The internet – with its seemingly infinite stream of accessible information – stands as one of the most invaluable tools of modern times, offering benefits so vast they defy complete enumeration.
While its usefulness spans countless aspects of daily life, perhaps the internet’s greatest contribution is its role as an endless source of collective knowledge, making it arguably one of the most impactful inventions of the last few centuries.
There’s virtually no subject you can’t explore, no question without an answer – provided you know how to search for it. Questions and puzzles that would have remained unsolved for decades can now be addressed with just a few keystrokes and mouse clicks.
Over time, we’ve seen numerous myths shattered by online research, while clever tips and practical advice—once known only to a select few—have become common knowledge.
Take, for instance, a question that’s puzzled many women: why does underwear sometimes appear to have bleach-like stains? This curiosity has surfaced in various online forums, with many seeking explanations.
Surprisingly, the discoloration isn’t due to your washing machine or any detergent residue, as some might suspect.
In fact, experts say the lightened patches are the result of the vagina’s natural pH levels.
Before anyone worries, it’s important to note: this is entirely normal—and even healthy.
As many know, pH levels indicate how acidic or alkaline a substance is. One informative Twitter post summarized it well:
“Just so everyone’s clear—lighter spots in a woman’s underwear are totally normal. They’re caused by the vagina’s natural acidity, which typically ranges from pH 3.8 to 4.5. So let’s put to rest the outdated belief that these marks are due to poor hygiene. On the contrary, a vagina that can bleach fabric is functioning healthily.”
Dr. Vanessa MacKay of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists further explains: “The vagina is designed to self-clean through natural secretions. It contains good bacteria that help keep it protected.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, the normal pH range for the vagina is between 3.8 and 5.0, which is considered moderately acidic compared to the neutral pH of 7.
Dr. MacKay also emphasizes that it’s completely normal—and healthy—for women to experience clear or white discharge. However, disrupting this natural balance can lead to infections.
In short, those bleach-like marks? They’re not a sign of anything wrong. Quite the opposite—they indicate a healthy, self-regulating system doing exactly what it’s supposed to.