You just bought a new pair of underwear, wore them once, and put them in the wash. Now you’re wondering why they already have lighter patches.
This is a common issue for anyone who likes black underwear.
No matter how often you wash them or how few times you wear them, you might still see spots in the crotch area that look like they’ve been bleached.
It’s not your washing machine, and it’s not because you wore them too much—your vagina can actually cause this “bleaching” effect on your underwear.
But don’t worry, it’s totally normal.
Why are there ‘bleached’ spots on your underwear?
The discharge your vagina produces—which is completely healthy and normal—tends to be naturally acidic.
This can leave white or yellowish stains on the crotch of your underwear.
The pH level of vaginal discharge usually ranges from 3.5 to 7, and it’s more acidic when everything is working as it should.
A healthy vagina produces more acidic discharge, but this can change due to hormones, your sex life, and your menstrual cycle.
You might not notice these stains as much with lighter-colored underwear.
But with black underwear, these little bleached patches stand out, while white underwear may show faint yellowish stains.
There’s no need to stress about this.
Dr. Alex Eskander, a consultant gynecologist at The Gynae Centre, told Metro.co.uk:
“The vagina has ‘good’ bacteria, like lactobacilli, which help keep it healthy by maintaining the right acidity level. This helps prevent bad bacteria from causing infections.
“This discharge increases during ovulation and pregnancy because of more cervical mucus.
“When the discharge comes into contact with air, it can stain underwear a light yellow color due to oxidation.
“Having bleached patches on your underwear is completely normal and usually nothing to worry about.”
How to prevent ‘bleach’ stains in your underwear
As we mentioned, those bleached patches on your underwear aren’t something to worry about.
But if you want to keep your favorite black undies looking nice, there are a few things you can do:
First, consider wearing pantyliners during the day.
This creates a barrier between your vulva and your underwear, stopping the slightly acidic discharge from touching the fabric.
Another option is to rinse your underwear right after you take them off instead of letting them sit in the laundry basket for days.
This can help prevent the bleaching effect from happening.
You can also use enzyme-based cleaning products, like stain removers, to break down the stains. Just spray the stained area, let it soak for a couple of hours, and then wash it.
And if you really want to bring your black underwear back to their original color, you can try re-dyeing them at home. It’s a simple fix!
Is your discharge normal?
Whenever we talk about discharge, a common question comes up: Is my discharge normal?
Let’s clear that up.
Yes, having vaginal discharge is completely normal and shows that your body is healthy. On average, you produce about 4ml of discharge each day.
Discharge is part of the vagina’s self-cleaning process. It’s a type of mucus made by the cervix that helps keep everything balanced.
Dr. Virginia Beckett, a spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, told Metro.co.uk: “It’s normal and healthy for a woman to produce clear or white discharge from her vagina.
“The amount of vaginal discharge changes throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, and most pregnant women will notice an increase in discharge.
“Healthy discharge shouldn’t have a strong smell or color, although some women may feel a bit of wetness.”
While discharge won’t be completely odorless, it shouldn’t smell bad. A slight scent is perfectly fine.
However, if you notice a strong odor or a change in smell, it could mean irritation or infection, and it’s a good idea to see your doctor or gynecologist.
As for color, clear, white, or cream-colored discharge is normal. But if you see yellow, brown (when you’re not on your period), or green discharge, it might indicate an infection.
Everyone’s discharge can be different in thickness, so it’s important to know what’s normal for you. Watch for changes. If your discharge becomes thick and lumpy, like cottage cheese, you should check with a healthcare professional, as this could be a sign of an infection.
The vagina is good at signaling when something is wrong, often by showing changes in discharge.
Dr. Eskander explains: “If you notice any changes in color or smell of your vaginal discharge, this could indicate bacterial vaginosis, a common bacterial infection.
“If a change in color and smell comes with itching or irritation, this could be a sign of a candida infection.
“Gonorrhea or chlamydia may also cause a lot of yellow mucus discharge. If you notice any changes that aren’t normal for you, it’s best to visit your doctor or gynecologist.”