1. Unpleasant odor in underwear
Normally, a woman’s vaginal discharge should not have a strong odor. If there is an odor, it is usually a mild, slightly musty smell, similar to being damp from sweat.
Normal vaginal discharge does not have a distinctive odor. Therefore, if you have a discharge that is accompanied by a strong, fishy odor and a feeling of itching or irritation, it could be a result of bacterial vaginosis. This is caused by an imbalance of the normal bacteria in the vagina.
It is also common in older women who have decreased estrogen levels, which create moisture in the vagina and keep the bacteria in a balanced state. Additionally, this condition can be caused by cervical inflammation or, more seriously, cervical erosion.
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2. Underwear regularly stays wet
Do not ignore if you notice that your underwear always stays wet throughout the day.
In fact, the amount of vaginal discharge produced by women is usually higher near menstruation and ovulation. Under normal circumstances, the discharge is very minimal or absent. So if you find that your underwear is always wet due to vaginal discharge outside of these two time periods, it is best to seek medical attention.
This is especially true if this condition lasts for several days and is more pronounced at night. It could be a sign of a uterine injury or the development of a disease.
3. Unusual-colored discharge in underwear, with blood clots
Normal vaginal discharge in women is usually white or slightly cloudy, similar to the color and texture of egg white but slightly thicker. It usually does not have a strong odor and is more abundant during the days leading up to menstruation and ovulation. If your discharge suddenly changes in color and consistency, it indicates a health issue.
Check your underwear daily for any abnormal discharge. If your underwear has green, yellow, or greenish-yellow discharge with a foul odor, be cautious as it may indicate infections of the fallopian tubes or cervix. This is often seen in cases of cervical inflammation or gonorrheal cervicitis caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. In some cases, it may be caused by the early-stage development of malignant uterine tumors.
Especially when women have problems with their uterus, they may experience abnormal bleeding between menstrual cycles, and a small amount of blood may remain on their underwear. This can be caused by abnormal shedding of the uterine endometrium or abnormal vaginal bleeding due to uterine injury or malignant tumors. This is particularly true for postmenopausal women who experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, as the likelihood of uterine fibroids or uterine cancer is high.
If you notice brown discharge with pus, it may also be a sign of uterine conditions. On the other hand, if you observe abnormal discharge with a lumpy, white appearance similar to cottage cheese, it is usually related to vaginal and vulvar infections or sexually transmitted diseases rather than uterine problems.
4. Stiffened underwear, moldy, easily torn
If your underwear becomes stiff, yellowed, moldy, and easily torn without physical impact, it is usually due to gynecological issues, especially uterine problems.
When the uterus is damaged or infected, it can produce pathological vaginal discharge. This type of vaginal discharge can cause your underwear to become stiff, moldy, and have a foul, musty odor. These abnormalities are often not completely removed even after washing.
In particular, if you have uterine diseases, especially infections and cancer, your underwear will also quickly deteriorate and tear. It is important to understand that normally, underwear can also become torn and worn out over time due to the acidic nature of normal vaginal discharge in healthy individuals.
Specifically, the substances present in vaginal discharge, such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, can weaken the fabric, making underwear more prone to perforation. However, this process usually takes several months or longer. If you find that your underwear quickly tears and deteriorates, and it is not due to poor fabric quality, it is best to consult a doctor!
Don’t abandon your old socks.
According to Wonder How, the simplest way is to use a washcloth. When traveling, you can place small, fragile items like earrings or pins inside a sock.
