Spot on: decoding the mystery of bleach spots on underwear

The internet – and the boundless treasure trove of information it provides – is an immensely useful tool for more reasons than one.

There seems to be no end to the benefits it brings into our daily lives. Moreover, it may well be the greatest invention of recent centuries owing to the fact that it is an inexhaustible source of shared knowledge.

There is no topic one can’t read about, no answer beyond your reach if you know where to look. Mysteries that were elusive in decades past can literally be solved with a few clicks and pressing a few keys.

Over the years, many old myths have been debunked online while life hacks and useful tips became common knowledge. Once these were mere wisdoms held by a small number of people.

Underwear with bleach spots

For instance, have you ever wondered why your underwear ends up looking like it has a bleach spot? This question is repeatedly asked online by women seeking answers.

And answers there are. It turns out that said color spots have absolutely nothing to do with your washing machine (as some speculate).

Credit / Wikimedia Commons
Credit / Wikimedia Commons

No, studies confirm that the actual cause of these “bleach” spots is due to the natural pH values of the vagina.

Before we proceed, let’s emphasize that this is nothing to worry about. On the contrary, the aforementioned spots on your underwear are a healthy sign. As we know, pH values determine the acidity or alkalinity of a particular liquid or substance, and according to a helpful post on Twitter:

“Now that everyone is aware, it’s perfectly normal to discover lighter spots in a woman’s underwear due to the acidic nature of the vagina, with a pH range of 3.8-4.5. So I suppose it’s time to leave behind the idea that it’s a result of poor hygiene. In fact, it’s a healthy vagina that can bleach the fabric.”

Credit / Wikimedia Commons
Credit / Wikimedia Commons

Dr. Vanessa MacKay, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, explains: “The vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism through natural secretions. It contains beneficial bacteria that serve to protect it.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, the usual vaginal pH ranges from 3.8 to 5.0, making it moderately acidic compared to the naturally neutral pH value of 7.

Dr. MacKay adds that it’s perfectly normal and healthy for women to have clear or white discharge, while disturbing the natural balance can lead to infections.

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