Latest news with #NehaKumar
India Today
23-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
The science behind bleached underwear: It's not your laundry detergent
Priya always assumed she was doing something wrong with her laundry. Every few weeks, she'd notice odd, pale patches or orangish-white stains forming on her darker-colored underwear, the fabric almost looked bleached. "I even changed my detergent three times," she laughs. "I thought maybe I was using too much soap."It wasn't until a candid late-night conversation with friends that she discovered she wasn't alone - and more importantly, it had nothing to do with poor washing habits. In fact, those faded spots are a sign of something natural, healthy, and surprisingly scientific: your vagina's pH IS CAUSING THOSE MYSTERIOUS BLEACH-LIKE STAINS?The discoloured or "bleached" spots that often appear on underwear - especially dark-colored ones - are caused by vaginal discharge. More specifically, they result from the natural acidity of the discharge interacting with fabric dyes and materials. According to a 2020 review in the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, the average vaginal pH in healthy individuals ranges between 3.8 and 4.5, making it as acidic as black coffee or tomato juice. This acidity plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiome by preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast. But what keeps the vagina acidic in the first place? The main contributor is lactic acid, produced by beneficial bacteria known as Lactobacilli. These bacteria help ward off infections and maintain the vagina's self-cleaning EXPERTS SAYDr. Neha Kumar, a Delhi-based gynaecologist and OB-GYN with over 15 years of experience, explains: "The acidic environment of the vagina is a sign of good health. When vaginal discharge comes in contact with underwear, the lactic acid in it can cause the fabric dye to fade, creating a bleached effect. It's completely normal and nothing to worry about - in fact, it often indicates that your vaginal microbiome is functioning well." advertisement WHEN IS IT NOT NORMAL?While acidic discharge is healthy, there are certain red flags to watch out for. If you notice:A foul or fishy odorGreen, grey, or chunky dischargeItching or irritationBleeding outside your periodit may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, or another imbalance. In such cases, it's best to consult a MEETS FABRIC: WHY SOME UNDERWEAR STAINS MOREThe bleaching effect tends to be more visible on coloured or synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or spandex blends, because these materials hold onto dyes that react to acid. Cotton, especially in lighter colours, may show the effect less dramatically. A study published in Textile Research Journal (2018) explored how different fabrics respond to acids. It found that synthetic blends showed more visible colour degradation when exposed to weak acids like vinegar - comparable in acidity to vaginal YOU PREVENT THESE STAINS?While the stains aren't harmful, here are a few ways to minimise them:Opt for 100% cotton underwear, preferably in lighter colorsAvoid tight, non-breathable fabricsUse panty liners during ovulation or when discharge is heavierWash underwear with mild, fragrance-free detergentAvoid douching or scented feminine hygiene products, which can disrupt pH levelsWHY THIS "BLEACH" EFFECT IS ACTUALLY GOOD NEWSThis staining phenomenon might feel like a laundry nuisance, but it's a small price to pay for a healthy, self-regulating reproductive system. Your body is signaling that the protective acidic barrier is doing its job. Priya, for one, has embraced science. "Now I just buy better underwear and wash it gently," she says. "I'd rather have a healthy vagina than worry about a faded spot."advertisementBleach stains on your panties are more than just a laundry quirk - they're a subtle, fascinating reminder of how your body works to protect you every day. And as Dr. Kumar says, "In most cases, those little marks are nature's way of saying, 'Everything's working just fine.'"HIGHLIGHTS FOR SHARING OR SIDEBARS:Vaginal discharge is naturally acidic (pH 3.8-4.5) and protects against lactic acid in discharge can bleach dark fabrics - it's totally changes in discharge (smell, color, consistency) warrant a doctor's visit.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Time of India
Man loses Rs 27.9 lakh in work-from-home scam
Udupi: A man lost around Rs 27.9 lakh in an online work-from-home scam. In a complaint, Ashiq A, 33, from Karkala taluk, stated that on May 25, he received a message on his Telegram account from Neha Kumar, offering a part-time work-from-home opportunity. The job involved posting hotel reviews on a website, with promised commissions ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 4,500 per review. He was sent a registration link to the website and was asked to sign up using his mobile number. After registering, Ashiq began completing tasks assigned through the platform and, as directed, allegedly transferred a total of Rs 27.9 lakh to bank accounts provided by the scammers. A case was registered at the Ajekar police station under Sections 319(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. Woman loses Rs 95,000 WFH scam In another case, a woman from Renjala village in Karkala taluk lost Rs 95,000 in a work-from-home scam after being lured through a Facebook advertisement. In a complaint filed at Karkala rural police station, Pallavi BR, 32, stated that on June 9, she came across a job post on Facebook and applied for it. Following her application, she received a link via WhatsApp to download the Telegram app. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Walgreens Hides This Cheap 87¢ Generic Cialis Health Alliance by Friday Plans Undo After downloading the app, she began communicating with an unknown person who instructed her to share her personal details. She was promised Rs 10 per task for 20 daily tasks, with the rate increasing to Rs 50 per task after completing the initial set. The fraudster claimed she would receive Rs 800 for completing the third task on June 10. Trusting their claims, Pallavi transferred a total of Rs 95,000 in phases via Google Pay between June 11 and June 13 to the account numbers provided by the accused. The fraudsters convinced her that investing money would yield profits, but no returns were given. A case was registered under Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
SBS Australia
19-05-2025
- Health
- SBS Australia
Why are migrant women missing out on vital medical tests?
Neha Kumar lost her mum to breast cancer just two years after her diagnosis. 'I'll never forget that phone call, because she said to me, 'I was in the shower, this scab on my chest started to bleed.' 'She didn't even want to say the word breast,' Neha recalled. She said her mother Renu left things too late after turning a blind eye to her symptoms. Especially in South Asian communities, we never talk about our bodies, especially private parts of our bodies. "She never said she had a scab there, or talked about finding a lump. In fact, I don't think she was ever taught to scan her breasts." As well as the cultural stigma around breast and cervical screening, there are also barriers to do with language, accessibility and fear. General Practitioner Dr Mariam Chaalan believes visibility is key to encouraging culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women to engage in preventative care. 'It's about normalising the conversation, creating space for that trust, offering real choices, whether that's seeing a female GP or accessing interpreter services or doing that self collection,' said Dr Chaalan. It's not just another medical test, it's a chance to prevent cancer. And everyone deserves that chance no matter where they come from. This episode of SBS Examines asks what needs to be done to remove the stigma around cancer screening for women in CALD communities. SBS English 07/04/2025 07:38
