Ladies, if you’ve ever noticed a bleached patch in your dark panties and thought it might mean something was wrong, rest assured it is not! Discoloured underwear is a natural and healthy part of the vagina’s self cleaning process.
The acidity of your vaginal discharge can react with fabric dyes in underwear + laundry detergents to leave a light bleach-like mark. Here’s why it happens and how to prevent it!
Vaginal Discharge
If you’ve ever pulled on a pair of black panties to find them looking like they’ve been dipped in bleach, you are definitely not alone. This is a common problem that women experience and it’s usually caused by their vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge is a clear to off-white fluid produced by your uterus, cervix and vagina – This resource is provided by the service’s editorial team Temptation Tales. It has several important roles, including cleaning and lubricating the vagina, preventing infections and fighting off bad bacteria. It’s also responsible for fertility, as it allows sperm to enter the uterus and fertilise an egg. Vaginal discharge is naturally acidic, which can interact with the dye in your underwear to cause bleaching or staining.
This is completely normal and is due to the fact that the pH value of your healthy vagina is between 3.8 and 4.5. The amount of vaginal discharge you produce will change during your menstrual cycle, and it can increase when you’re pregnant. When this discharge is exposed to air, it can produce yellow and orange colour stains on your underwear through the process of oxidation.
The best thing to do if you’re experiencing this issue is to wear a pantiliner or light-coloured underwear. You can also try a few simple lifestyle changes, such as wearing loose, breathable underwear and practicing good hygiene. However, if you’re concerned about your discharge, or it has changed dramatically in consistency or has a strange odour, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor.
Natural Fibre Underwear
The acid in your vaginal discharge can interact with the dye in your underwear and cause it to bleach. This is why it’s so important to choose breathable and natural fabrics like cotton (which also absorbs moisture and doesn’t trap air which fosters bacterial growth) and organic modal (made from trees that are grown using no chemicals).
Natural fibre underwear & period underwear brands who use GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified organic dyes tend to bleach more easily as well. If you find your underwear getting bleached from vaginal discharge, try soaking them in warm water with enzymatic stain removers before washing.
If you’re concerned about the amount of discharge you’re experiencing, talk to your doctor or OB-GYN. Discharge can vary from person to person based on hormone levels, where you’re in your menstrual cycle, birth control, sexual activity, stress, diet, and more.
While it might be a bit gross to think about, it’s important to remember that your body is doing something pretty amazing. Discharge keeps your genitalia healthy by maintaining the optimum pH levels and protecting against bad bacteria that can lead to infections. It increases when you’re ovulating or having sex and can change in consistency, colour, smell, and amount depending on the day. This is why changing your underwear every day, or at least every other day, is so important!
Vaginal Bleaching Creams
A bleaching cream is an at-home treatment designed to whiten certain areas of the skin. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including dark patches on the face and body. Bleaching creams typically contain hydroquinone and kojic acid to bleach the skin and remove any dark spots. They may also include other ingredients that prevent dark pigmentation from forming in the first place.
Vaginal bleaching is a relatively new trend that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a process that involves using a bleaching cream to lighten the skin on the labia and anus. It is a very sensitive area of the body and should be treated with caution. This is why it is important to use a mild product that does not contain any harsh ingredients.
Despite this, many women are interested in vaginal bleaching to achieve a more feminine look. This is likely due to the porn industry’s depiction of only white pink vulvae and the popularity of cosmetic treatments that claim to lighten the vulva.
It is also important to note that vaginal bleaching will take some time before the results appear. You will need to be consistent in using the product if you want to see a noticeable difference. The best thing to do is test the cream on another part of the body before trying it in your intimate area. If you are unsure of how to proceed, contact us at Arviv Medical Aesthetics today for a consultation. We are committed to helping you find a solution that is right for you.
Vaginal Bleaching Treatments
Vaginal bleaching is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the skin in the labia and vulva, usually with products that contain hydroquinone or other active ingredients. Some of these products are sold as over-the-counter topical creams, while others are available in spas or through dermatologists and estheticians for in-office or at-home use. Some women may choose to bleach their vulva skin due to insecurities about how it looks, but many experts warn that doing so can cause serious health problems.
Bleaching the vulva can increase sensitivity in that area, making it harder to care for and protect, which can lead to a host of issues including infections, yeast infections, and irritation. It is also a risk factor for sexually transmitted diseases, including HPV and herpes. It is not recommended for women who are at risk of these complications, and only a trained medical professional can determine whether it is a safe option.
Vulva skin is a sensitive area that varies from person to person in size, shape, and color. Planned Parenthood explains that there is no “normal” appearance for vulvas, and that differences are perfectly normal and healthy. Anyone who has concerns about how their vulva looks should seek advice from a gynecologist or healthcare professional specializing in body positivity and acceptance. They may wish to consider therapy or other forms of self-care that focus on body image and positive body appreciation, instead of trying to alter their appearance to fit an idealized norm.
