People are just learning why they get bleached patches in their panties.
If you’ve never seen it before, it can be confusing – but rest assured, it’s a common occurrence and is completely normal.
Curious TikTok users have questioned such stains, leading to an answer and reassurance from followers.
Meanwhile, experts at the V**ina Museum have to X (formerly Twitter) and shared pictures of underwear with such stains.
Reassuring their followers, they said: “Lighter patches in your knickers are normal, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
V**inas have the power to change the color of panties, and it’s down to natural pH levels.
A pH level indicates how acidic or alkaline something is. A healthy v**ina should have a pH level between 3.8 and 4.5 – anything that has a pH level lower than seven has acidic properties.
Although this may seem incredibly acidic, it’s actually for your own good.
Naturally occurring bacteria, called lactobacilli, keeps your v**gina’s pH at a normal level.
V**inal discharge’s acidity protects you against uncomfortable infections, such as thrush and bacterial v**inosis.
So it’s discharge that stains or changes the color of underwear, and it’s particularly noticeable in darker panties.
V**inal discharge varies from person to person and changes depending on the stage in the menstrual cycle.
While some have noticed a thicker discharge before getting their period, others have noted a watery discharge when ovulating.
Dr. Vanessa MacKay, a spokeswoman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, explains how the v**ina is designed to clean itself.
“The v**ina is designed to clean itself with natural secretions,” the expert says (via The Sun).
“The v**ina contains good bacteria, which are there to protect it. If these bacteria are disturbed, it can lead to infection, such as bacterial v**inosis or thrush, and inflammation.
“It’s normal and healthy for a woman to produce a clear or white discharge from her v**ina. This mucus is produced naturally from the neck of the womb, known as the cervix.
“Healthy discharge doesn’t have a strong smell or color, but women may feel an uncomfortable wetness.”
It’s important a person works out what is normal for them. You should speak to a GP if you notice your discharge has changed in color or consistency.
