Any significant moisture can disrupt the integrity a little bit, said Dweck. Not all menstrual pad packaging contains expiration dates. Other products are still available, but people are distraught over this discontinuation. Dr. Carol Dunetz, MD, gynecologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success says. All of these materials can potentially become moldy or grow bacteria in the wrong environments. Any change in bacteria can get things out of whack, and that certainly applies to inserting a moldy tampon. Using a moldy tampon can cause symptoms like itching and an increase in vaginal discharge. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Lets explore. We love a good recap so here goes. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly. U by Kotex Applicator Tampons U by Kotex Applicator Tampons are designed to be so easy to use. Horoscope today: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg on April 18, hardly any women know what this symbol on their make-up means, this is the disgusting reason why you should NEVER keep your towels, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). 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. "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.". Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. 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. Our editors independently select these products. Grab a Free Sample View the Range Sport Tampons As it turns out, the feminine hygiene product does have an expiration date. Once you hear the snap, the tampon is ready for insertion. Keep reading to learn more about how long tampons last, how to identify an expired tampon, and more. 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 So, what about other period products? Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW. In general, however, tampons will stay in their prime condition for roughly three to five years after they were made, says Dr. Kimble. Yes, tampons expire. This means bacteria and mold can grow if theyre not stored properly. Tampax Tampons do not expire; however, they do have a shelf life. Free shipping for many products! NOW WATCH: People are trying face cupping as an instant face-lift, the she-quel. Do tampons expire? Period stigmas are the old cycle. Use the lowest absorbency tampon thats recommended for your menstrual flow. It's best to toss the tampon and get a new one if you're not sure. It isn't so clear-cut. U by Kotex Dreamwear disposable overnight period underwear. It can also be a component of many materials. How long tampons last depends on the environment theyre kept in. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. 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. Lets be real, tampons arent cheap. If kept in the right conditions, with its wrapper on, that tampon should be perfectly good to use in a pinch. How to Insert and Remove a Tampon Correctly. If your symptoms last more than a few days, see your doctor. When hearing the term shelf life, people commonly think of food items or medicationbut what about tampons? Organic pads and organic tampons are generally made of 100% cotton or, in the case of pads, bamboo. Custom Bundle. Those that do, however, often recommend an expiration or use-by date of three years from manufacture. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Try U by Kotex Click Tampons and see why the #1 compact tampon* is chosen by women every 1.9 seconds. Read our Privacy Notice,Cookie Notice and Terms and Conditions. Expiration Date. The shelf life of tampons is about five years provided theyre left in the package undisturbed and not exposed to excessive moisture. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine. "I would always check the expiration date on the box," pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Rachael L. Polis, D.O., says. A Guide to Postpartum Pads Menstrual Protection After Pregnancy. But when you're blessed with a surprise visit from Aunt Flo and you find a spare tampon in the gym bag you haven't carried since last summer, is it safe to use? If you're dead-set on stashing them in the cupboard next to your shower, remove them from their original box and place them in an air-tight plastic or glass container, she says. The period tracker can also help you calculate your ovulation date! It helps to put your tampon in immediately before you go to bed so you can maximize your sleep time. Seek immediate medical attention if you think you have any symptoms of TSS. Its not a great idea to use a pad that has become unwrapped in your purse, or a pad that is ripped or wet. We avoid using tertiary references. Reading "Open Date" Codes. And not all tampons have an expiration date printed on the box. For discretion, you can wrap the tampon in toilet paper or a facial tissue and then toss. 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. This risk is slightly higher when the tampon is left in longer than recommended, is super absorbent, or has expired. If a tampon is visibly moldy, of course, its a no-go. Required fields are marked *. Abby Moore is an editorial operations manager at mindbodygreen. P&G EverydayBeingGirlContact Us Search Country selector Tampax About.comPeriod Tracker About.comTampon Truths About.comPeriod Health About.comProducts Of course, without clearly labeled expiration dates, it can be difficult to keep track of that timespan. Generally speaking, tampons expire after five years. There's a lot of moisture in the bathroom, Polis explains, which means tampons will be more likely to accumulate bacteria or mold. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't require expiration dates for tampons, board-certified gynecologist Somi Javaid, MD, says. "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. Time to stock up on personal care items? Common sense rules here, said Dweck. Aim, instead, to store tampons and menstrual pads in a cool, dry place. Calculate my Period Cycle 1 of 3 Smell like you, not an ocean breeze. Skip to Main Content; . But they can absorb moisture, causing them to quickly grow higher concentrations of mold, fungus, bacteria and other potentially infection-causing organisms. 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. 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. 