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Women, have you ever spotted bleached patches — usually in the middle — of your underwear? Relax, there is no reason to panic. That is because white discharge, called leucorrhoea, are vaginal secretions that can discolour your favourite pair of underpants. Such vaginal discharge, however, is a normal and healthy occurrence in the female body and is, in fact, the body’s way of cleaning and protecting the vagina from infections and other harmful organisms.
“But, it is essential to understand that vaginal discharge can vary in texture, consistency, and colour, depending on factors such as the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, and infections,” said Dr Chandrika Anand, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Fortis Hospitals, Nagarbhavi.
Echoing the same, Dr Amina Khalid, an obstetrician-gynaecologist wrote on Instagram, “A lot of you may have noticed your panties getting sort of discoloured at the crotch area. This is most likely to be seen in dark-coloured underwear like black or dark blue. But don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal!”
But why does this happen?
According to Dr Anand, a healthy vagina has a natural pH value between 3.8 and 4.5, which means it is largely acidic. “The vagina has good bacteria called lactobacilli, which keep it healthy by maintaining optimum acidity levels and preventing bad bacteria from causing infection. Vaginal discharge generally increases when you ovulate, as well as during pregnancy. When this discharge is exposed to air, it can cause a yellow or orange-coloured stain on your underwear due to oxidation.”
While there is nothing you can do to prevent it, you can try these methods to avoid discolouration:
*You can try opting for light coloured panties on the days you know the vaginal discharge is ought to be more, so that bleaching is less visible.
*You could use panty liners that can absorb the discharge and prevent it from staining the panties.
*Try to use cotton underwear as much as possible, since they prevent moisture to get trapped and prevent infections.
However, if you notice abnormal discharge symptoms such as a foul smell or an abnormal colour, it is best to consult a health professional.
Dr Ritu Sethi, Director, Aura Speciality Clinic, Gurgaon and Senior Consultant- Cloud Nine Hospital, Gurgaon said that abnormal vaginal discharge, however, can be a sign of an underlying infection or condition, and changes in the colour of the discharge can be a clue to what is causing the problem.
Some signs to look out for in terms of abnormal discoloration due to vaginal discharge include:
*Yellow or green discharge: This could be a sign of a bacterial infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.
*Gray discharge: This could also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
*White discharge: A thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge can be a sign of a yeast infection.
*Brown or bloody discharge: This could be a sign of menstrual spotting or bleeding, but it can also indicate a more serious issue, such as cervical cancer or an ectopic pregnancy.
*Frothy discharge: This could be a sign of trichomoniasis.
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