The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 4. You may have noticed on the calendar that in addition to menstruation being outlined in red, there are also dates outlined in blue. 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. So check the expiration date, and be sure to store in a cool, dry place to optimize shelf-life. Asleep or awake, tampons need to be changed every 4 hours to a maximum of 8 hours. "I would always check the expiration date on the box," pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Rachael L. Polis, D.O., says. In theory, this foreign bacteria could increase the risk of irritation or another type of infection, she explains. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine. Youngblood shares a few suggestions. If a tampon is visibly moldy, of course, its a no-go. 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. Rayon s a common fiber found many fabrics or textiles. Both Fraser and Dunetz say that they haven't heard about anyone getting ill from using an expired, moldy tampon. How long tampons last depends on the environment theyre kept in. TSS occurs when bacterial toxins get into the bloodstream. And then, next time youre home, you can pack your purse with a few fresh tamponsin a sealable, protective pouch. 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. In rare cases, using a tampon can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This is a personal choice. U by Kotex Tampons give you all the protection you need in a slim and comfortable design. You might never have thought about whether tampons could develop mold, but it can happen, especially if you store them someplace damp or clammy.. Calculate my Period Cycle 1 of 3 Smell like you, not an ocean breeze. Depending on how and where tampons are stored, they absolutely can grow mold due to their composition. Thats because, as she points out, cotton is a natural fiber and is susceptible to moldespecially if stored in a warm humid environmentbecause it can easily absorb that moisture and become a breeding ground for bacteria. And there's no need to go chucking out last month's leftovers, because the lifespan of a tampon is about five years. Tampax Tampons do not expire; however, they do have a shelf life. However, this should resolve itself as the vagina returns to its natural pH levels after your period. If it looks ripped, stained, or that theres mold growing on it, that tampon should probably be trashed. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly. It isn't so clear-cut. When your current period ends, discontinue use until your next period. No Expiration On Package. In short, yes. Dr. Carol Dunetz, MD, gynecologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success says. Otherwise, consider storing your backstock in a less humid space, like a closet. Only problem: That wrinkly, slightly ripped wrapper looks like its been hiding in your purse pocket since middle school. Again, there isn't any hard data showing a link between using a previously opened tampon and TSS or other health conditions, but it could be possible. 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. Although developing TSS after using an expired tampon is rare, its still possible. With up to 100% leak free protection, its the #1 compact Tampon for a reason! Of course, without clearly labeled expiration dates, it can be difficult to keep track of that timespan. All of these materials can potentially become moldy or grow bacteria in the wrong environments. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. This is particularly likely if the tampons original packaging has been damaged or removed. Find out how long your period should last, including how birth control can affect your period. Outside the warm, steamy bathroom is ideal, but if you do store them in a bathroom cupboard, use an airtight container and keep them as far from the shower as possible. Try U by Kotex Click Tampons and see why the #1 compact tampon* is chosen by women every 1.9 seconds. It's best to toss the tampon and get a new one if you're not sure. A tampon that has gone bad would start to mold on the absorbent core, Youngblood says. Free shipping for many products! But, said Dweck, if the wrapper is ripped, the tampon has come into contact with moisture, or the tampon is very old, it may not be safe to use. We're all aware that food needs to be chucked out after a certain date, but many ladies don't realise tampons also have an expiry date TAMPONS have an expiry date most women don't know about, and what happens after it passes in pretty gross. Free shipping for many products! If you do noticed a strange odor, a burning or stinging sensation, or an unusual discharge, those are potential signs of infectionand definite signs that its time to go to the gynecologist. The Health Benefits of Blueberries, Explained, What Are Broccoli Sprouts? Clean, on the other hand, means that an object is free of more serious concentrations of dirt, mold, or bacteria. You can use tampons from the beginning to the end of your period, even if that means you're using a tampon a minute before your period actually ends. In general, however, tampons will stay in their prime condition for roughly three to five years after they were made, says Dr. Kimble. Common sense rules here, said Dweck. She received her M.D. Regardless of how long it's been since you bought your tampons, if they look compromised in any way or you feel uncertain about their integrity, there's no point in risking your health. Allnighter Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with Wings unique design moves with you for all night protection no matter which sleep position you prefer! These tampons are perfect for those medium flow days. When you find an expired carton of half-and-half in the back of the fridge or an untouched tube of sunscreen in your bathroom cupboard, you probably toss them in the trash without giving it a second thought. However, they do need to be clean. Sterile means something that is sanitized to remove all bacteria, fungus, mold, and virusessurgical instruments, for example. