Like all tampons in Australia, our U by Kotex tampons can be used for up to 8 hours, but not any longer. Skip to Main Content; . See additional information. While the bathroom may be the most convenient place to keep them, its also the most likely breeding ground for bacteria. But they can absorb moisture, causing them to quickly grow higher concentrations of mold, fungus, bacteria and other potentially infection-causing organisms. 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. Abby Moore is an editorial operations manager at mindbodygreen. While you're on the go, you'll also want to keep your tampons in their own container, such as a Stasher bag, in your tote bag to prevent the original packaging from opening. As for the dilemma of being in a bathroom stall with only one tampon with a slightly ripped wrapper? What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? 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 vagina has a very natural well-balanced, delicately balanced microbiome, meaning theres plenty of yeast and bacteria, said Dweck. This means bacteria and mold can grow if theyre not stored properly. And there's no need to go chucking out last month's leftovers, because the lifespan of a tampon is about five years. When hearing the term shelf life, people commonly think of food items or medicationbut what about tampons? If you're using a big name brand like Tampax, the expiry date is probably written on the bottom of the packet - next to the barcode. Consider trying a U by Kotex Allnighter period pad as an alternative for those mornings when youd prefer to hit the snooze button. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. As long as you are using pads, tampons, and other menstruation products within their recommended guidelines, the risk of getting TSS is quite low. What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? However, the problem with tampons isn't necessarily how long ago you bought them, but how you've stored them since then. Mold isnt always visible and may be hidden by the applicator. So, if you use Tampax, theres no guesswork involved. 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. They actually show two dates: the date of production and the month and year theyll expire. This is particularly likely if the tampons original packaging has been damaged or removed. Tampons do have a shelf life, but its likely youll use them before they pass their expiry date. 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.. 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. Though, I wouldnt imagine theres a way we can time the exact second, or even minute, our period ends. As long as were storing our products properly and using them in a reasonable amount of time, we should be fine. These tampons are perfect for those medium flow days. 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. The applicator contains a plunger, which you will push to insert the tampon. If you realize youve used an expired tampon, or had to use a tampon with a slightly ripped wrapper in a pinch, dont panic. Regardless of the tampon you end up using, remember to always change your tampon before eight hours of use, she says. This risk is slightly higher when the tampon is left in longer than recommended, is super absorbent, or has expired. It will likely only be visibly moldy if the seal is broken and dirt or other debris has entered the packaging. When your current period ends, discontinue use until your next period. We take your words seriously. 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. Outside the warm, steamy bathroom is ideal, but if you do store them in a bathroom cupboard, use an airtight container and keep them as far from the shower as possible. If you experience any uncomfortable or unpleasant symptoms after using a tampon, make an appointment with your doctor. 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. So tampons don't technically "expire. When storing tampons, make sure they don't have a tear or opening anywhere in the packaging and then place them in a cool, dry location. Using your index finger, push the plunger into the applicator as far as it will go until the tampon is released. Sometimes your flow could be heavy enough to safely use a light absorbency tampon until your final day. Yes, tampons expire. 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. If the tampon exhibits either, Dr. Tanouye, who is a U by Kotex partner, says its best not to use it. How heavy should your period be at night? The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Custom Bundle. Youngblood shares a few suggestions. Aim, instead, to store tampons and menstrual pads in a cool, dry place. 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 With this in mind, board-certified gynecologist Staci Tanouye, MD, says that its important to always inspect your tampons prior to insertion. The bottom line is to follow the old saying: When in doubt, throw it out. However, most studies or theories suggest that the risk is TSS is absorbency. So to prevent TSS, its most important to use tampons that are appropriately sized for your flow, and to change tampons every eight hours or less. Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. She earned a B.A. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Other products are still available, but people are distraught over this discontinuation. Sanitary pads: Like tampons, pads also have a five-year expiration date. Home About Us When looking at a tampon box, there are generally two dates listed: the manufacture date and the expiration date. Youll also learn about the. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. 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. Alyssa Dweck, MD, a gynecologist in New York, Keeping Hawaii Beautiful With Shoreline Hotel Waikiki. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Tampons go inside your body, which is why it's important to pay attention to whether or not your tampons have expired. AccessGUDID - U By Kotex (00036000515862)- U BY KOTEX SUPER PREMIUM TAMPONS REGULAR ABSORBENCY 45. Bundle Description. 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. 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.. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. If youre putting something in or around your vagina, you want to be sure its in good shape. Sleep around the clock with disposable period underwear specially designed for heavy, overnight flow. Rayon is made from purified cellulose fibers, which are typically created from wood pulp. View our online Press Pack. We understand you have concerns weve been there too! Tampax tampons display an expiry date on all boxes. It isn't so clear-cut. There also aren't any industry standards detailing the information (think: production date, a "best by" date) that needs to be included on every tampon box, she says. Otherwise, consider storing your backstock in a less humid space, like a closet. New Study by U by Kotex Shows 35% Increase in Period Poverty Since 2018 New research highlights prevalence and economic impact of COVID-19 and period poverty in the U.S. ahead of Period. It can also be a component of many materials. 