Intimate area or pubic area darkness is an unsolved puzzle. Most of the women, especially teenage girls, want to change its color. But she doesn't know why the darkness in the pubic area is increasing day by day.

With age, many changes start taking place one by one in the body of women. Hormonal changes in the body and irregular lifestyle start causing many physical problems. Like many other changes, changes in the color of the vagina also begin to be felt. The color of the vagina area starts becoming darker, which becomes a cause of concern for women. Let us know the reason for pubic area darkening and also the solutions to overcome this problem.

How does pubic area darkness increase?

According to the National Institute of Health, female sex hormones i.e. estrogen and progesterone start changing during puberty, periods and pregnancy. Due to change in estrogen levels, melanin production starts increasing. Due to this, the color of the vagina (pubic area darkening) and nipples starts becoming darker. This condition is also called hyperpigmentation.

Regarding this, Dr. Tejaswini J, Consultant Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, E.City, Bengaluru, says that it is completely natural for there to be a difference in the colour, texture and shape of the vagina with age. It is not necessary that the color of the vagina should be the same as the color of the skin. Hormonal imbalance in the body due to age proves to be the reason for change in the color of the vagina. Due to this, apart from changing the color of the skin, dark colored spots or patches appear.

Changes in estrogen and progesterone begin during puberty, periods and pregnancy. Due to change in estrogen levels, melanin production starts increasing.

Causes of Pubic area darkening

1. Decrease in blood flow

According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, as age increases, changes in the functioning of your body begin to occur. Its effect is also visible on the vagina. During menopause, estrogen hormone levels begin to decline. This makes the skin around the vagina appear thinner and darker. Actually, due to decline in hormones, blood flow reduces, which increases dryness in the vagina.

2. Changes in hormones

Estrogen and progesterone hormones play a major role in bringing about changes in skin color. Uncontrolled levels of estrogen increase pigmentation in the skin. Due to this the skin color starts becoming darker. Increasing imbalance in hormones proves to be the reason for increasing dark spots on the skin. Its effect is also visible on the vagina and the color of the vagina starts getting darker.

3. Vaginal infection

According to the National Library of Medicine, the darkening of the skin increases as the infection around the vagina increases. Apart from this one has to face spots. Infections such as vulvuvaginitis cause inflammation and infection of the vulva and vagina. This causes changes in the color of the skin. Apart from this, wearing tight clothes also prevents the skin from getting oxygen. Its effect is visible on the color of the vagina.

4. Problem of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome i.e. PCOS is a problem when cysts start forming on the ovaries. People suffering from this problem have to face dark vagina apart from acne and weight gain. During this period, the increase in the level of male hormone estrogen in the body proves to be the cause of change in the color of the vagina (pubic area darkening).

People suffering from PCOS have to face dark vagina apart from acne and weight gain. Image: Shutterstock

5. Excessive use of shaving cream and other products

Excessive use of pubic hair removal cream affects the skin color (pubic area darkening). Due to this, a change in color is visible near the vagina. Apart from this, fragrant vaginal wash, pads and other products increase skin itching, due to which the skin becomes dry. Vaginal friction causes changes in the color and texture of the skin.

Which tips should be used to protect the vagina from darkness (Tips to deal with Pubic area darkening)

1. Avoid using fragrant products

Avoid using any fragrant product on the vagina. Due to this the pH level of the vagina starts becoming unbalanced. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, to prevent increased changes in vagina color, one should avoid using menstrual products that contain deodorant or plastic coating.

2. Take care of intimate hygiene

To remove the infection and sweat accumulated around the vagina, clean the vagina twice a day. For this, use those cleansers, so that the pH level of the vagina remains appropriate. Apart from this, use natural products instead of acidic products.

3. Wear breathable clothes

Sweating around the vagina increases due to wearing tight undergarments and clothes throughout the day. In such a situation, wear breathable and cotton clothes. With this, the health of the vagina remains good. This reduces the risk of spreading the infection.

4. Keep the skin hydrated and moisturized

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy. This keeps the skin hydrated and protects it from any type of infection. Apart from this, try to keep the skin moisturized. Use light moisturizer regularly as per the advice of dermatologist.

Read this also- Vaginal rashes: Unsafe sex is not the only reason for vaginal itching, know more reasons