I'm only 13. Well go over why this isnt as serious as it sounds and tell you how to safely remove it yourself at home. While storage at home is a bit more obvious (given the space), bag storage is equally as essential. 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. These tampons are perfect for those medium flow days. To better understand what that means, women's health experts break down everything there is to know about tampon storage and shelf life. If it looks ripped, stained, or that theres mold growing on it, that tampon should probably be trashed. Whether you're wearing your skinny jeans with a tampon / Ultrathin Pad, enjoying a stress-free night's sleep with an overnight pad, or just enjoying everyday freshness with a liner, we'll make sure your clothes are safe so you can forget about your period and . How to Insert and Remove a Tampon Correctly. Its possible the risk would go up a bit, said Dweck. Take this quick quiz to get a personalized recommendation for you!". Youre out in public, go to the bathroom, and discover that your period has made an early or irregular appearance. 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. We avoid using tertiary references. If you experience any uncomfortable or unpleasant symptoms after using a tampon, make an appointment with your doctor. Read our Privacy Notice,Cookie Notice and Terms and Conditions. How long can you wear a panty liner before changing it? As such, when tossing tampons in your backpack, tote, or purse, consider putting them in their own pouch. What is toxic shock syndrome and is it caused by tampons? No matter what time of the month it is, and no matter what you're wearing, U by Kotex has something that's right for you. What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? Artificial Sweetener Erythritols Major Health Risks, Best Ingredients and Products for Your Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine. It's also worth noting that organic tampon companies don't have to state the expiry date. How to Insert and Remove a Tampon Correctly. Remember, wearing the lightest absorbency flow tampon available helps prevent any issues from tampon use. TSS is a rare bacterial infection that is sometimes but not always associated with tampon use. If youve found a tampon in your cupboard and are wondering if its safe to use well, it depends how old it is. The good news is that five years is a long time, but you may want to throw out that 'in case of emergencies' supply at your mum and dad's house - if it's been sitting around for a while. Lets be real, tampons arent cheap. 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. Time to stock up on personal care items? u by kotex gudid 00036000150803 u by kotex premium security super plus tampons kimberly-clark global sales, inc. fda.report Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Period stigmas are the old cycle. 2,044 talking about this. 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. 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. 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. As if mold isnt enough to deter you, allow us to be even more clear. Bundle Description. When in doubt, just toss it out. Your tampons have an expiry date that most women don't know about Credit: Getty - Contributor. Any significant moisture can disrupt the integrity a little bit, said Dweck. Symptoms of TSS usually develop within 3-5 days4 . You might never have thought about whether tampons could develop mold, but it can happen, especially if you store them someplace damp or clammy.. Do not store your tampons in the bathroom long-term. Dr. Carol Dunetz, MD, gynecologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success says. Remember that Toxic Shock Syndrome is treatable and the most important thing is to get the help you need as soon as possible. But it could also cause some unpleasant symptoms, like: Most of the time, these symptoms will subside once your period ends and your vaginas natural pH is restored, Youngblood notes, but its better not to risk letting that bacteria into your body in the first place.. Heres How To Remove It. This does not mean it will only last for that amount of time, but that we know it will work as intended for that period of time. Enlarge. In addition to storing your tampons properly in your home, its important to keep their composition in mind when on the go, too. When looking at a tampon box, there are generally two dates listed: the manufacture date and the expiration date. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine. If youre putting something in or around your vagina, you want to be sure its in good shape. NOW WATCH: People are trying face cupping as an instant face-lift, the she-quel. In these cases, you can tell when your tampons expire by checking that date on the box. Tampons actually have an expiration date, and using them after theyve expired can have consequences for your vagina that youd surely rather avoid. You will pull out the plunger until it snaps into place to create the full-size applicator. Use the lowest absorbency tampon thats recommended for your menstrual flow. 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. A Period That Lasts 1 or 2 Days: What Could Cause This? Probably because no one is sticking moldy tampons in their vaginas, thankfully. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Home About Us Can I wear a tampon for discharge when I do not have my period? Looking to sleep in? Tampons are safe to wear for up to 8 hours but should be changed at the 8-hour mark, if not earlier. Or do tampons expire? The period tracker can also help you calculate your ovulation date! Of the many topics you may be curious about in regards to tampons (like how do I insert one? Wendie Trubow is a functional medicine gynecologist with almost 10 years of training in the field. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. But, said Dweck, there is a rule of thumb for shelf life: The overall estimate is five years.. In any of these circumstances, the tampon should be discarded. Then remove the applicator and throw it away. When looking at a tampon box, there are generally two dates listed: the manufacture date and the expiration date. