The internet provides quick access to knowledge, offering solutions to everyday mysteries. For example, many women have wondered about bleach-like stains on their underwear, which are not caused by washing machines but by the natural pH of the vagina. The vagina’s acidic pH, ranging from 3.8 to 4.5, can cause light patches on underwear, which is a normal occurrence and a sign of vaginal health, rather than poor hygiene. Dr. Vanessa MacKay from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains that the vagina’s self-cleaning mechanism, supported by beneficial bacteria, helps maintain this balance. While disturbances in this balance can lead to infections, a clear or white discharge is a healthy sign. The National Institutes of Health also confirms that the vaginal pH is more acidic than the neutral pH level of 7, making it an important factor in maintaining vaginal health.
