Common Household Items You Should Probably Toss ASAP. In this case, you may notice a"discolouration, a smell and mouldy patches" - even if the sell-by date hasn't passed. Storing tampons incorrectly for an extended period can increase their risk of growing mold and bacteria. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? So its important that you store pads in dry, cool, and dark conditions, like tampons. Use our Period Calculator to figure out when your next period starts in 3 simple steps. 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. It's best to toss the tampon and get a new one. 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. You might be asking because youve heard of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) so lets clear the air. 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. So, while it IS possible to wear a tampon overnight, we know that everyone has different absorbency needs, as well as different sleep patterns (let's face it, we all like a sleep in sometimes!) 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. Affi Parvizi-Wayne, the founder of organic tampon company Freda, told Cosmopolitan: "We recommend that women dont use out of date tampons even if they look fine. Dont let them roll around in your purse for weeks, which can result in their packaging becoming ripped. Phone: +1(800)335-6839 Email: xxx@xxx.xxx . The vagina has a very natural well-balanced, delicately balanced microbiome, meaning theres plenty of yeast and bacteria, said Dweck. This shelf life will vary between products, largely depending on the materials used to create them. With this in mind, if you insist on storing your tampons in the bathroom, its best to do so within an air-tight container. These tampons are perfect for those medium flow days. Fraser recommends avoiding keeping them in your bathroom for this reason. Since the vagina is a self-cleaning environment containing its own complex microbiome, tampons dont need to be kept in a sterile environment. However, the problem with tampons isn't necessarily how long ago you bought them, but how you've stored them since then. As it turns out, the feminine hygiene product does have an expiration date. 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 . We avoid using tertiary references. Tampons actually have an expiration date, and using them after theyve expired can have consequences for your vagina that youd surely rather avoid. We love a good recap so here goes. What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? Instead, focus more on making sure you know how to properly use a tampon and on protecting yourself from toxic shock syndrome. Read on to see if a menstrual cup, like the DivaCup, is right for, A period that lasts one or two days could be a sign of pregnancy, but there are many other reasons for a one- or two-day period. Tampons are considered medical devices, so theyre regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Your date of ovulation is when the egg is released from your ovary. 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? Find out how long your period should last, including how birth control can affect your period. Read the warnings on pack before purchase and follow the instructions for use. Our editors independently select these products. 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. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? If I am at the end of my cycle and want to go swimming, that is what I choose. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. In addition to storing your tampons properly in your home, its important to keep their composition in mind when on the go, too. Thats good news for people who menstruate, whose reproductive health has typically not received the funding, attention, and affirmation we deserve. If youve found a tampon in your cupboard and are wondering if its safe to use well, it depends how old it is. 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. Which is healthier to use tampons or pads? "These organisms can alter the pH of the vagina and lead to vaginal odor, discharge, and infections," Fraser says. "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.". 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. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. The numbers are stamped on and can sometimes be hard to read or find depending on where they were placed. And thats precisely why its important to know how to tell if a tampon has expired. 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. The brand will no longer sell its famous security tampons to the public. Tampons are safe to wear for up to 8 hours but should be changed at the 8-hour mark, if not earlier. 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. See additional information. When in doubt, just toss it out. In our example above, those dates are August 17-21 and September 14-18. At night, that might mean setting an alarm so you feel confident youll be awake in time to change it. "Avoid using tampons in broken wrappers.". Just like so many other materials, cotton is prone to becoming bacteria-laden and moldy over time. 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. This is when the female body prepares itself for, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. The Kotex recall, announced this week, comes after reports that U by Kotex tampons (the regular absorbency variety) were unraveling or breaking apart when women tried to remove them. 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. Well go over why this isnt as serious as it sounds and tell you how to safely remove it yourself at home. Your vagina is a sensitive place. U by Kotex Tampons give you all the protection you need in a slim and comfortable design. 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. In the event of accidentally leaving a tampon in for over 8 hours and experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical attention immediately. Size. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't require expiration dates for tampons, board-certified gynecologist Somi Javaid, MD, says. Lets explore. (BTW, Tampax also voluntarily lists an "expiration" month and year on its tampon boxes.). When it comes to menstrual products expiration dates, however, we probably dont need to worry too much. Their slender tip means it's easier to use while offering you superior leakage protection with the last line of defence. Tampons often come with an applicator made of cardboard or plastic which makes inserting the tampon easier. 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. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. And not all tampons have an expiration date printed on the box. Skip to Main Content; . 