Now, reports say the vagina’s natural pH is what causes these “bleach” spots.
Before we go on, let’s stress there’s no need to worry. In fact, these spots can be a good sign. As we know, a substance’s pH shows its acidity or alkalinity. One helpful tweet said:
“Now that you know, it’s normal to see lighter patches in a woman’s underwear due to the vagina’s acidity, with a pH of 3.8 – 4.5. Time to ditch the idea it’s from poor hygiene. A healthy vagina can bleach fabric.”
Dr. Vanessa MacKay of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says the vagina has a natural self-cleaning system, thanks to its good bacteria.
The National Institutes of Health says the vagina’s pH usually ranges from 3.8 to 5.0, which is acidic compared to the neutral pH of 7.
Dr. MacKay adds, “Upsetting the natural balance can lead to infections, but clear or white discharge is normal and healthy.”