First, why do we have pubic hair? 
No one really knows.  There are several theories ranging from it traps/aids in the creation of pheromones, to it prevents friction between body parts that rub together, to it, particularly in the case of women, acts as a filter to prevent infection from outside sources.  But honestly, no one really knows why we have it or what purpose it serves.

Should we remove it? 
Again, as no one really knows what it's for, we don't know if it's a good idea or not. Some people argue that it must have a purpose, some argue that it is just a vestigial leftover of our simian ancestry.  Personally, I get rid of mine and haven't had any real problems because of it. My pubic hair grows really thick, and relatively long if left to it's own devices.  It tangles, it dislikes the elastic legbands of my underwear, it pulls, it tugs.  I don't like it.  So I remove it.

How do you remove pubic hair? 
There are many, many ways to get rid of pubic hair.  The simplest and cheapest is shaving.  This is easier to do if you have a large shower stall or bathtub to do it in, or a very patient, steady-handed partner, who doesn't mind being near your goodies with a sharp object.  However, shaving does have it's drawbacks.  Stubble is itchy and sharp, ingrown hairs, nicks in uncomfortable places, and having to do it at least twice a week. 

There are also a variety of depilatory creams and lotions on the market.  However, while some of them advertise themselves as safe for the "bikini area," none of them recommend you use them on the labia.  And I, for one, wouldn't recommend using them there either.  I can't even use them on my legs for that matter.  My skin is far too sensitive. If you are going to try a depilatory, PLEASE test it on a less sensitive part of your body first.  If it burns you there, just imagine that on your tender bits.  Plus, it usually only lasts about two weeks.

My preferred method is waxing or sugaring. Yes, I know it sounds terrifyingly painful, but it really isn't as bad as you imagine it's going to be.  And it doesn't hurt the worst quite where you think it will.  The benefits of waxing include only having to do it about once a month, up to once every two months if you have really sparse or slow-growing hair, far fewer ingrown hairs, and no itchy stubble. 

I get a full Brazilian, which means I have ALL of the hair, front to back, removed.  Yes, I can see several of you out there cringing in terror, but it really doesn't hurt that badly for that long.  The worst parts are not the inner labia, but rather on top of the pubic mound and in the creases where your legs meet your torso.  However, each time you wax it gets a little easier and hurts a little less.  There's a little tenderness for the next few hours, and possibly a few tiny spots of blood, but by the next day you'll be perfectly fine.

I do not recommend ever trying to do this yourself with a home waxing kit.  Seriously, not a good idea.  One of my former employers has a horror story about trying it herself.  Go to a salon and have a professional do it for you. 

In Seattle, I recommend Sugar Sugar in the Ballard area:  http://www.sugarseattle.net/   Sugaring is somewhat different than waxing, in that there are no cloth strips, just a rather sticky ball of, well, toffee.  There are places on the net where you can find the recipe to do it yourself, but as with waxing, I don't recomend the DIY approach with your pubic area. 

Also, clarify what you mean by Brazilian Wax.  Some salons will not remove the hair from the inner labia, or from around the anus.  I also recommend getting recommendations from friends and aquaintances.  Check out sites like CitySearch for reviews.  If they try to charge you more because you're a "Big" girl or boy, leave.  That behavior is unprofessional and just plain rude. After speaking with several friends who actually are professional aestheticians who do waxing, there is no earthly reason for them to charge you more. 

Now, just because I remove my pubic hair doesn't mean you or anyone else should or has to.  Some people are completely content with the state of their pubic hair as nature intended.  Some people aren't.  Some people artfully trim it.  If you're happiest au naturelle, that is perfectly fine.  If you have a boy or girlfriend who wants you to shave or wax, go ahead and try it if you're ok with it, but don't feel you have to.  It's basically a personal preference. 

Does it effect sex?
Yes, it does, a little.  Basically, Mr. Strangiato prefers that I'm smooth for oral sex.  It makes it a little easier to find and get to the clitoris and for digital insertion.  And there's no unintentional "hair pulling."  Also, neither Mr. Strangiato nor I get nearly as sore as quickly during intercourse.  But I haven't noticed any substantial differences since I started shaving or waxing. 

-Valerie