Priya always assumed that she was doing something wrong with her clothes washing. Every few weeks, she notices strange, yellow patch or orange-white stains that sang on their dark underwear, the clothes looked almost bleached. “I also changed my detergent three times,” she laughs. “I thought maybe I was using too much soap.”

It was not until it had a late night conversation with friends, which she found that she was not alone – and even more importantly, it had nothing to do with the poor washing habits. In fact, those faded spots are some natural, healthy and surprisingly indication of scientist: the pH level of your vagina.

What is the cause of stains like those mysterious bleach?

Discoves or “bleached” spots that often appear on the underwear – are particularly darker – are caused by vaginal discharge. More especially, they arise from the natural acidity of the discharge of conversation with the colors and materials of the fabric. According to a review of 2020 in the Journal of Lower Genital Path Disease, average vaginal pH in healthy individuals is between 3.8 and 4.5, making it acidic as black coffee or tomato juice. This acidity plays an important role in maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiom by preventing harmful bacteria and extreme growth of yeast.

But what does the vagina keep the acidic in the first place? The main contributor is lactic acid, produced by beneficial bacteria known as lactobacilli. These bacteria help to remove infections and maintain the self-cleaning ecosystem of the vagina.

What experts say

Dr. Neha Kumar, a Delhi-based gynecologist and OB-Gyne, with more than 15 years of experience, explains: “The acidic environment of the vagina is a sign of good health. When the vaginal discharge comes in contact with underwear, lactic acid can cause fading dye in it, it can be completely normal.

this is not normal?

While the acidic discharge is healthy, some are to look out for red flags. If you notice:

• Smell
• Green, gray, or chunky discharge
• Itching or burning
• Bleeding out its period

This may be a sign of bacterial vegetable veginosis, yeast infection, or another imbalance. In such cases, it is best to consult a doctor.

Science meets clothes: Why some underwear stains more

The bleaching effect is more visible on colored or synthetic clothing, such as nylon or spandex blends, as these materials place on the colors that react to acid. Cotton, especially in light colors, can show the effect dramatically. A study published in Textile Research Journal (2018) discovered how various clothes react to acids. It was found that synthetic mixtures showed a greater visible color fall when exposed to weak acids such as vinegar – comparable to acidity for vaginal discharge.

Can you stop these stains?

While stains are not harmful, here are some ways to minimize them:

• Opt to 100% cotton underwear, preferably in light colors
• Avoid tight, non-simultaneous clothes
• Use panty lines during ovulation or when discharge is heavy
• Wash underwear with light, fragrant detergent
• Avoid dutching or aromatic feminine hygiene products that can disrupt pH levels

Why this “bleach” effect is really good news

This staining phenomenon may feel like a fuss of washing, but it is a small price to pay for a healthy, self-regulation reproductive system. Your body is indicating that the protective acid obstruction is doing its work. Priya has adopted science for one. “Now I just buy better underwear and wash it gently,” she says. “I rather have a healthy vagina to worry about a dull space.”

Bleach stains on your panties are just more than a laundry querch – they are a subtle, attractive reminder of how your body works to protect you every day. And as Dr. “In most cases, those small marks are the way of saying nature,” says Kumar, “Everything is working well.”

• The discharge of the vagina is naturally acidic (pH 3.8–4.5) and prevents infection.
• Lactic acid in discharge can bleach dark clothing – this is completely normal.
• Sudden changes in discharge (smell, color, stability) warns a doctor’s journey.