If youve found a tampon in your cupboard and are wondering if its safe to use well, it depends how old it is. Customer Contact [?] Youre out in public, go to the bathroom, and discover that your period has made an early or irregular appearance. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. Heres the thing, though: Aside from that, you probably wont notice if a tampon has expired before you put it in your body. Your email address will not be published. People with vaginas are pretty comfortable with what their secretions and odor are usually like, so if something changes theyre normally aware of it, said Dweck. Sometimes your flow could be heavy enough to safely use a light absorbency tampon until your final day. In general, however, tampons will stay in their prime condition for roughly three to five years after they were made, says Dr. Kimble. Not all menstrual pad packaging contains expiration dates. 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 actually show two dates: the date of production and the month and year they'll expire. Well go over why this isnt as serious as it sounds and tell you how to safely remove it yourself at home. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Youll also learn about the. It can also be a component of many materials. If you're concerned about shelf life, consider buying your tampons on a monthly basis, rather than in bulk, or write the date you purchased your pack directly on the box. Origins: On 17 September 2015, a Facebook user published the photographs displayed above along with the following claim about finding a piece of metal embedded in a "U by Kotex" brand tampon:. 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. Custom Bundle. However, the problem with tampons isn't necessarily how long ago you bought them, but how you've stored them since then. But it's not always clear how long they last. 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. 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. 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. Organic pads and organic tampons are generally made of 100% cotton or, in the case of pads, bamboo. Storing tampons incorrectly for an extended period can increase their risk of growing mold and bacteria. 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. Look for a date accompanied with "use by," "sell by," or "best by.". Always store them in their original packaging to reduce the risk of contamination. Even though its not well publicized, most tampons do have an expiration date, said Dweck. 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. 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. Rayon s a common fiber found many fabrics or textiles. Yes, tampons expire. "U by Kotex has you covered. No. Most tampons have an expiration date of five years, according to Dr. Candice Fraser, MD, OB-GYN of Your Doctors Online. We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. Use them within five years and store them someplace cool and dry. Get it daily. This will prevent any moisture from being absorbed, which could allow bacteria to grow, she explains. 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. Know that youll be up with the sun and on the yoga mat before the birds start singing? Your email address will not be published. Both Fraser and Dunetz say that they haven't heard about anyone getting ill from using an expired, moldy tampon. When in doubt, just toss it out. 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. 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. Otherwise, if you have another choice or you can purchase one, I would say go for that.. Some consumers might find this odd, given tampons arent a consumable product, but remember: tampons are specifically designed for absorption. What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? Tampons are comprised of cotton, rayon, or a blend of both, Dr. Javaid explains. As for the dilemma of being in a bathroom stall with only one tampon with a slightly ripped wrapper? Then remove the applicator and throw it away. Are Organic Tampons Actually Better Than Regular Tampons? Most of us who menstruate have been there. Can You Still Use an Expired COVID-19 Test? 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. This product may not be right for you. Tampax tampons display an expiry date on all boxes. ), we know this is a big one: can I sleep with a tampon in? But if replacing your stash puts your mind at ease, there's no harm in doing so. If the packaging is intact, however, then the next step (if youre working with a tampon that youre unsure of the datelike, say, out of a random purse, lent from a friend, or out of a bathroom dispenser) is to take note of any stains or smells. Probably because no one is sticking moldy tampons in their vaginas, thankfully. To set your mind at ease, there's often also a production date - which is June 2017 in the example below. As such, its important to know how to properly store them so that your tampons dont expire before their general shelf life is up. That way, there's no guessing how long they've been sitting in your bathroom drawer, she suggests. No Expiration On Package. I'm only 13. TSS is a rare but serious infection caused by toxins (TSST-1) produced by certain strains of a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (staph)1 . The applicator contains a plunger, which you will push to insert the tampon. That is to say, it would happen on the inside of the tampon, where you cant see it before you insert it into your vagina.. Although developing TSS after using an expired tampon is rare, its still possible. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? Alternate tampons with a sanitary napkin or other menstrual hygiene product. Tampons do have a shelf life, but its likely youll use them before they pass their expiry date. Tampons are safe to wear for up to 8 hours but should be changed at the 8-hour mark, if not earlier. The problematic tampons have been produced within the past two years between Oct. 7, 2016, and Oct. 16, 2018. Youngblood shares a few suggestions. TL;DR: You don't have to rush to buy a new box when that three- to five-year shelf life is up. Rayon is made from purified cellulose fibers, which are typically created from wood pulp. It isn't so clear-cut. Use the lowest absorbency tampon thats recommended for your menstrual flow. 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. TSS occurs when bacterial toxins get into the bloodstream. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. Can a Tampon Get Stuck? Take this quick quiz to get a personalized recommendation for you!". In our example above, those dates are August 17-21 and September 14-18. How to Insert and Remove a Tampon Correctly. 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 . 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. Optical illusion showing horse silhouette leaves people baffled - can you tell which way its looking? Theres no tampon vending machine in the stall, youre out without a friend, far from a store, and no one else is in the restroombut you do have an old tampon rolling around the bottom of your bag. Clean, on the other hand, means that an object is free of more serious concentrations of dirt, mold, or bacteria. Oh and next time you buy a new box, keep the receipt and follow these steps to protest the Tampon Tax. Using U by Kotex Click Compact Tampon as an example, we can apply these terms. "I would always check the expiration date on the box," pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Rachael L. Polis, D.O., says. How long can you wear a panty liner before changing it? so we do not recommend using a tampon overnight. 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.. 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. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly. And there's no need to go chucking out last month's leftovers, because the lifespan of a tampon is about five years. What is toxic shock syndrome and is it caused by tampons? However, this should resolve itself as the vagina returns to its natural pH levels after your period. 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. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? 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. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for LOT (2) U KOTEX BARELY THERE EVERYDAY LINERS LONG 90 PANTILINERS COMFORTFLEX at the best online prices at eBay! First of all, know that TSS is treatable. Water. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for U By Kotex Cleanwear Ultra Thin Pads W/ Wings-Regular Absorbency-16ct. 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