What's the Youngest Age to Get Your Period? data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAKAAAAB4CAYAAAB1ovlvAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAw5JREFUeF7t181pWwEUhNFnF+MK1IjXrsJtWVu7HbsNa6VAICGb/EwYPCCOtrrci8774KG76 . Dr. Carol Dunetz, MD, gynecologist at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success says. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Can I use a tampon if my period is almost over. Explore our full line of products below and learn why U by Kotex tampons are the #1 compact tampons in the market. You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. And there's no need to go chucking out last month's leftovers, because the lifespan of a tampon is about five years. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Yes, tampons expire. A Guide to Postpartum Pads Menstrual Protection After Pregnancy. An ob-gyn breaks down when your tampons are considered past their prime and why you may want to grab a new pack. They may prescribe an antibiotic to clear any possible infection. And most of us will use the tampons weve bought well before we have to worry about them expiring. 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. If I am at the end of my cycle and want to go swimming, that is what I choose. Tampax Tampons do not expire; however, they do have a shelf life. These tampons are perfect for those medium flow days. For other inquiries, Contact Us. "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.". 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. Use our Period Calculator to figure out when your next period starts in 3 simple steps. It's best to toss the tampon and get a new one. Time to stock up on personal care items? 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. For discretion, you can wrap the tampon in toilet paper or a facial tissue and then toss. 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. Enlarge. The most responsible and respectful way to dispose of a tampon is to wrap it or place it in something and throw it in the garbage. Your email address will not be published. How long can you wear a panty liner before changing it? Heres How To Remove It. "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. Using U by Kotex Click Compact Tampon as an example, we can apply these terms. But if the tampon is obviously compromised, it could have a higher risk of harboring bacteria; that bacteria releases toxins, and when it's absorbed into the body, it can potentially lead to TSS, which can be very damaging." To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Even though its not well publicized, most tampons do have an expiration date, said Dweck. We avoid using tertiary references. This shelf life will vary between products, largely depending on the materials used to create them. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Trying to keep your tampons in tip-top shape for as long as possible? Seek emergency medical attention if you experience: TSS can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. 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. To use or not to use? 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. Regardless of the tampon you end up using, remember to always change your tampon before eight hours of use, she says. When it comes to menstrual products expiration dates, however, we probably dont need to worry too much. 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. Tampons do have a shelf life, but its likely youll use them before they pass their expiry date. And not all tampons have an expiration date printed on the box. With up to 100% leak free protection, its the #1 compact Tampon for a reason! All rights reserved. This is particularly likely if the tampons original packaging has been damaged or removed. 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. She earned a B.A. The recall affects only regular-absorbency U by Kotex Sleek tampons. 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). 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. In any of these circumstances, the tampon should be discarded. As for the dilemma of being in a bathroom stall with only one tampon with a slightly ripped wrapper? Try U by Kotex Click Tampons and see why the #1 compact tampon* is chosen by women every 1.9 seconds. NOW WATCH: People are trying face cupping as an instant face-lift, the she-quel. U by Kotex Tampons give you all the protection you need in a slim and comfortable design. In these cases, you can tell when your tampons expire by checking that date on the box. Shelf life is the time period during which a product is expected to meet our high standards for quality when stored properly. Looking to sleep in? 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. In 2020, Kotex began paying U by Kotex customers up to $6 per box purchased and up to $30. She has covered topics ranging from regenerative agriculture to celebrity entrepreneurship. ), we know this is a big one: can I sleep with a tampon in? So, if you use Tampax, theres no guesswork involved. Read our Privacy Notice,Cookie Notice and Terms and Conditions. You will pull out the plunger until it snaps into place to create the full-size applicator. 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. "Old, expired tampons may be discolored and have mold," Fraser says. Same goes with pads. 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. All rights reserved. Tampons may not truly "expire," but there is one instance in which you should definitely pick up a fresh box. Tampons often come with an applicator made of cardboard or plastic which makes inserting the tampon easier. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, youll get $100 cash. The vagina is not a sterile environment so tampons do not need to be sterile, said Dweck. The Health Benefits of Blueberries, Explained, What Are Broccoli Sprouts? As if mold isnt enough to deter you, allow us to be even more clear. Since the vagina is a self-cleaning environment containing its own complex microbiome, tampons dont need to be kept in a sterile environment. It may seem that tampons, as wads of mostly-cotton, will never go bad. If kept in the right conditions, with its wrapper on, that tampon should be perfectly good to use in a pinch. Our editors independently select these products. All rights reserved. Tampons actually have an expiration date, and using them after theyve expired can have consequences for your vagina that youd surely rather avoid. How to Insert and Remove a Tampon Correctly. Pads can also become swollen and ineffective if damp. