertain, but for now, labelling porn use as cruelty lacks the clinical backing needed for such a legal conclusion, even though consuming it is not advisable.

(Dr. C. Aravinda is an academic and public health physician. The views expressed are personal. aravindaaiimsjr10@hotmail.com)