Vaginal discharge is something that happens to many girls and women. It’s when fluid comes out of the vagina.

This fluid can vary in color, texture, and amount. Sometimes, it can even affect the color of underwear, making it lighter or bleach it.

There are different types of vaginal discharge, and each might mean something different:

Clear or White Discharge: This is normal and healthy. It helps clean the vagina by removing dead cells and bacteria. It can vary in amount depending on where a girl is in her menstrual cycle.

Thick, White, Cheesy Discharge: This might mean a yeast infection. It can cause itching and irritation in the vagina.

Yellow Or Green Discharge: This could be a sign of an infection, especially if it has a bad smell. It’s essential to see a doctor if this happens.

Brown Discharge: This might happen at the beginning or end of a girl’s period. It’s just old blood coming out of the vagina.

Bloody Discharge: This can happen if a girl is close to her period, or if there’s an issue with her uterus or cervix. It’s essential to see a doctor if this happens unexpectedly.

Now, why does vaginal discharge sometimes affect panties?

Vaginal discharge can often stain/bleach your underwear because it is naturally acidic. The vagina has a ‘good’ bacteria called lactobacilli which keeps it healthy by maintaining optimal acidity levels and preventing bad bacteria from causing infection. When this discharge is exposed to air, it oxidises.

It’s the acidic nature of the discharge that creates these bleached spots on your panties and so it’s more than ok, it’s a sign that your vagina is healthy!” It may be annoying to find yet another pair of panties ruined because of your vagina, but it’s definitely nothing to worry about.

To help prevent underwear from being bleached by vaginal discharge, girls and women can:

Wear Panty Liners: These thin pads can absorb the discharge and protect underwear.

Change Underwear Regularly: Keeping underwear clean can help prevent any staining or bleaching.

Choose Underwear Made Of Cotton: Cotton is a breathable fabric that can be less likely to react with vaginal discharge.

It’s also essential for girls and women to remember that vaginal discharge is normal and healthy. But if it ever looks or smells unusual, or if there’s itching or pain, it’s essential to see a doctor. They can help figure out what might be causing the issue and how to treat it.