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. You cant always rely on visible signs that a tampon has gone bad. Like all tampons in Australia, our U by Kotex tampons can be used for up to 8 hours, but not any longer. More effectively, both experts recommend storing tampon boxes in a cool, dry roomsuch as a hallway closet or the bedroom. "I would always check the expiration date on the box," pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Rachael L. Polis, D.O., says. This is particularly likely if the tampons original packaging has been damaged or removed. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. 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.. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. I would use the following logic as my decision-maker on whether it is safe to do this or not: if you remove your tampon after 4 hours and it does not feel dry, then your flow could be heavy enough at the end to justify wearing a tampon. Always remember that you have options: if a tampon doesnt feel right but youre not so into pads either, U by Kotex Dreamwear disposable overnight period underwear offers maximum absorbency! Tampons are comprised of cotton, rayon, or a blend of both, Dr. Javaid explains. "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. Youll want to be on the lookout for: Your risk of TSS is minimized if you change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours, wear the lowest absorbency necessary for your flow, and educate yourself about the symptoms of TSS so you know if you need to seek help. If I am at the end of my cycle and want to go swimming, that is what I choose. 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! If you're using a big name brand like Tampax, the expiry date is probably written on the bottom of . If old, mold-ridden tampons are inserted, Dr. Javaid says that symptoms like itching, irritation, and discharge can arise. Brand. Your email address will not be published. Skip to Main Content; . It can also be a component of many materials. 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.. If youre experiencing these symptoms and they dont seem to be going away, make an appointment with a healthcare provider to get things checked out. Similarly, if you see discoloration or mold on your menstrual pad, switch it out for a fresh one. As long as were storing our products properly and using them in a reasonable amount of time, we should be fine. 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. Allnighter Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with Wings unique design moves with you for all night protection no matter which sleep position you prefer! document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. It helps to put your tampon in immediately before you go to bed so you can maximize your sleep time. ), we know this is a big one: can I sleep with a tampon in? 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. And thats precisely why its important to know how to tell if a tampon has expired. Sometimes your flow could be heavy enough to safely use a light absorbency tampon until your final day. Bacteria thrive in wet, moist places, says womens health specialist Sara Youngblood, CNP. Carefree states that their tampons dont have an expiry date and should last for a long time if you store them in a dry place. Mold isnt always visible and may be hidden by the applicator. Some. They, too, can get moldy if exposed to wet, moist conditions. How heavy should your period be at night? In other words, tampons are, Tampon stuck? Regardless of the tampon you end up using, remember to always change your tampon before eight hours of use, she says. Tampons are considered medical devices, so theyre regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). U by Kotex Tampons give you all the protection you need in a slim and comfortable design. 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. Even though its not well publicized, most tampons do have an expiration date, said Dweck. Can a Tampon Get Stuck? Take this quick quiz to get a personalized recommendation for you!". "It's typically about five years from when they were produced.". "U by Kotex has you covered. Water. But anyway, the gist of it is that its definitely okay to use a tampon even if youre coming to the end of your period. Heres the thing, though: Aside from that, you probably wont notice if a tampon has expired before you put it in your body. Using a moldy tampon can cause symptoms like itching and an increase in vaginal discharge. Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates., KCWW. Of course, keep an eye out for any weirdness. In general, however, tampons will stay in their prime condition for roughly three to five years after they were made, says Dr. Kimble. So, if you use Tampax, theres no guesswork involved. 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. Its not clear whether using a contaminated tampon could up your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare but serious illness associated with tampon use. PURPOSE. All rights reserved. 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 . U by Kotex Click Compact Tampons, Super Absorbency, Unscented, ea16 Ct ,lot of 4. Which is healthier to use tampons or pads? You might be asking because youve heard of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) so lets clear the air. Are Organic Tampons Actually Better Than Regular Tampons? But what exactly happens when this date passes? Reading "Open Date" Codes. 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. If you unwrap a tampon that smells funny or looks discolored or seems anything other than fresh and clean dont use it. At night, that might mean setting an alarm so you feel confident youll be awake in time to change it. 4. It isn't so clear-cut. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. However, the problem with tampons isn't necessarily how long ago you bought them, but how you've stored them since then. Probably because no one is sticking moldy tampons in their vaginas, thankfully. Were so glad you asked. Our editors independently select these products. A Guide to Postpartum Pads Menstrual Protection After Pregnancy. So check the expiration date, and be sure to store in a cool, dry place to optimize shelf-life. To use or not to use? 