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Which is healthier to use tampons or pads? 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. It can also be a component of many materials. 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. Tampons actually have an expiration date, and using them after theyve expired can have consequences for your vagina that youd surely rather avoid. Period stigmas are the old cycle. When it comes to menstrual products expiration dates, however, we probably dont need to worry too much. As long as you are using pads, tampons, and other menstruation products within their recommended guidelines, the risk of getting TSS is quite low. Expiration Date: No Manufacturing Date: Yes Donation Identification Number: No CLOSE. When hearing the term shelf life, people commonly think of food items or medicationbut what about tampons? Using U by Kotex Click Compact Tampon as an example, we can apply these terms. For discretion, you can wrap the tampon in toilet paper or a facial tissue and then toss. See additional information. "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. Same if its swollen with water, or if its been rolling around your coat pocket without a wrapper. Change tampons as indicated on the packaging normally every four to eight hours. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. Not all menstrual pad packaging contains expiration dates. It isn't so clear-cut. Pads can also become swollen and ineffective if damp. Remember, wearing the lightest absorbency flow tampon available helps prevent any issues from tampon use. Look for a date accompanied with "use by," "sell by," or "best by.". As it turns out, tampons actually have an expiration date and using them after theyve expired can have consequences for your vagina that youd surely rather avoid. When looking at a tampon box, there are generally two dates listed: the manufacture date and the expiration date. At night, that might mean setting an alarm so you feel confident youll be awake in time to change it. If you realize youve used an expired tampon, or had to use a tampon with a slightly ripped wrapper in a pinch, dont panic. . an ob-gyn and urogynecologist at The Kimble Center for Pelvic Wellness in Los Angeles, answers that very question and shares when exactly you should refresh your stash. And your steamy bathroom is one of the moistest places in your home. But some manufacturers do include a dateand tampons can expire. Brand. Consider trying a U by Kotex Allnighter period pad as an alternative for those mornings when youd prefer to hit the snooze button. Wait, Is It "Gross" to Keep Underwear Longer Than 6 Months. "Mould can be hidden on the applicators which may lead to irritating symptoms and infection.". 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. First, check to make sure the wrapping is not torn or open because that provides a doorway for mold or bacteria to get in and contaminate the tampon. As long as were storing our products properly and using them in a reasonable amount of time, we should be fine. Everyone loves a good sale, but hold off before you stock up on enough half-price tampons to get you through a decades worth of heavy periods. Tampons do have a shelf life, but its likely youll use them before they pass their expiry date. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other health professional advice. Generally speaking, the most important thing to know about the topic of tampon expiration dates is that its less about how long ago you purchased your last box of tampons and more about how youve stored them since stocking up. Kimberly-Clark makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. Your date of ovulation is when the egg is released from your ovary. Even though its not well publicized, most tampons do have an expiration date, said Dweck. Customer Contact [?] Anyone with a period may be looking for a sustainable way to manage menstruation. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Your tampons have an expiry date that most women don't know about, On a Tampax box, the expiry date is written on the bottom of the package - to the left of the barcode. However, the problem with tampons isn't necessarily how long ago you bought them, but how you've stored them since then. Our editors independently select these products. 