Ever treated yourself to a pair of posh new knickers only to find them stained with lighter patches after the first wash?
Despite your best efforts, you might notice areas in the crotch that look like they’ve been hit with bleach. While it’s easy to blame a dodgy washing machine or overuse, your vagina can actually ‘bleach’ your underwear, and it’s perfectly normal.
A female obstetrician gynaecologist (OBGYN), known online as The Vag Doc, took to TikTok to discuss this peculiar occurrence with women and explain why it happens. “Have you ever noticed that your panties look like they were bleached right at the crotch, and you’re thinking ‘what the hell is wrong with my discharge, somebody call a doctor’,” she began her video.
“So here’s the deal, your vagina has a very specific balance, and what that means is that when it is working efficiently, it has lactobacilli and other types of bacteria that make the area more acidic. This is what keeps the balance of bacteria equal and operating in a happy and healthy way.”
“So if your vaginal tissue and vaginal mucus and discharge is more acidic, well acidic what is bleaching that area.”
She confirmed that the bleaching process does not indicate anything is wrong, but rather that you most likely have an appropriate PH balance in your vaginal discharge. “A normal occurrence in this scenario is that it could actually just bleach the colour out of your panties and your undergarment, so do not freak out,” she explained. “It does not necessarily mean there’s a problem.”
One woman, concerned about her experience, asked: “Wait, what if mine don’t bleach,” and was reassured with the reply, “Also normal! Just less acidic than others.”
Another person queried the inconsistency in bleaching effects, saying: “I just have a couple that are quite bleached, my other ones not so much, does the amount of bleaching also depend on the fabric?” The answer they received was affirmative: “Yes. Fabric, colour, dye used can affect the amount of bleaching noted.”
Someone else shared their sense of relief at discovering an explanation for their symptoms, saying: “I asked my gynaecologist and she has no idea. So glad to find the answer.”
Vaginal discharge is usually a clear or whitish fluid from the vagina, and while it’s normal, any changes in volume, consistency, colour, or smell could indicate an infection or another issue, as per § guidance. They recommend contacting your 111 or visiting your nearest Sexual Health Clinic if you notice anything unusual with your discharge.