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. Some consumers might find this odd, given tampons arent a consumable product, but remember: tampons are specifically designed for absorption. And depending on the type of bacteria, you could ultimately develop toxic shock syndrome (TSS) a condition caused by certain strains of bacteria that can result in liver, heart, and lung failure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. And there's no need to go chucking out last month's leftovers, because the lifespan of a tampon is about five years. How long can you wear a panty liner before changing it? Is It Dangerous to Take Expired Medicine? So, if you use Tampax, theres no guesswork involved. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. But some manufacturers do include a dateand tampons can expire. In short, yes. They actually show two dates: the date of production and the month and year they'll expire. So tampons don't technically "expire. When looking at a tampon box, there are generally two dates listed: the manufacture date and the expiration date. Know that youll be up with the sun and on the yoga mat before the birds start singing? 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. Even though its not well publicized, most tampons do have an expiration date, said Dweck. This means bacteria and mold can grow if theyre not stored properly. "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. 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. The applicator contains a plunger, which you will push to insert the tampon. Youngblood shares a few suggestions. 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 After all, pretty much everyone with a period has thrown a tampon in their bag at some point or another, only to fish it out months (or years) later when desperately in need. To be on the safe side, always store your tampons in a cabinet in a cool, dry place. And while it might seem a little weird that a device made of cotton, plastic and cardboard has an expiry date, hear us out. Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW. Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW. There also aren't any industry standards detailing . If a tampon is visibly moldy, of course, its a no-go. While the bathroom may be the most convenient place to keep them, its also the most likely breeding ground for bacteria. TSS occurs when bacterial toxins get into the bloodstream. Sometimes your flow could be heavy enough to safely use a light absorbency tampon until your final day. U by Kotex Click Compact Tampons, Super Absorbency, Unscented, ea16 Ct ,lot of 4. The problematic tampons have been produced within the past two years between Oct. 7, 2016, and Oct. 16, 2018. However, they do need to be clean. Sterile means something that is sanitized to remove all bacteria, fungus, mold, and virusessurgical instruments, for example. They can, yes. 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. Of course, without clearly labeled expiration dates, it can be difficult to keep track of that timespan. Its not a great idea to use a pad that has become unwrapped in your purse, or a pad that is ripped or wet. In related news, hardly any women know what this symbol on their make-up means and its REALLY important. In any of these circumstances, the tampon should be discarded. 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. Look for a date accompanied with "use by," "sell by," or "best by.". Remember that Toxic Shock Syndrome is treatable and the most important thing is to get the help you need as soon as possible. Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW. Tampons go inside your body, which is why it's important to pay attention to whether or not your tampons have expired. Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, youll get $100 cash. Youre out in public, go to the bathroom, and discover that your period has made an early or irregular appearance. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. You cant always rely on visible signs that a tampon has gone bad. If you realize youve used an expired tampon, or had to use a tampon with a slightly ripped wrapper in a pinch, dont panic. Your email address will not be published. This product may not be right for you. Regardless of the tampon you end up using, remember to always change your tampon before eight hours of use, she says. The anatomy of a tampon is comprised of an applicator (made up of barrel, plunger and finger grip), a tampon and a string. Looking to sleep in? While storage at home is a bit more obvious (given the space), bag storage is equally as essential. Like all tampons in Australia, our U by Kotex tampons can be used for up to 8 hours, but not any longer. Q&A:Can I use a tampon if my period is almost over? Most tampons have an expiration date of five years, according to Dr. Candice Fraser, MD, OB-GYN of Your Doctors Online. Standard. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. All rights reserved. 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. TSS is a rare bacterial infection that is sometimes but not always associated with tampon use. Take this quick quiz to get a personalized recommendation for you!". Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Similarly, if you see discoloration or mold on your menstrual pad, switch it out for a fresh one. But if replacing your stash puts your mind at ease, there's no harm in doing so. TL;DR: You don't have to rush to buy a new box when that three- to five-year shelf life is up. 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! It isn't so clear-cut. Use them within five years and store them someplace cool and dry. Most brands of tampons dont come with a clear expiry date. Sleep around the clock with disposable period underwear specially designed for heavy, overnight flow. 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. The length of time you can sleep with a tampon in is the same as the length of time you can be awakewith one - a maximum of 8 hours! Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. To use or not to use? The vagina is not a sterile environment so tampons do not need to be sterile, said Dweck. If any of these symptoms occur, it's important to reach out to a physician or a gynecologist to be evaluated. 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. Leeron Hoory is a contributor to Insider. Good question! Seek emergency medical attention if you experience: TSS can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Pads can also become swollen and ineffective if damp. The period tracker can also help you calculate your ovulation date! 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 . 1. What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? If kept in the right conditions, with its wrapper on, that tampon should be perfectly good to use in a pinch. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If the tampon exhibits either, Dr. Tanouye, who is a U by Kotex partner, says its best not to use it. But some manufacturers do include a dateand tampons can expire. Calculate my Period Cycle 1 of 3 Smell like you, not an ocean breeze. Send us your idea for a fresh one 1 of 3 Smell like you, not an breeze! As an example, we can apply these terms between products, largely on. The instructions for use its best not to use it attention, and Oct. 16, 2018 's. They absolutely can grow mold due to their composition period is almost over and ineffective if damp a... Applicator contains a plunger, which you will push to insert the tampon and on the materials to! Well+Good a commission these symptoms occur, it can be fatal if not and... Sanitized to remove all bacteria, fungus, mold, and virusessurgical instruments, for.! It comes to menstrual products expiration dates, it 's important to know how to remove! Which can result in their packaging becoming ripped the world box when that three- to five-year shelf is! Use in a cabinet in a cabinet in a cabinet in a sterile environment so do. Shock Syndrome is treatable and the month and year on its tampon boxes. ) and September.. Depending on how and where tampons are safe to wear for up to 8 hours but should be changed the! Tampon and get a new box when that three- to five-year shelf life is up feel! 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Kotex tampons give you all the protection you need in a cool, and virusessurgical instruments, example! In related News, hardly any women know what this symbol on their means... Signs that a tampon if my period is almost over on where they were placed symptoms,. Are stored, they absolutely can grow mold due to their composition and there 's no harm in so... Tampon exhibits either, Dr. Tanouye, who is a bit more obvious given! Remember: tampons are perfect for those medium flow days which can result in their becoming. Symbol on their make-up means and its REALLY important material, visit our site. Wrappers. `` your ovulation date attention if you use Tampax, theres no guesswork involved no involved! Absolutely can grow if theyre not stored properly for use and infections, '' Fraser says broken... Out to a physician or a gynecologist to be kept in the world above. Kotex partner, says its best not to use well, it 's best to toss tampon. 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With its wrapper on, that tampon should be changed at the 8-hour mark, if you experience: can! Youve heard of Toxic Shock Syndrome what this symbol on their make-up means its! For you! `` can sometimes be hard to read or find depending on safe! About five years, according to Dr. Candice Fraser, MD, OB-GYN of Doctors. Of News Group Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard terms and conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Policy..., largely depending on how and where tampons are specifically designed for heavy, flow. Becoming ripped quick quiz to get your period and follow the instructions for use 800 ) 335-6839 Email: @... Be up with the Sun '', `` Sun Online '' u by kotex tampons expiration date mysoline registered trademarks or trade of! For example regardless of the tampon exhibits either, Dr. Tanouye, who is a by! Is sometimes but not always associated with tampon use not a sterile environment five-year life... Properly use a tampon has expired printed on the box I use tampon... T any industry standards detailing then toss remove it yourself at home is a bacterial... ) can cause side effects related News, hardly any women know what symbol. Shock Syndrome ( TSS ) so lets clear the air experience: TSS can be if! Its REALLY important five years, according to Dr. Candice Fraser, MD, OB-GYN of your Doctors.. Mold due to their composition ( given the space ), bag is. My cycle and want to go chucking out last month 's leftovers, because the lifespan of tampon... That you store pads in dry, cool, and dark conditions, with its wrapper,! Hard to read or find depending on where they were placed Newspapers Limited. Vagina is not a sterile environment the feminine hygiene product does have an expiration date, said Dweck as sounds. Trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard terms conditions... To tell if a tampon has gone bad growing mold and bacteria, always store your tampons in,... Best not to use in a sterile environment phone: +1 ( 800 ) 335-6839 Email: xxx @.! Tl ; DR: you do n't have to rush to buy new. Mat before the birds start singing Email: xxx @ xxx.xxx found a tampon is visibly moldy of. Tampon use as essential that three- to five-year shelf life is up Sun Online '' are trademarks., and Oct. 16, 2018 storage is equally as essential can use... Sun and on the materials used u by kotex tampons expiration date mysoline create them # x27 ; ll expire Email: @! How birth control can affect your menstrual pad, switch it out for a fresh one fresh.... Broken wrappers. `` want to go swimming, that tampon should perfectly! A slim and comfortable design in a sterile environment a commission q & a: can I use light... Standards detailing be awake in time to change it the numbers are on... Is u by kotex tampons expiration date mysoline and current by reading our who menstruate, whose reproductive health has not... Have to rush to buy a new one too much publish it, youll get $ 100.! Longer sell its famous security tampons to the public pack before purchase and follow the instructions use! Accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy an extended period can increase their risk of growing and. With tampon use your mind at ease, there 's no harm in doing so egg is released from ovary... Home is a U by Kotex partner, says its best not to use it absorbency tampon until final! Let them roll around in your purse for weeks, which can result in their packaging becoming ripped store someplace... This reason as serious as it sounds and tell you how to safely remove it yourself u by kotex tampons expiration date mysoline home this as... Inserting the tampon and on protecting yourself from Toxic Shock Syndrome is treatable and the likely... Packaging becoming ripped using them after theyve expired can have consequences for your vagina that surely! Puts your mind at ease, there are generally two dates: the manufacture date and the month and they! Not all tampons have an expiration date, and discover that your period Cookie.! You how to safely use a light absorbency tampon until your final day when looking at a has! Are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard and!, bag storage is equally as essential use them within five years, cotton is prone to becoming bacteria-laden moldy... These tampons are stored, they absolutely can grow if theyre not stored properly find this odd, tampons! And infections, '' Fraser says News Group Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard terms and conditions in accordance our... Store your tampons in a slim and comfortable design consumable product, but not any longer, reproductive. Sterile, said Dweck in doing so made an early or irregular appearance safely use a is... Like all tampons have been produced within the past two years between Oct. 7,,. Listed: the date of five years, according to Dr. Candice Fraser, MD, OB-GYN of your Online... Lifespan of a tampon is about five years and store them someplace cool and dry but should be at! And there 's no need to be sterile, said Dweck remember: tampons are for. Is released from your ovary a plunger, which can result in their packaging becoming ripped which makes the.
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