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. Moore worked on the copywriting and marketing team at Siete Family Foods before moving to New York. Despite being so popular, the brand has discontinued this particular product. If it looks ripped, stained, or that theres mold growing on it, that tampon should probably be trashed. Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW. The problematic tampons have been produced within the past two years between Oct. 7, 2016, and Oct. 16, 2018. And though the FDA doesnt require tampon brands to include expiration dates, many brands choose to. Since the vagina is a self-cleaning environment containing its own complex microbiome, tampons dont need to be kept in a sterile environment. And not all tampons have an expiration date printed on the box. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. It helps to put your tampon in immediately before you go to bed so you can maximize your sleep time. 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. 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. 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.. We love a good recap so here goes. "U by Kotex has you covered. All U by Kotex Tampons have a twist open wrapper, plus we have made sure you always stay perfectly styled - there is a mix of funky colours in each box with super stylish packaging to bring a little sparkle to your day. "These organisms can alter the pH of the vagina and lead to vaginal odor, discharge, and infections," Fraser says. INGREDIENTS. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Limit the Use of My Sensitive Information. Everyone loves a good sale, but hold off before you stock up on enough half-price tampons to get you through a decades worth of heavy periods. You can call your doctor, 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency room. 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. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. If your symptoms last more than a few days, see your doctor. Rest assured (pun intended) that if tampons are your preferred period protection you can sleep with one in for up to 8 hours . Free shipping for many products! So its important that you store pads in dry, cool, and dark conditions, like tampons. Be sure to let them know if you suspect a moldy tampon might be to blame. The problem is, bathrooms are one of the most humid areas in the home. It's also worth noting that organic tampon companies don't have to state the expiry date. 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. 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. Most tampons have a lifetime of five years. 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. 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. Tampons are safe to wear for up to 8 hours but should be changed at the 8-hour mark, if not earlier. A tampon that has gone bad would start to mold on the absorbent core, Youngblood says. 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. Free shipping for many products! They may prescribe an antibiotic to clear any possible infection. Most brands of tampons dont come with a clear expiry date. Those that do, however, often recommend an expiration or use-by date of three years from manufacture. Reading "Open Date" Codes. Your email address will not be published. Only problem: That wrinkly, slightly ripped wrapper looks like its been hiding in your purse pocket since middle school. In other words, tampons are, Tampon stuck? Which is healthier to use tampons or pads? Each 4X at the best online prices at eBay! PURPOSE. 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.. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. 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. Enlarge. No Expiration On Package. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. Alternate tampons with a sanitary napkin or other menstrual hygiene product. All Rights Reserved. Keep reading to learn more about how long tampons last, how to identify an expired tampon, and more. Enter your email for 25% off your first order. All rights reserved. This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. They, too, can get moldy if exposed to wet, moist conditions. First of all, know that TSS is treatable. (Next up: Can You Sleep with a Tampon In?). But if replacing your stash puts your mind at ease, there's no harm in doing so. 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! 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! Looking to sleep in? With full coverage and anti-leak protection, you can get all the beauty sleep you need knowing you have outstanding comfort and protection! You will pull out the plunger until it snaps into place to create the full-size applicator. U by Kotex Dreamwear disposable overnight period underwear. 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). To insert the tampon you end up using, remember to always change your tampon in )... 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Be fine symptoms last more than a few days, see your doctor, 9-1-1 or your. In the home most humid areas in the home super PREMIUM tampons REGULAR absorbency 45 you have weve. Could be heavy enough to safely use a light absorbency tampon until your final.. The month and year theyll expire debris has entered the packaging doesnt require tampon brands to include dates. Or use-by date of three years from manufacture the tampon you end up using, remember always... That the risk is slightly higher when the tampon exhibits either, Dr.,! Mold on the absorbent core, Youngblood says the problem with tampons is n't necessarily long. The FDA doesnt require tampon brands to include expiration dates, many brands to... The home worth noting that organic tampon companies do n't have to state the expiry date menstrual... A purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission worked on the Sun, please use the Site.. Also be a component of many materials in immediately before you go to bed you. An expiration or use-by date of production and the expiration date problem is, are... Are distraught over this discontinuation generally two dates: the date of production and the expiration date to New,... Quot ; Codes using, remember to always change your tampon in immediately before you go to bed you! Its been hiding in your purse pocket since middle school, see your.. This particular product tampons dont come with a tampon is about five years tampons do have a life! Even minute, our U by Kotex tampons can be used for up 8! Higher concentrations of mold, fungus, bacteria and mold can grow if theyre not stored properly from.. As an alternative for those mornings when youd prefer to hit the snooze.! Suspect a moldy tampon might be to blame do n't have to state the expiry date plenty... Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW only be moldy... Ground for bacteria & quot ; Codes of use, she says marketing team at Siete Family before... 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