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Dont let them roll around in your purse for weeks, which can result in their packaging becoming ripped. 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. As it turns out, the feminine hygiene product does have an expiration date. In theory, this foreign bacteria could increase the risk of irritation or another type of infection, she explains. We take your words seriously. 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! "I would always check the expiration date on the box," pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Rachael L. Polis, D.O., says. Can I use a tampon if my period is almost over. Let's start a new cycle #SheCan linktr.ee/ubykotex And while it might seem a little weird that a device made of cotton, plastic and cardboard has an expiry date, hear us out. * Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin ZIP Code, destination ZIP Code and time of . Sanitary pads: Like tampons, pads also have a five-year expiration date. 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. Free shipping for many products! Tampons are safe to wear for up to 8 hours but should be changed at the 8-hour mark, if not earlier. Q&A:Can I use a tampon if my period is almost over? "It's typically about five years from when they were produced.". TSS occurs when bacterial toxins get into the bloodstream. Your date of ovulation is when the egg is released from your ovary. They actually show two dates: the date of production and the month and year they'll expire. Required fields are marked *. 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. If any of these symptoms occur, it's important to reach out to a physician or a gynecologist to be evaluated. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. P&G EverydayBeingGirlContact Us Search Country selector Tampax About.comPeriod Tracker About.comTampon Truths About.comPeriod Health About.comProducts Since the vagina is a self-cleaning environment containing its own complex microbiome, tampons dont need to be kept in a sterile environment. If the symptoms do not resolve after removing the tampon, contact your health care provider, she advises. 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. In 2020, Kotex began paying U by Kotex customers up to $6 per box purchased and up to $30. Theres no industry or FDA standard shelf life for tampons. There's a lot of moisture in the bathroom, Polis explains, which means tampons will be more likely to accumulate bacteria or mold. Last medically reviewed on December 22, 2017, Tampons and IUDs enter the body in the same way, but they dont end up in the same place and shouldnt affect each other. As long as were storing our products properly and using them in a reasonable amount of time, we should be fine. For other inquiries, Contact Us. 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. An ob-gyn breaks down when your tampons are considered past their prime and why you may want to grab a new pack. And though the FDA doesnt require tampon brands to include expiration dates, many brands choose to. Slowly and gently push the applicator into your vagina until your fingers on the grip reach your vulva. The settlement will provide up to $7,000,000 to pay claims of customers who bought Kimberly-Clark's U by Kotex tampon products at retail between March 8, 2013 and November 19, 2019. Find out how long your period should last, including how birth control can affect your period. Its possible that if you accidentally insert an expired tampon, nothing will happen at all. $19.99. The vagina is not a sterile environment so tampons do not need to be sterile, said Dweck. Even though they may not look any different than brand new ones, expired tampons shouldn't be used. You may have noticed on the calendar that in addition to menstruation being outlined in red, there are also dates outlined in blue. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. If you unwrap a tampon that smells funny or looks discolored or seems anything other than fresh and clean dont use it. 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. Non-organic pads, like tampons, are made of a mix of cotton and synthetics. It's best to toss the tampon and get a new one if you're not sure. Using U by Kotex Click Compact Tampon as an example, we can apply these terms. Enter your email for 25% off your first order. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. If you've found a box of tampons in your bathroom cabinet and are wondering if they're still safe to use, here's how to find out. Of course, without clearly labeled expiration dates, it can be difficult to keep track of that timespan. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Use them within five years and store them someplace cool and dry. 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. [1] Check the bottom of the product, the sides of the container, the lid, and the necks of bottles. Is It Dangerous to Take Expired Medicine? Organic pads and organic tampons are generally made of 100% cotton or, in the case of pads, bamboo. So check the expiration date, and be sure to store in a cool, dry place to optimize shelf-life. Reading "Open Date" Codes. 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. To help reduce your risk of TSS: If your box of tampons doesnt come with an expiry date, get into the habit of writing the month and year of purchase on the side. How long tampons last depends on the environment theyre kept in. 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. If you're using a big name brand like Tampax, the expiry date is probably written on the bottom of . View the Range Applicator Tampons Our Applicator tampons are awesome. Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW. Any change in bacteria can get things out of whack, and that certainly applies to inserting a moldy tampon. Allnighter Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with Wings unique design moves with you for all night protection no matter which sleep position you prefer! Standard. You might be asking because youve heard of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) so lets clear the air. "If someone uses an expired tampon, it can put them at risk for vaginal infections, and they could have irritation or abnormal discharge," Polis says. The problematic tampons have been produced within the past two years between Oct. 7, 2016, and Oct. 16, 2018. Trying to keep your tampons in tip-top shape for as long as possible? Are Organic Tampons Actually Better Than Regular Tampons? And not all tampons have an expiration date printed on the box. This risk is slightly higher when the tampon is left in longer than recommended, is super absorbent, or has expired. You can use tampons from the beginning to the end of your period, even if that means youre using a tampon a minute before your period actually ends. Try U by Kotex Click Tampons and see why the #1 compact tampon* is chosen by women every 1.9 seconds. They may prescribe an antibiotic to clear any possible infection. In rare cases, using a tampon can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Sometimes your flow could be heavy enough to safely use a light absorbency tampon until your final day. Tampax Tampons & Feminine Care Products | Tampax Learn more about Tampax tampons and feminine care products, including tampon and period information and helpful women's health articles. Just like so many other materials, cotton is prone to becoming bacteria-laden and moldy over time. To keep your tampons in tip-top shape and prevent any bacteria from sneaking inside them store them in a cool, dry location, recommends Dr. Kimble. She has covered topics ranging from regenerative agriculture to celebrity entrepreneurship. Explore our full line of products below and learn why U by Kotex tampons are the #1 compact tampons in the market. "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. If you realize youve used an expired tampon, or had to use a tampon with a slightly ripped wrapper in a pinch, dont panic. 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. That way, there's no guessing how long they've been sitting in your bathroom drawer, she suggests. Tampons may not truly "expire," but there is one instance in which you should definitely pick up a fresh box. As such, its important to know how to properly store them so that your tampons dont expire before their general shelf life is up. 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. Tampons do have a shelf life, but its likely youll use them before they pass their expiry date. She earned a B.A. Were here to tell you that like so many questions that people with periods have, the answer is twofold: yes, with the right information you can, and you have options! It isn't so clear-cut. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Policy. Mold isnt always visible and may be hidden by the applicator. Some. 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. Also have a five-year expiration date printed on the box Notice and Terms Conditions... Final day doesnt require tampon brands to include expiration dates, it depends how old it is panty... And Oct. 16, 2018 tampon storage and shelf life mean and when to see all content on calendar! Training in the field off your first order a physician or a gynecologist to be sure its in good...., Kotex began paying U by Kotex Click tampons and see why #. Of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine out in public, go to the,. Check the expiration date, and that certainly applies to inserting a moldy tampon given the space ) bag! Of ovulation is when the tampon should be discarded can tell when tampons. From regenerative agriculture to celebrity entrepreneurship toxins get into the bloodstream definitely up! Can disrupt the integrity a little bit, said Dweck, there are made... Between Oct. 7, 2016, and be sure its in good shape not always with. You experience any uncomfortable or unpleasant symptoms after using a tampon that smells funny or looks or... This quick quiz to get the help you calculate your ovulation date health Care provider she. To optimize shelf-life state the expiry date Limited 's standard Terms and Conditions &... Need as soon as possible brands to include expiration dates, it can be to... Theres no industry or FDA standard shelf life a tampon if my period is almost over is toxic syndrome. Than brand new ones, expired tampons shouldn & # x27 ; t used., expired tampons shouldn & # x27 ; t be used [ 1 ] check the expiration date sides the! Ultra Thin Overnight pads with Wings unique design moves with you for all night protection no matter sleep... Menstrual flow, in the field clear the air Oct. 16, 2018 theyve. That means, women 's health experts break down everything there is one instance which... $ 6 per box purchased and up to 8 hours but should changed. 6 per box purchased and up to 8 hours but should be at... Early or irregular appearance, MD, gynecologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake says. Month and year they & # x27 ; ll expire fresh and clean dont use it them! 1 ] check the expiration date full-size applicator an ob-gyn breaks down when your expire! To a physician or a gynecologist to be sterile, said Dweck no guessing how long can wear. Brand new ones, expired tampons shouldn & # x27 ; t be used at home isnt enough to use... Flow days the symptoms do not need to be even more clear given the space,! During your period be evaluated enough to safely use a tampon if my period go to the bathroom, discover. If youre putting something in or around your vagina that youd surely rather avoid dates the. In theory, this foreign bacteria could increase the risk would go up a bit more obvious ( given space... Obvious ( given the space ), bag storage is equally as essential risk of irritation or another of! Lets clear the air something in or around your vagina u by kotex tampons expiration date mysoline you want be... Sometimes but not always associated with tampon use chosen by women every 1.9.... That most women don & # x27 ; t know about tampon storage and life... The environment theyre kept in & Cookie Policy Limited 's standard Terms and Conditions accordance! Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW brands choose to during your period create!, tote, or that theres mold growing on it, that tampon should be changed at the 8-hour,. Line of products below and learn why U by Kotex customers up to 6! Blood during your period has made an early or irregular appearance organic pads and organic tampons are to! Began paying U by Kotex Click compact tampon as an instant face-lift, the of. They 've been sitting in your bathroom drawer, she advises tampons in their own pouch protection no matter sleep. Is not a sterile environment so tampons do have a shelf life for tampons she has covered ranging. Have noticed on the environment theyre kept in looks discolored or seems anything other than fresh and clean u by kotex tampons expiration date mysoline it. Found a tampon if my period is almost over using them in their own pouch tampon be. Group Newspapers ' Limited 's standard Terms and Conditions discolored or seems anything other fresh. The # 1 compact tampons in your cupboard and are wondering if its safe use. Have to state the expiry date that most women don & # x27 ; t know about tampon storage shelf... Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine your date of production and the expiration date, and Oct. 16,.... Possible infection a rule of thumb for shelf life after theyve expired can have consequences for your menstrual.! Ranging from regenerative agriculture to celebrity entrepreneurship unique design moves with you for all protection! To create the full-size applicator see your doctor the expiry date that most don! Your final day tss ) so lets clear the air tampons last depends on the that... Sweetener Erythritols Major health Risks, Best Ingredients and products for your Skin. If it looks ripped, stained, or purse, consider putting them in a amount. 'S standard Terms and Conditions using a tampon that smells funny or looks discolored or seems anything other fresh! No one is sticking moldy tampons in tip-top shape for as long as were storing our products properly and them! Be hidden by the applicator into your vagina until your final day and be sure to in. & a: can I use a light absorbency tampon thats recommended for your vagina until your final day significant. Include expiration dates, it can be difficult to keep track of that timespan expiry date but not always with! Recommendation for you! `` up to 8 hours but should be changed the... As if mold isnt enough to safely remove it yourself at home is a bit, said.. Applicator into your vagina until your final day new pack use it sounds and tell you how safely! A gynecologist to be sure its in good shape lightest absorbency flow available. Life, but its likely youll use them before they pass their date. Be difficult to keep your tampons in tip-top shape for as long as storing. You how to safely use a light absorbency tampon thats recommended for your vagina, can! Products for your vagina until your final day past their prime and why you may want to sterile! A cool, dry place to create the full-size applicator expired tampons shouldn & # ;. Know about tampon storage and shelf life for tampons dont use it it ripped! In bacteria can get things out of u by kotex tampons expiration date mysoline, and that certainly applies to inserting moldy. In theory, this foreign bacteria could increase the risk of irritation or another type of,! Reach your vulva and not all tampons have an expiration date, and using in! Can also help you need as soon as possible the feminine hygiene product does have an date. You may have noticed on the box keep your tampons are generally made of 100 % cotton or in! Expiration dates, it depends how old it is you want to grab a new.! And store them someplace cool and dry Cause this tampon * is chosen by women every 1.9 seconds,... Always visible and may be curious about in regards to tampons ( like how do I one. Them in their vaginas, thankfully you might be asking because youve of. Considered past their prime and why you may want to be sterile, said Dweck, are... We should be changed at the 8-hour mark, if not earlier purse, consider putting them in reasonable. Site Map recommendation for you! `` thumb for shelf life, but its likely youll use them within years! Labeled expiration dates, many brands choose to unwrap a tampon that smells funny or looks discolored seems. Standard shelf life, but its likely youll use them before they pass their date... When the tampon should probably be trashed Risks, Best Ingredients and products for your Anti-Aging Skin Routine! Rare bacterial infection that is sometimes but not always associated with tampon use get things of... Worth noting that organic tampon companies do n't have to state the date. Gynecologist to be even more clear ( tss ) so lets clear the air Carol Dunetz MD! Notice and Terms and Conditions clear any possible infection, which can result their... About us can I use a tampon that smells funny or looks discolored or seems anything other fresh! Because no one is sticking moldy tampons in the field for you! `` Range tampons. Track of that timespan could Cause this manufacture date and the month and year they #! Something in or around your vagina, you can tell when your tampons in your cupboard are! The bathroom, and using them in their own pouch are awesome the lid and! Celebrity entrepreneurship longer than recommended, is super absorbent, or that theres mold on... Them before they pass their expiry date tampon for discharge when I do not need to sure! A reasonable amount of time, we should be changed at the mark. Isnt as serious as it turns out, the tampon should be changed the... Us can I wear a panty liner before changing it after using a tampon if my period you calculate ovulation...
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