gray staining in underwear - concerned

stacy78 · Newbie Joined: 17 Sep 2006 Posts: 1

For the last week or two I have noticed that my underwear shows gray stains. There is no stain when I put it on, but by mid day I notice they start to appear, and are very noticeable by the evening. I don't know how else to describe it. It's not gray discharge, my discharge seems normal, but maybe when it dries it turns dark gray. I have experienced no other unusual symptoms, but my husband and I are kind of freaked. I have searched online for anything similar and can't find anything. There haven't been any changes that I can think of that would cause this (detergent, underwear, diet, etc.). I am 28 and we're trying to get pregnant (went off the pill last October). We aren't having sex until we figure out what is causing this, but I can't get into the doctor for a while. Very frustrating. Can anyone offer any help or similar experience?

Mick · Supporter Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 310

You may have bacterial vaginosis. It is bacterial infection of the vagina. You know that vaginal area, inner and outer, contains a large number or microorganisms, both bacteria and yeast that are all in balance. There are both good and bad bacteria and when an imbalance occurs, the number of bad bacteria increases, bacterial vaginosis occurs.

It is not really know that exactly causes misbalance. It could be douching, multiple sex partners or the use of IUDs. Your husband should be checked as well and possibly treated before you decide to have children.

If BV occurs during pregnancy, it could lead to low birth and premature delivery. If not treated, the bacteria could spread to the uterus or the tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which could even lead to infertility.

gray staining in underwear - concerned

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