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. She earned a B.A. Their slender tip means it's easier to use while offering you superior leakage protection with the last line of defence. Grab a Free Sample View the Range Sport Tampons Kotex recently revealed to the public that they would discontinue their tampon range. Moore worked on the copywriting and marketing team at Siete Family Foods before moving to New York. . What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? 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. Yes, tampons expire. Alternate tampons with a sanitary napkin or other menstrual hygiene product. To set your mind at ease, there's often also a production date - which is June 2017 in the example below. Its possible the risk would go up a bit, said Dweck. "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. Water. Size. And not all tampons have an expiration date printed on the box. Tampons may not truly "expire," but there is one instance in which you should definitely pick up a fresh box. Required fields are marked *. 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 . I'm only 13. Reading "Open Date" Codes. Aim, instead, to store tampons and menstrual pads in a cool, dry place. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for U By Kotex Super Security Tampons Super Absorbency Unscented 16 ct New at the best online prices at eBay! 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. Youll need to remove your tampon and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the symptoms associated with TSS. As for the dilemma of being in a bathroom stall with only one tampon with a slightly ripped wrapper? P&G EverydayBeingGirlContact Us Search Country selector Tampax About.comPeriod Tracker About.comTampon Truths About.comPeriod Health About.comProducts (Next up: Can You Sleep with a Tampon In?). U by Kotex Dreamwear disposable overnight period underwear. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? Try U by Kotex Click Tampons and see why the #1 compact tampon* is chosen by women every 1.9 seconds. Like all tampons in Australia, our U by Kotex tampons can be used for up to 8 hours, but not any longer. 2,044 talking about this. Tampons are considered medical devices, so theyre regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 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. Rayon is made from purified cellulose fibers, which are typically created from wood pulp. The most responsible and respectful way to dispose of a tampon is to wrap it or place it in something and throw it in the garbage. They can, yes. We love a good recap so here goes. Sanitary pads: Like tampons, pads also have a five-year expiration date. But osteopathic OB/GYN Anna Cabeca, D.O., says the shelf life is quite long. Wash your hands both before and after inserting a tampon. A Period That Lasts 1 or 2 Days: What Could Cause This? Tampons, just like almost everything else, don't last forever. Standard. What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? Be sure to let them know if you suspect a moldy tampon might be to blame. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Limit the Use of My Sensitive Information, Low blood pressure possibly causing dizziness, Rash resembling a sunburn on your palms and soles. 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. Artificial Sweetener Erythritols Major Health Risks, Best Ingredients and Products for Your Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine. Always remember that you have options: if a tampon doesnt feel right but youre not so into pads either, U by Kotex Dreamwear disposable overnight period underwear offers maximum absorbency! Lastly there is a string attached to the tampon that remains outside of your body after you have inserted the tampon so you can easily remove it. And though the FDA doesnt require tampon brands to include expiration dates, many brands choose to. Its not clear whether using a contaminated tampon could up your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare but serious illness associated with tampon use. You can also buy small bags made for wrapping tampons or pads in before disposal. Custom Bundle. While you're on the go, you'll also want to keep your tampons in their own container, such as a Stasher bag, in your tote bag to prevent the original packaging from opening. There also aren't any industry standards detailing . Affi Parvizi-Wayne, the founder of organic tampon company Freda, told Cosmopolitan: "We recommend that women dont use out of date tampons even if they look fine. To use or not to use? Rest assured (pun intended) that if tampons are your preferred period protection you can sleep with one in for up to 8 hours . All U by Kotex Tampons have a twist open wrapper, plus we have made sure you always stay perfectly styled - there is a mix of funky colours in each box with super stylish packaging to bring a little sparkle to your day. DivaCup Reviews: What Is a DivaCup, and Is It Right for You? As with tampons, you can label new containers of pads with the date you bought it if youre at all worried that you wont use them for a while. Despite being so popular, the brand has discontinued this particular product. 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. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Many beauty products don . As if mold isnt enough to deter you, allow us to be even more clear. But anyway, the gist of it is that its definitely okay to use a tampon even if youre coming to the end of your period. Always store them in their original packaging to reduce the risk of contamination. Some. The vagina has a very natural well-balanced, delicately balanced microbiome, meaning theres plenty of yeast and bacteria, said Dweck. With this in mind, if you insist on storing your tampons in the bathroom, its best to do so within an air-tight container. 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. Shocking as it may seem, the short answer is yes. Skip to Main Content; . So its important that you store pads in dry, cool, and dark conditions, like tampons. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Literally pocket-sized, you can toss one into the smallest clutch or your most overflowing purse and be confident that despite its small stature it offers full size protection. 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. By now you know that no matter what time of day you use a tampon, you need to change it every 4 to 8 hours. We avoid using tertiary references. And most of us will use the tampons weve bought well before we have to worry about them expiring. At the end of the day, expired tampons shouldnt rank too high on your list of overall health concerns, Youngblood reassures, Unless youre buying tampons in bulk, youre likely to use them well before their expiration date.. Time to stock up on personal care items? Theyve expired can have consequences for your vagina that youd surely rather.! Anyone getting ill from using an expired, moldy tampon purse pocket since middle school due to composition! Expiration dates, however, this foreign bacteria could increase the risk would go up fresh! Would start to mold on the calendar that in addition to menstruation being in... Nyu Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success says and menstrual pads in a less humid,! Would discontinue their tampon Range # x27 ; t any industry standards detailing devices, so theyre by! So popular, the brand has discontinued this particular product menstrual pads in before disposal keep track of that.. And Dunetz say that they have n't heard about anyone getting ill from using expired! Of 3 Smell like you, not an ocean breeze can apply these terms Texas... Out last month 's leftovers, because the lifespan of a tampon lead... N'T last forever kept in standards detailing a sealable, protective pouch in Journalism the... The protection you need in a cool, and is it `` ''... Type of infection, she explains should resolve itself as the vagina has a very natural well-balanced delicately! Seem, the problem with tampons is n't necessarily how long ago you bought them but... Is June 2017 in the wrong environments bathroom is one of the moistest places in your purse with slightly! And seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a moldy tampon to toxic shock syndrome ( TSS ) NYU Ambulatory... Newspapers Limited `` Gross '' to keep track of that timespan but how you 've stored them then. 1.9 seconds a fresh box has a very natural well-balanced, delicately balanced microbiome, meaning theres plenty of and! Youre home, you can also be a component of many materials you store pads in dry, cool and... And the expiration date: no Manufacturing date: no Manufacturing date: Yes Donation Identification:!, using a tampon can lead to irritating symptoms and infection..... In addition to menstruation being outlined in red, there 's no need to too. Its natural pH levels after your period tampons weve bought well before we have to worry about them.... But there is one instance in which you should definitely pick up a box! ( TSS ) Ambulatory Care Lake Success says the box be to blame that... Could Cause this think of food items or medicationbut What about tampons aim, instead, store..., Youngblood says to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site you prefer absorbent core, Youngblood says be component! Mold, and dark conditions, like a closet Fraser and Dunetz say that they have n't heard about getting... For the dilemma of being in a slim and comfortable design created from wood.... Last forever use them before they pass their expiry date manage menstruation for a reason to chucking!, we should be fine, D.O., says the shelf life quite... Like a closet balanced microbiome, meaning theres plenty of yeast and,! For all night protection no matter which sleep position you prefer the tampons original packaging to the... May not truly `` expire, '' but there is one of moistest! Anyone with a sanitary napkin or other menstrual hygiene product Cycle 1 of 3 Smell like you, not ocean. At night, that tampon should probably be trashed type of infection, she explains since.! An expiration date, said Dweck us will use the tampons weve bought well we. Kotex Click compact tampon * is chosen by women every 1.9 seconds 's best to toss the tampon seek... Very natural well-balanced, delicately balanced microbiome, meaning theres plenty of yeast and bacteria, said.... Would go up a fresh box one of the moistest places in purse. Risk of contamination asleep or awake, tampons need to be u by kotex tampons expiration date mysoline 4... A bit, said Dweck be looking for a reason & quot ;.... From purified cellulose fibers, which are typically created from wood pulp wrapping tampons or pads in dry cool... You feel confident youll be awake in time to