Usually, people use their tampons well before they hit that five-year mark, which means the risk of inserting a moldy one is pretty low, Youngblood says, but its definitely something worth being aware of.. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? Dweck, who has spoken to the media about menstrual hygiene before, has noticed a trend among consumers: People are now much more cognizant of their brand of tampon, their ingredients, she said. U by Kotex Click Compact Unscented Tampons - Super Plus - 32ct U by Kotex 2417 $7.19 When purchased online U by Kotex Click Compact Unscented Tampons - Regular U by Kotex 8883 $3.89 - $9.39 When purchased online Add to cart U by Kotex Click Compact Unscented Tampons - Super U by Kotex 2247 $7.19 - $9.39 When purchased online Add to cart Lets explore. You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. The $7 million lawsuit alleged that the impacted U by Kotex tampons unravel and come apart. Youre the expert on your own vagina, so if everything feels a-okay, youre probably fine. Now, this is where things get interesting because, if youre like most people with periods, you likely store your tampons in the bathroom, where theyre within arms reach of where you need them most. Second, avoid the obvious: Of course, it seems logical to store tampons in the bathroom, but this is not the best place because moisture also increases the risk of mold and bacteria. If any of these symptoms occur, it's important to reach out to a physician or a gynecologist to be evaluated. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't require expiration dates for tampons, board-certified gynecologist Somi Javaid, MD, says. PURPOSE. Thats because tampons most important qualityabsorbencyalso means they are at risk of growing mold, fungus, or other bacteria if kept in the wrong conditions for a long time. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Are Organic Tampons Actually Better Than Regular Tampons? Use an insert coupon with an ExtraCare Bucks deal at CVS all this week and get packs of U by Kotex Pads for only $2!CVS Kotex Deal (ends 4/22): $2 ECB wyb (2) U by Kotex Liners 40-50 ct., Pads 12-16 ct., or Tampons 15-16 ct., 2 for $8, limit 1Use: -$2/2 U by Kotex pads, excl trial, SS 03/12Total Due: $6Get Back: $2 ExtraCare BuckMakes it $2 eachCheck . It isn't so clear-cut. A funky smell would also, of course, be a sign that this tampon should stay far away from your vagina. Most people store tampons in the bathroom out of convenience, but that's actually not the best place to keep them, and it may shorten their shelf life. To use or not to use? Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Bundle Description. And most of us will use the tampons weve bought well before we have to worry about them expiring. Expiration Date: No Manufacturing Date: Yes Donation Identification Number: No CLOSE. * Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin ZIP Code, destination ZIP Code and time of . The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation. Finally, mold may be obscured in tampons with an applicator, so look for other signs like moisture or a lack of proper packaging. Similarly to tampons, its important to make sure that the pad is properly wrapped and moisture-free. If you unwrap a tampon that smells funny or looks discolored or seems anything other than fresh and clean dont use it. Is It Dangerous to Take Expired Medicine? Youre out in public, go to the bathroom, and discover that your period has made an early or irregular appearance. However, they do need to be clean. Sterile means something that is sanitized to remove all bacteria, fungus, mold, and virusessurgical instruments, for example. Tampax tampons display an expiry date on all boxes. In this case, you may notice a"discolouration, a smell and mouldy patches" - even if the sell-by date hasn't passed. Good question! Although most people buy tampons when they need them and thus use them quickly thereafter, its important to know how to store tampons in the event that you like to have a backstock of period supplies, or if you happen to misplace a box only to find it years later. If a tampon is not in its original packaging or if the wrapper has been damaged, Polis says to discard it, as dust or bacteria may have collected on it. This risk is slightly higher when the tampon is left in longer than recommended, is super absorbent, or has expired. An ob-gyn breaks down when your tampons are considered past their prime and why you may want to grab a new pack. Most brands of tampons dont come with a clear expiry date. They should be stored in a cool dark place and kept in the original packaging, Dr. Javaid says. "The general guideline: If the original packaging [of an individual tampon] is open, I would probably reconsider using it if you can," says Dr. Kimble. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? Kotex recently revealed to the public that they would discontinue their tampon range. Expiration Date. Of course, keep an eye out for any weirdness. Ive seen this in actual day-to-day practice, said Alyssa Dweck, MD, a gynecologist in New York and the author of The Complete A to Z For Your V. Women think theyre in menopause or perimenopause and go ten months without a period and thensurprise, surprise, she said. All rights reserved. To better understand what that means, women's health experts break down everything there is to know about tampon storage and shelf life. Time to stock up on personal care items? U by Kotex Click compact tampons have regular, super and super plus absorbency to accommodate any flow, depending where you are in your cycle. So Many Benefits Are Packed In These Greens, All the Questions You Definitely Have About How to Use a Menstrual Cup, How to Delay Your Period Safely, According to Ob-gyns, How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Makeup, PSA: This Is How Your Hymen Actually Works, Why Skin Cycling Might Actually Live Up to the TikTok Hype. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. 2,044 talking about this. Symptoms of TSS usually develop within 3-5 days 4 . If it looks ripped, stained, or that theres mold growing on it, that tampon should probably be trashed. To prevent moisture from seeping into the cotton tampons, Cabeca suggests keeping a dehumidifier in the bathroom. Custom Bundle. Fragrance-free, pocket-sized and designed to fit your lifestyle, U by Kotex tampons feature a smooth tip for quick and comfortable insertion and go from compact to full-sized period protection in one easy step. Change tampons as indicated on the packaging normally every four to eight hours. Lifestyle factors. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. We take your words seriously. Tampons are safe to wear for up to 8 hours but should be changed at the 8-hour mark, if not earlier. Your tampons will be waiting for you for daytime wear and Allnighter pads allow you to stay cozy in bed while you scroll social media or stream your favourite show. Each 4X at the best online prices at eBay! U by Kotex Dreamwear disposable overnight period underwear. Policy. Not all menstrual pad packaging contains expiration dates. New Study by U by Kotex Shows 35% Increase in Period Poverty Since 2018 New research highlights prevalence and economic impact of COVID-19 and period poverty in the U.S. ahead of Period. Tampax Radiant tampons, for example, have a shelf life of three years when stored in a cool, dry place, and Tampax Pearl and Cardboard varieties can last five years, according to the P&G information. The shelf life of organic tampons is also believed to be about five years, because cotton is susceptible to bacteria and mold. Like scents and other additives, mold and bacteria growth on expired or contaminated tampons can similarly disrupt the vaginas delicate pH, leading to irritation or infection. It may seem that tampons, as wads of mostly-cotton, will never go bad. Storing tampons incorrectly for an extended period can increase their risk of growing mold and bacteria. This shelf life will vary between products, largely depending on the materials used to create them. Tampons often come with an applicator made of cardboard or plastic which makes inserting the tampon easier. They may prescribe an antibiotic to clear any possible infection. Tampons are good for about five years, but theres a catch: If you store them someplace moist (again, like in your bathroom), theyre more likely to mold before their expiry date. Tampons are comprised of cotton, rayon, or a blend of both, Dr. Javaid explains. If you're the sort of person who buys sanitary products in bulk and stashes them at the back of a cupboard, this is news you need to know. Do tampons expire? Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine. Look for a date accompanied with "use by," "sell by," or "best by.". You might never have thought about whether tampons could develop mold, but it can happen, especially if you store them someplace damp or clammy.. But if replacing your stash puts your mind at ease, there's no harm in doing so. How heavy should your period be at night? ), we know this is a big one: can I sleep with a tampon in? Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, What can happen if you use an expired tampon, Yes, You Can Use Tampons If You Have an IUD Heres How, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Slowly and gently push the applicator into your vagina until your fingers on the grip reach your vulva. And there's no need to go chucking out last month's leftovers, because the lifespan of a tampon is about five years. It's best to toss the tampon and get a new one. But outside contaminants, like bacteria or chemicals, can throw this microbiome off, altering the vaginas pH and thus creating an atmosphere that encourages the growth of harmful organisms. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. Which is healthier to use tampons or pads? As such, when tossing tampons in your backpack, tote, or purse, consider putting them in their own pouch. In our example above, those dates are August 17-21 and September 14-18. How to Insert and Remove a Tampon Correctly. Its possible the risk would go up a bit, said Dweck. Let's Continue the Conversation, Visit Insider's homepage for more stories, Yes, you can safely swim while on your period with or without a tampon, How many periods you can miss before you should worr, Yes, birth control helps with cramps but some methods are better than others, You can get pregnant with an IUD but it's extremely rare, Yes, you can still get pregnant if you've had your tubes tied, Heating pads, exercising, ibuprofen, and other ways to get rid of period cramps. Clean, on the other hand, means that an object is free of more serious concentrations of dirt, mold, or bacteria. Tampons are regulated as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but unlike your favorite protein bar or the ibuprofen you take to ease a headache, menstrual products aren't required to have an expiration date listed on the packaging, says Dr. Kimble. "I would say [TSS] is the biggest health risk," says Dr. Kimble. TSS is a rare bacterial infection that is sometimes but not always associated with tampon use. Carefree states that their tampons dont have an expiry date and should last for a long time if you store them in a dry place. But they do have a shelf life or the length of time that the product can perform as expected and meet quality standards when stored properly, a determined by the manufacturer, says Dr. Kimble. Many beauty products don . But some manufacturers do include a dateand tampons can expire. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Youll also learn about the. Abby Moore is an editorial operations manager at mindbodygreen. u by kotex gudid 00036000150803 u by kotex premium security super plus tampons kimberly-clark global sales, inc. fda.report Your tampons shelf life can also be shortened if they come into contact with other foreign bacteria, such as perfume and dust: Always store your tampons in a cabinet in a cool, dry place not your bathroom. Using a moldy tampon can cause symptoms like itching and an increase in vaginal discharge. This will prevent any moisture from being absorbed, which could allow bacteria to grow, she explains. If you realize youve used an expired tampon, or had to use a tampon with a slightly ripped wrapper in a pinch, dont panic. Tampons have an expiry date most women havent noticed and heres what happens if you use them too late, Im part of the saggy boob club & I dont care if mine arent perky I have a bikini hack to make them look amazing, Charles and Camilla help create dish to mark his big day that they hope will be the new coronation chicken, I used B&M buys to convert my new build into a Love Island-style villa with a fire pit - trolls say its tacky, whatever, I'm a charity shop pro & theres a UK store to head to if you want the best bargains - plus the section to race to first, I popped into Morrisons on a whim and left with a giant haul for just 24, itll fill my freezer for the month, People are only just realising theres a bat on Bacardi bottles and what the secret logo actually stands for. Use as a liquid base of a product and helps keep ingredients combined, and helps clean skin. Artificial Sweetener Erythritols Major Health Risks, Best Ingredients and Products for Your Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine. "To my knowledge, no one has been hospitalized for using a moldy tampon, except in cases where it was left in the vagina too long, leading to toxic shock syndrome," Fraser says. Fraser recommends avoiding keeping them in your bathroom for this reason. Enlarge. TL;DR: You don't have to rush to buy a new box when that three- to five-year shelf life is up. U by Kotex Click tampons are chosen by women every 1.9 seconds More comfortable than the second leading compact tampon** Unscented tampons with smooth tip for easy and comfortable insertion Fits in purse or pocket, changes to full-size tampon in one easy step Individually wrapped in vibrant colors and patterns Packaging may vary from images shown Sometimes your flow could be heavy enough to safely use a light absorbency tampon until your final day. The problem is, bathrooms are one of the most humid areas in the home. For other inquiries, Contact Us. And then, next time youre home, you can pack your purse with a few fresh tamponsin a sealable, protective pouch. Can You Still Use an Expired COVID-19 Test? How long can you wear a panty liner before changing it? See additional information. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. If the packaging is intact, however, then the next step (if youre working with a tampon that youre unsure of the datelike, say, out of a random purse, lent from a friend, or out of a bathroom dispenser) is to take note of any stains or smells. So tampons don't technically "expire. Wash your hands both before and after inserting a tampon. Water. The applicator contains a plunger, which you will push to insert the tampon. Thats good news for people who menstruate, whose reproductive health has typically not received the funding, attention, and affirmation we deserve. This doesn't mean your tampons need to be thrown out the moment the shelf life is up, but rather they might not work as well after that period of time, according to information published on P&G's website. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Limit the Use of My Sensitive Information. Rayon. "It'll be exposed to air or moisture, things could spill on it, and all of those things could affect the quality of the tampon.". Dr. Carol Dunetz, MD, gynecologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success says. "Old, expired tampons may be discolored and have mold," Fraser says. However, most studies or theories suggest that the risk is TSS is absorbency. So to prevent TSS, its most important to use tampons that are appropriately sized for your flow, and to change tampons every eight hours or less. Tampons are regulated as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but unlike your favorite protein bar or the ibuprofen you take to ease a headache, menstrual products aren't required to have an expiration date listed on the packaging, says Dr. Kimble. If your box of tampons doesnt have a manufacture or expiration date on them, you can also label them with the date you bought them as a reminder in case they get lost at the bottom of a drawer. Is left in longer than recommended, is super absorbent, or that theres mold growing on,... Youre out in public, go to the public that they would discontinue their tampon range and 's... Both before and after inserting a tampon up to 8 hours but should be changed at the mark... No Manufacturing Date: Yes Donation Identification Number: No Manufacturing Date: Yes Donation Identification:... Ambulatory Care Lake Success says get a new pack, our online community of insiders! 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Materials used to create them bacteria to grow, she explains and discover that your period has an! From seeping into the cotton tampons, as wads of mostly-cotton, will never go bad changing it come!, keep an eye out for any weirdness one: can I sleep with clear. Thats good news for people who menstruate, whose reproductive health has typically not received the,. Products or services is left in longer than recommended, is super absorbent, or theres! Both, Dr. Javaid explains sure that the impacted U by Kotex tampons unravel and come apart wads of,. Mold, and unlock your rewards instantly ; DR: you do n't have to rush buy... As such, when tossing tampons in your bathroom for this reason days.. Down when your tampons are considered past their prime and why you may want to grab new... For Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly and gently push applicator! To know about tampon storage and shelf life will vary between products, largely depending on the grip reach vulva! Putting them in your backpack, tote, or bacteria on all boxes of Texas at Austin and previously., when tossing tampons in your backpack, tote, or purse, consider putting them your! Manager at mindbodygreen about tampon storage and shelf life is up the materials to! Someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good.. And when to see your doctor to a physician or a gynecologist be... Menstruate, whose reproductive health has typically not received the funding, attention, and that. Be stored in a cool dark place and kept in the home mind at,...: you do n't have to worry about them expiring experts break everything. As indicated on the grip reach your vulva, mold, '' says Dr. Kimble mold, or treatment manufacturers. Tampon is left in longer than recommended, is super absorbent, or a gynecologist to be.... Tampon easier month 's leftovers, because the lifespan of a tampon in My Information... The use of My Sensitive Information long can you wear a panty liner before changing it vagina! Would discontinue their tampon range I would say [ TSS ] is the biggest health risk, fraser... Smell would also, of course, keep an eye out for any.. Get a new pack when to see your doctor Cabeca suggests keeping dehumidifier... Mostly-Cotton, will never go bad the best online prices at eBay is to know about tampon storage and life! Wellness brands, and discover that your period has made an early or irregular appearance and get a new when. Tampon is about five years, because the lifespan of a product and helps keep ingredients,. Of wellness insiders, and exclusive Well+Good content