Explore our full line of products below and learn why U by Kotex tampons are the #1 compact tampons in the market. Your tampons will only be visibly mouldy if the seal is broken, and bacteria enters the packaging. First of all, know that TSS is treatable. Looking to sleep in? If a tampon is visibly moldy, of course, its a no-go. NOW WATCH: People are trying face cupping as an instant face-lift, the she-quel. But, said Dweck, there is a rule of thumb for shelf life: The overall estimate is five years.. Of the many topics you may be curious about in regards to tampons (like how do I insert one? If the wrapper is slightly torn, but the tampon and applicator is still protected, that may still be good. Use them within five years and store them someplace cool and dry. TSS is a rare bacterial infection that is sometimes but not always associated with tampon use. Of course, keep an eye out for any weirdness. 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. Other products are still available, but people are distraught over this discontinuation. Kotex recently revealed to the public that they would discontinue their tampon range. 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. In other words, tampons are, Tampon stuck? Dr. Carol Dunetz, MD, gynecologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success says. 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. 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. You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. They actually show two dates: the date of production and the month and year theyll expire. With this in mind, board-certified gynecologist Staci Tanouye, MD, says that its important to always inspect your tampons prior to insertion. Tampax tampons display an expiry date on all boxes. 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. It's also worth noting that organic tampon companies don't have to state the expiry date. Leeron Hoory is a contributor to Insider. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. Lets see from a medical standpoint what our healthcare expert Sandy thinks as well. Rayon s a common fiber found many fabrics or textiles. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Period stigmas are the old cycle. The Health Benefits of Blueberries, Explained, What Are Broccoli Sprouts? Most tampons have an expiration date of five years, according to Dr. Candice Fraser, MD, OB-GYN of Your Doctors Online. We hope that this information will empower you to make decisions that you feel comfortable with in regards to your period protection. In theory, this foreign bacteria could increase the risk of irritation or another type of infection, she explains. All rights reserved. What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? A Period That Lasts 1 or 2 Days: What Could Cause This? 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. Common sense rules here, said Dweck. The problematic tampons have been produced within the past two years between Oct. 7, 2016, and Oct. 16, 2018. 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. "It's typically about five years from when they were produced.". You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 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. Tampax tampons display an expiry date on all boxes. Custom Bundle. Home About Us 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. Slowly and gently push the applicator into your vagina until your fingers on the grip reach your vulva. U by Kotex Click compact tampons have regular, super and super plus absorbency to accommodate any flow, depending where you are in your cycle. Generally speaking, tampons expire after five years. Use as a liquid base of a product and helps keep ingredients combined, and helps clean skin. Usually, people use their tampons well before they hit that five-year mark, which means the risk of inserting a moldy one is pretty low, Youngblood says, but its definitely something worth being aware of.. You might be asking because youve heard of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) so lets clear the air. So, if you use Tampax, there's no guesswork. 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 . Youngblood shares a few suggestions. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Alyssa Dweck, MD, a gynecologist in New York, Keeping Hawaii Beautiful With Shoreline Hotel Waikiki. All of these materials can potentially become moldy or grow bacteria in the wrong environments. It isn't so clear-cut. While storage at home is a bit more obvious (given the space), bag storage is equally as essential. In these cases, you can tell when your tampons expire by checking that date on the box. Read the warnings on pack before purchase and follow the instructions for use. Pocket-sized and small enough to carry in your purse or pocket, these tampons go from compact to a full-size tampon in one easy step giving you comfortably compact, powerful protection. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Fraser recommends avoiding keeping them in your bathroom for this reason. Storing tampons incorrectly for an extended period can increase their risk of growing mold and bacteria. Can You Still Use an Expired COVID-19 Test? Most tampons have a lifetime of five years. 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 . If kept in the right conditions, with its wrapper on, that tampon should be perfectly good to use in a pinch. Finally, mold may be obscured in tampons with an applicator, so look for other signs like moisture or a lack of proper packaging. 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. Here, Alexis May Tran Kimble, D.O. Your vagina is a sensitive place. The numbers are stamped on and can sometimes be hard to read or find depending on where they were placed. Using U by Kotex Click Compact Tampon as an example, we can apply these terms. The applicator contains a plunger, which you will push to insert the tampon. It isn't so clear-cut. What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? And this is the disgusting reason why you should NEVER keep your towels in the bathroom. Similarly, if you see discoloration or mold on your menstrual pad, switch it out for a fresh one. Symptoms of TSS usually develop within 3-5 days 4 . Oh hi! Shelf life is the time period during which a product is expected to meet our high standards for quality when stored properly. Policy. 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. Alternate tampons with a sanitary napkin or other menstrual hygiene product. Moore worked on the copywriting and marketing team at Siete Family Foods before moving to New York. Menstrual cups: "These silicone or rubber cups don't expire, per se, but they should be replaced every one to two years sooner, if they start to tear, stretch or otherwise deteriorate," Youngblood advises. The bottom line is to follow the old saying: When in doubt, throw it out. How long tampons last depends on the environment theyre kept in. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience: TSS can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. TSS is a rare bacterial infection that is sometimes but not always associated with tampon use. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. View the Range Applicator Tampons Our Applicator tampons are awesome. However, if it is dry and feels uncomfortable removing, then I would opt for a thin pad or a panty liner for the final day or two of your period as a safer option. And then, next time youre home, you can pack your purse with a few fresh tamponsin a sealable, protective pouch. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly. 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. Thats good news for people who menstruate, whose reproductive health has typically not received the funding, attention, and affirmation we deserve. There also aren't any industry standards detailing . "U by Kotex has you covered. If youve found a tampon in your cupboard and are wondering if its safe to use well, it depends how old it is. Optical illusion showing horse silhouette leaves people baffled - can you tell which way its looking? 2,044 talking about this. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine. With up to 100% leak free protection, its the #1 compact Tampon for a reason! Use your judgement here. 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. data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAKAAAAB4CAYAAAB1ovlvAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAw5JREFUeF7t181pWwEUhNFnF+MK1IjXrsJtWVu7HbsNa6VAICGb/EwYPCCOtrrci8774KG76 . The brand will no longer sell its famous security tampons to the public. So, if you use Tampax, theres no guesswork involved. "Mould can be hidden on the applicators which may lead to irritating symptoms and infection.". It's best to toss the tampon and get a new one. It may seem that tampons, as wads of mostly-cotton, will never go bad. A period so heavy that it prevents you from doing everyday activities isnt, A menstrual period is vaginal bleeding that occurs at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle. I just would be careful that the tampon you use is of a low absorbency. With this in mind, if you insist on storing your tampons in the bathroom, its best to do so within an air-tight container. 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. Then remove the applicator and throw it away. As such, its important to know how to properly store them so that your tampons dont expire before their general shelf life is up. Their slender tip means it's easier to use while offering you superior leakage protection with the last line of defence. They may prescribe an antibiotic to clear any possible infection. Balance Ultra Thin Charcoal Pads with Wings for Teens, Extra Absorbency, Clean & Secure Ultra Thin Pads with Wings, Heavy, Balance Ultra Thin Charcoal Pads with Wings, Heavy. 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. 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..