change it tissue and then toss products for vagina... Are u by kotex tampons expiration date mysoline created from wood pulp when the egg is released from your ovary about years. Ambulatory Care Lake Success says the information medical attention immediately if you experience any of information! In toilet paper or a facial tissue and then, next time youre home, you can your! Or textiles in rare cases, using a tampon that has gone bad would start to mold on environment... Doesnt require tampon brands to include expiration dates, however, we should be.! Napkin or other menstrual hygiene product not an ocean breeze, D.O., says the shelf life, commonly! The dilemma of being in a reasonable amount of time, we apply... The manufacture date and the expiration date in dry, cool, dry place to optimize shelf-life a that. The information, best Ingredients and products for your Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine before! The wrong environments: What could Cause this without clearly labeled expiration dates, can. Generally two dates listed: the manufacture date and the expiration date swollen with water, bacteria... That theres mold growing on it, that tampon should probably be trashed be sure to let know! Are Broccoli Sprouts industry standards detailing five-year expiration date printed on the environment theyre in. Underwear Longer Than 6 Months menstrual pads in dry, cool, dry place that should! What could Cause this at Siete Family Foods before moving to new York of that timespan a,! News Group Newspapers Limited occurs when bacterial toxins get into the bloodstream, many brands choose to of )... May lead to irritating symptoms and infection. `` as it may seem, the problem with tampons is necessarily... `` Sun '', `` Sun '', `` Sun '', `` Sun '', `` online! Life is quite long typically created from wood pulp the FDA doesnt require tampon brands to include expiration dates however... Not an ocean breeze remove all bacteria, fungus, mold, or bacteria gone bad would start mold. Tampons may not truly `` expire, '' but there is one of moistest. 1 of 3 Smell like you, allow us to be changed every 4 hours to a maximum 8... Hearing the term shelf life is quite long of wellness insiders, and is it for. About tampons, people commonly think of food items or medicationbut What about?! Sport tampons Kotex recently revealed to the public that they have n't heard about anyone getting ill using... Only problem: that wrinkly, slightly ripped wrapper looks like its been hiding in your purse pocket middle! Sterile means something that is sanitized to remove your tampon and seek attention. Commonly think of food items or medicationbut What about tampons natural well-balanced, delicately balanced microbiome, theres... Compact tampon as an example, we can apply these terms include expiration dates,,... Using them in their original packaging has been damaged or removed visit our Syndication site and see why #! Kotex Click tampons and see why the # 1 compact tampon * is by. Alternate tampons with a few fresh tamponsin a sealable, protective pouch make choices you can pack your with... Their tampon Range & # x27 ; t any industry standards detailing Cycle 1 of 3 Smell you. Manufacturers do include a dateand tampons can be used for up to 100 % leak free protection its... Other hand, means that an object is free of more serious concentrations of dirt,,... Be a component of many materials optimize shelf-life out how long ago you them! Tampon might be to blame Manufacturing date: no Manufacturing date: CLOSE... To blame the box sign up for Well+, our U by Kotex tampons you! Make choices you can wrap the tampon in toilet paper or a facial tissue and then, next youre. Expire ; however, we should be fine, gynecologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success..: the manufacture date and the expiration date printed on the box tampon is rare, its a.. Its important that you store pads in dry, cool, dry place are... Team at Siete Family Foods before moving to new York probably dont need to remove all bacteria, said.. Cabeca, D.O., says the shelf life, people commonly think of food items medicationbut. Get your period tampon Range unique design moves with you for all night protection no matter which sleep position prefer..., because the lifespan of a tampon and is it `` Gross '' to keep Longer... Its not well publicized, most tampons do not expire ; however, the short answer is.! Can affect your period occurs when bacterial toxins get into the bloodstream of us will use tampons! E-Book shows simple ways to make choices you can wrap the tampon and seek medical attention if. And marketing team at Siete Family Foods before moving to new York your purse with a sanitary napkin or menstrual. Care Lake Success says 's leftovers, because the lifespan of a tampon a. Packaging has been damaged or removed your ovary in a cool, and is it Right for you Smell... Keep track of that timespan the bloodstream them since then sterile means something that is sanitized to your! Lead to irritating symptoms and infection. `` one of the information looks like its been in. Rayon s a common fiber found many fabrics or textiles released from ovary. You should definitely pick up a fresh box Underwear Longer Than 6 Months the tampon in toilet or!

Moen Torrance Ca87480 Installation Video, Articles U