Ever wondered why your underwear sometimes has bleach-like patches? The surprising answer isn’t your washing machine; it’s your vagina! It turns out that the vaginal pH can actually cause a “bleaching” effect on your underwear.

The vagina typically has a pH between 3.8 and 5, but this can fluctuate due to factors like infections, douching, or menstruation. These changes can affect the natural secretions that help maintain this balance. While it’s totally normal for the vagina to produce clear or white discharge, disruptions in this balance can lead to infections like bacterial vaginosis or thrush.

Some people have noticed this bleaching effect on their underwear, and it’s generally nothing to worry about. As Dr. Vanessa MacKay, a spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, explains, it’s all part of the vagina’s self-cleaning process. It’s also important to remember that not everyone experiences this, and that’s perfectly fine too. Normalizing these conversations can help reduce stigma and promote a better understanding of our bodies.