You may have seen some tweets recently about the #PantyChallenge.
It's referring to people snapping pictures of their squeaky-clean underwear, supposedly showing that they're free of any bodily fluids.
She probably just bought these panties and put them halfway on just to take the pictures 😭😭😭
Here's why that's bullshit: Vaginal discharge is a healthy, normal bodily function. And no one should be shamed for having too little or too much of it in their underwear.
That ~vaginal moisture~ is just a mix of cervical mucus and vaginal secretions.
What's "normal" will vary from person to person and throughout your menstrual cycle, says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, OB-GYN and co-author of V Is for Vagina. But you'll typically notice a clear discharge without any notable odor or texture. You might notice a little bit every day, or nothing on some days and a lot on other days.
The amount that shows up in your underwear can depend on a lot of factors.
Like your menstrual cycle, for one. If you're ovulating (and not using hormonal birth control), you'll probably notice an increase in discharge around ovulation, and the texture may be a little stretchier, like egg whites. Or there may be a little less right after your period. The amount can also change if you're pregnant, menopausal, or low in estrogen.
If you're taking hormonal birth control, you may notice a little less discharge. Even allergy medicine (like antihistamines) can dry it up a bit, says Dweck.
Another cool thing about discharge: It's like a vaginal barometer that tells you if something is up.
Healthy, normal discharge (again, depending on what's normal for you) is generally a sign of healthy estrogen levels, blood flow, and vaginal pH.
"This is a natural way the vagina keeps itself healthy and cleanses out any foreign substances or things that could be irritating," says Dweck.
But if you notice a big change in the amount, texture, color, or odor of your discharge, that's when you should check in with your doctor. It might be a sign of an infection, says Dweck, particularly if you notice a strong odor, itching, or a change in color.
The bottom line is that vaginal moisture is a normal physiological process.
And how much is currently between your legs is really no one's concern but your own, because you know what's normal for you.
So instead of posting pictures of your drawers and creating yet another thing for women to be scrutinized over, let's all celebrate the self-cleaning and moisturizing prowess of vaginas.
View this photo on Instagram
Because they are majestic AF.