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. If youre putting something in or around your vagina, you want to be sure its in good shape. "I would always check the expiration date on the box," pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Rachael L. Polis, D.O., says. 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.. She received her M.D. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. Dont let them roll around in your purse for weeks, which can result in their packaging becoming ripped. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. "These organisms can alter the pH of the vagina and lead to vaginal odor, discharge, and infections," Fraser says. TSS is a rare but serious infection caused by toxins (TSST-1) produced by certain strains of a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (staph)1 . This product may not be right for you. Home About Us Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for U By Kotex Cleanwear Ultra Thin Pads W/ Wings-Regular Absorbency-16ct. I'm only 13. However, the problem with tampons isn't necessarily how long ago you bought them, but how you've stored them since then. Required fields are marked *. Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW. 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. In addition to storing your tampons properly in your home, its important to keep their composition in mind when on the go, too. Grab a Free Sample View the Range Sport Tampons Clean, on the other hand, means that an object is free of more serious concentrations of dirt, mold, or bacteria. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Limit the Use of My Sensitive Information. They, too, can get moldy if exposed to wet, moist conditions. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. In related news, hardly any women know what this symbol on their make-up means and its REALLY important. This is a personal choice. The $7 million lawsuit alleged that the impacted U by Kotex tampons unravel and come apart. U by Kotex Click compact tampons have regular, super and super plus absorbency to accommodate any flow, depending where you are in your cycle. Rayon is made from purified cellulose fibers, which are typically created from wood pulp. Which is healthier to use tampons or pads? Lets be real, tampons arent cheap. Most of us who menstruate have been there. Similarly to tampons, its important to make sure that the pad is properly wrapped and moisture-free. As long as were storing our products properly and using them in a reasonable amount of time, we should be fine. 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. 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 . 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. 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. I soak the sheets, while wearing a tampon and an overnight super plus pad. And though the FDA doesnt require tampon brands to include expiration dates, many brands choose to. They should be stored in a cool dark place and kept in the original packaging, Dr. Javaid says. Its not a great idea to use a pad that has become unwrapped in your purse, or a pad that is ripped or wet. So check the expiration date, and be sure to store in a cool, dry place to optimize shelf-life. Here, Alexis May Tran Kimble, D.O. 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.. A Guide to Postpartum Pads Menstrual Protection After Pregnancy. Organic pads and organic tampons are generally made of 100% cotton or, in the case of pads, bamboo. Look for a date accompanied with "use by," "sell by," or "best by.". Wendie Trubow is a functional medicine gynecologist with almost 10 years of training in the field. 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. It may seem that tampons, as wads of mostly-cotton, will never go bad. Finally, mold may be obscured in tampons with an applicator, so look for other signs like moisture or a lack of proper packaging. 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. Most tampons have a lifetime of five years. 1. Tampax tampons display an expiry date on all boxes. 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. Change tampons as indicated on the packaging normally every four to eight hours. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. , or treatment to clear any possible infection $ 7 million lawsuit alleged that the impacted U Kotex! Wrapped and moisture-free menstrual flow and what you can do about it idea for a reason tampons! It comes to menstrual products expiration dates, however, they do a... Check the expiration date printed on the box London, SE1 9GF, which can in! Dark place and kept in the case of pads, bamboo a new one is n't how. The she-quel ripped wrapper who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness,..., as wads of mostly-cotton, will never go bad only one tampon with a and... `` expire, '' Fraser says pads can also become swollen and ineffective if damp or... '' are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited and to. 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Not all tampons have an expiration date printed on the materials used create! ; however, we know this is a self-cleaning environment containing its own complex,... From experts from anywhere in the world our products properly and using them in a sterile.... Your idea for a reason simple steps are perfect for those medium flow days `` these u by kotex tampons expiration date mysoline alter... And treated early tampon should be perfectly good to use in a bathroom stall with one! Fibers, which can result in their packaging becoming ripped tampon and an overnight super pad... 'S the Youngest Age to get your period % leak free protection, important! Reasonable amount of time, we can apply these terms does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment... `` the Sun '', `` Sun '', `` Sun Online '' are trademarks!