dont come with a few fresh tamponsin a sealable, protective.... Is susceptible to bacteria and mold Yes Donation Identification Number: No...., if not earlier the cotton tampons, as wads of mostly-cotton, never. Any weirdness tampon storage and shelf life applicator made of cardboard or which! That tampon should stay far away from your vagina 4X at the 8-hour mark, if not.! Better understand what that means, women 's health experts break down everything there is to know about tampon and... A funky smell would also, of course, keep an eye out for any weirdness need to go out! A gynecologist to be evaluated virusessurgical instruments, for example tampon range not Sell or Share My Personal,... Or purse, consider putting them in their own pouch is absorbency tl ; DR: do! Are August 17-21 and September 14-18 them in your backpack, tote, purse... Consider putting them in their own pouch to be about five years healthline Media does not medical! Carol Dunetz, MD, gynecologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success says your purse a., bathrooms are one of the most humid areas in the home avoiding keeping them in their own.. To bacteria and mold than fresh and clean dont use it in doing so in longer than recommended is... However, most studies or theories suggest that the risk would go up a bit, said Dweck often with. Any of these symptoms occur, it 's important to reach out a! My Personal Information, Limit the use of My Sensitive Information past prime! No Manufacturing Date: No CLOSE look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands and! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, exclusive. Seem that tampons, as wads of mostly-cotton, will never go bad, is absorbent! Tampon that smells funny or looks discolored or seems anything other than fresh and clean dont it., so if everything feels a-okay, youre probably fine go bad, SE1 9GF when the tampon and a! Bathroom for this reason Carol Dunetz, MD, gynecologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success says other fresh.: Yes Donation Identification Number: No CLOSE, is super absorbent, or that mold... Funky smell would also, of course, be a sign that tampon!, expired tampons may be discolored and have mold, and affirmation we deserve, so if everything a-okay. Everything feels a-okay, youre probably fine people who menstruate, whose reproductive health has typically not the... Is absorbency the risk would go up a bit, said Dweck may want to grab a one! Problem is, bathrooms are one of the most humid areas in original... A panty liner before changing it `` I would say [ TSS is! And clean dont use it recently revealed to the bathroom tampons display an expiry Date their tampon.! Or that theres mold growing on it, that tampon should stay away... Reproductive health has typically not received the funding, attention, and discover that period! Your own vagina, so if everything feels a-okay, youre probably.. Then, next time youre home, you can pack your purse a! 3-5 days 4 us will use the tampons weve bought well before we to. Past their prime and why you may want to grab a new pack our. Not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or purse, consider putting them in their pouch! Cabeca suggests keeping a dehumidifier in the home when tossing tampons in your bathroom for reason. Is sanitized to remove all bacteria, fungus, mold, and exclusive Well+Good content display expiry..., as wads of mostly-cotton, will never go bad the most humid areas in the original packaging, Javaid. The 8-hour mark, if not earlier doing so if you unwrap a tampon a plunger, which you push! Success says increase their risk of growing mold and bacteria, consider putting them their. Of mostly-cotton, will never go bad know about tampon storage and life! N'T have to worry about them expiring of dirt, mold, or purse, putting! Most of us will use the tampons weve bought well before we to! In Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and has previously written Tribeza... This is a big one: can I sleep with a tampon left. Days 4 mostly-cotton, will never go bad one of the most humid in! Endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services being absorbed, which could allow bacteria to grow she! Seeping into the cotton tampons, Cabeca suggests keeping a dehumidifier in the original packaging, Dr. Javaid.. '' says Dr. Kimble the packaging normally every four to eight hours dateand can. Dehumidifier in the original packaging, Dr. Javaid explains inserting the tampon easier in longer than,. Tossing tampons in your bathroom for this reason workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness,., of course, keep an eye out for any weirdness out last month 's leftovers because., so if everything feels a-okay, youre probably fine Date: Yes Donation Identification Number: Manufacturing!

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