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.. You should also keep them in their original packaging to prevent contamination from perfume, dust, and other debris. Phone: +1(800)335-6839 Email: xxx@xxx.xxx . What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? * Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin ZIP Code, destination ZIP Code and time of . If youve found a tampon in your cupboard and are wondering if its safe to use well, it depends how old it is. If you know a tampon is expired, dont use it, even if it looks fresh. 2023Well+Good LLC. While some brands put the expiration date on the box, the most important tools in checking if your tampons are still good to use are your own eyes and nose. DreamWear is designed to help prevent side and back period leaks for a worry-free, great night sleep. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesnt require expiration dates for tampons, board-certified gynecologist Somi Javaid, MD, says that, in general, the tampons are considered usable for up to five years. Which is healthier to use tampons or pads? With up to 100% leak free protection, its the #1 compact Tampon for a reason! TSS is a rare bacterial infection that is sometimes but not always associated with tampon use. Same if its swollen with water, or if its been rolling around your coat pocket without a wrapper. If you experience any uncomfortable or unpleasant symptoms after using a tampon, make an appointment with your doctor. Although developing TSS after using an expired tampon is rare, its still possible. To better understand what that means, women's health experts break down everything there is to know about tampon storage and shelf life. 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! Same goes with pads. 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. TSS is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Using your index finger, push the plunger into the applicator as far as it will go until the tampon is released. Use our Period Calculator to figure out when your next period starts in 3 simple steps. If any of these symptoms occur, it's important to reach out to a physician or a gynecologist to be evaluated. Each 4X at the best online prices at eBay! "I would always check the expiration date on the box," pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Rachael L. Polis, D.O., says. How to Insert and Remove a Tampon Correctly. As if mold isnt enough to deter you, allow us to be even more clear. With this in mind, board-certified gynecologist Staci Tanouye, MD, says that its important to always inspect your tampons prior to insertion. Not to mention, an open wrapper allows for harmful bacteria to potentially contaminate the tampon itself, and it can then absorb through the vagina's mucous membranes, says Dr. Kimble. That's because tampons' most important qualityabsorbencyalso means they are at risk of growing mold, fungus, or other bacteria if kept . Youll want to be on the lookout for: Your risk of TSS is minimized if you change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours, wear the lowest absorbency necessary for your flow, and educate yourself about the symptoms of TSS so you know if you need to seek help. 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 Even if you've forgotten when exactly you purchased the tampon whether it was one or six years ago you should not use tampons that don't visibly look new. from Tufts University. But osteopathic OB/GYN Anna Cabeca, D.O., says the shelf life is quite long. All rights reserved. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. If its out in the open and its a steamy, sauna-like environment that could cause some disruption because tampons absorb moisture, said Dweck. If you use a brand that doesnt show an expiry date, mark your packages with the month and date of purchase especially if you buy in bulk. Which is healthier to use tampons or pads? A Guide to Postpartum Pads Menstrual Protection After Pregnancy. All Rights Reserved. They should be stored in a cool dark place and kept in the original packaging, Dr. Javaid says. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. Oh and next time you buy a new box, keep the receipt and follow these steps to protest the Tampon Tax. U by Kotex Tampons give you all the protection you need in a slim and comfortable design. If the symptoms do not resolve after removing the tampon, contact your health care provider, she advises. In related news, hardly any women know what this symbol on their make-up means and its REALLY important. 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. $19.99. But some manufacturers do include a dateand tampons can expire. The recall affects only regular-absorbency U by Kotex Sleek tampons. If youre out and about and nowhere near where you can buy a tampon and the only tampon you can find is the one that looks a teeny bit disrupted at the bottom of your bag, I would say go for it, said Dweck. Similarly, if you see discoloration or mold on your menstrual pad, switch it out for a fresh one. When doing so, make sure that the packaging is intactif its not, its not worth using, as moisture, mold, and bacteria could have made their way into the product. So, if you use Tampax, theres no guesswork involved. Shelf life is the time period during which a product is expected to meet our high standards for quality when stored properly. So, if you use Tampax, there's no guesswork. Standard. Most tampons expire 5 years after their manufacture date Most tampons have an expiration date of five years, according to Dr. Candice Fraser, MD, OB-GYN of Your Doctors Online . News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 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. Can I wear a tampon for discharge when I do not have my period? Like all tampons in Australia, our U by Kotex tampons can be used for up to 8 hours, but not any longer. Slightly higher when the tampon in toilet paper or a gynecologist to be evaluated symptoms! Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine products are still available, but not any longer unpleasant symptoms using! Health experts break down everything there is to know about tampon storage shelf! 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