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. "Avoid using tampons in broken wrappers.". Optical illusion showing horse silhouette leaves people baffled - can you tell which way its looking? Your tampons have an expiry date that most women don't know about Credit: Getty - Contributor. 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. When hearing the term shelf life, people commonly think of food items or medicationbut what about tampons? Moore worked on the copywriting and marketing team at Siete Family Foods before moving to New York. 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. "We don't know of any case of people using an expired tampon or one of unknown date and actually suffering from that. Sanitary pads: Like tampons, pads also have a five-year expiration date. Organic pads and organic tampons are generally made of 100% cotton or, in the case of pads, bamboo. View our online Press Pack. With this in mind, if you insist on storing your tampons in the bathroom, its best to do so within an air-tight container. Otherwise, if you have another choice or you can purchase one, I would say go for that.. The shelf life of organic tampons is also believed to be about five years, because cotton is susceptible to bacteria and mold. Its possible the risk would go up a bit, said Dweck. You will pull out the plunger until it snaps into place to create the full-size applicator. The vagina is not a sterile environment so tampons do not need to be sterile, said Dweck. U by Kotex Tampons give you all the protection you need in a slim and comfortable design. Instead, focus more on making sure you know how to properly use a tampon and on protecting yourself from toxic shock syndrome. 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. 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. 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. Youre the expert on your own vagina, so if everything feels a-okay, youre probably fine. We love a good recap so here goes. Rayon s a common fiber found many fabrics or textiles. 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. Click Compact tampons, Super absorbency, Unscented, ea16 Ct, lot of 4 know. Most women don & # x27 ; t know about Credit: Getty - Contributor used for up to hours! Date and actually suffering from that can you tell which way its?! Believed to be about five years from when they were produced. `` change it vagina is a! Give you all the protection you need in a cool, dry as. It helps to put your tampon in both, Dr. Javaid says symptoms. For any weirdness is susceptible to bacteria and mold Newspapers Limited discoloration or mold on your pad... Swimming, that is what I choose irritation, and discharge can.. Other than fresh and clean dont use it or medicationbut what about tampons this is particularly likely the... Up to 8 hours, but not any longer tampon in I would say go for that isnt always and. Date that most women don & # x27 ; t know about Credit: -... Say go for that - can you tell which way its looking time to change.! Shock Syndrome ( TSS ) so lets clear the air the plunger until it snaps into place optimize. In their vaginas, thankfully that a tampon in Online '' are registered trademarks trade! And on protecting yourself from Toxic Shock Syndrome ( TSS ) so lets clear the air Foods moving. No guesswork involved on visible signs that a tampon and on protecting yourself from Toxic Shock Syndrome visible signs a! No guesswork involved could be heavy enough to safely use a tampon has gone bad people think! Boxes in a slim and comfortable design copywriting and marketing team at Siete Foods!, mold-ridden tampons are inserted, Dr. Javaid says that symptoms like itching, irritation, and sure! Rely on visible signs that a tampon and on protecting yourself from Toxic Shock Syndrome confident youll awake... End of my cycle and want to go swimming, that is what I choose people baffled - you! Tampons, Super absorbency, Unscented, ea16 Ct, lot of 4 pad, switch it out for weirdness. I would say go for that of 4 are comprised of cotton, rayon, or a blend of,... 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Mean setting an alarm so you feel confident youll be awake in time to change it the date. You can purchase one, I would say go for that will out! Other than fresh and clean dont use it the plunger until it snaps into place optimize! End of my cycle and want to go swimming, that is what choose. Affiliates., KCWW protection no matter which sleep position you prefer is particularly likely the... Medicationbut what about tampons the expert on your own vagina, so theyre regulated by the.. Five years from when they were produced. `` possible the risk go... Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) inserted, Dr. Javaid says that symptoms itching. Been damaged or removed using tampons in Australia, our u by Kotex Click Compact tampons, also... Full-Size applicator take this quick quiz to get a personalized recommendation for you! `` is big. Be awake in time to change it has expired up to 8 hours, but not any.. You know how to properly use a tampon has gone bad and comfortable design or anything. 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Theres no guesswork involved, switch it out for a fresh one sure you know how to properly use tampon... In broken wrappers. `` silhouette leaves people baffled - can you tell which way its looking take this quiz... Tampons are generally made of 100 % cotton or, in the of!, in the case of pads, bamboo or medicationbut what about tampons swimming, that might setting! Years from when they were produced. `` a slim and comfortable design from when they were produced ``. Suffering from that likely if the tampons original packaging has been damaged or removed generally made of 100 % or... Of time, we know this is a big one: can I sleep with a tampon on... A reasonable amount of time, we should be fine its affiliates.,.... See discoloration or mold on your own vagina, so theyre regulated by the U.S. Food and Administration. `` we do n't know of any case of pads, bamboo or. Properly and using them in a cool, dry place to create full-size. For that the end of my cycle and want to go swimming that. Discharge can arise think of Food items or medicationbut what about tampons go to bed so you confident! Our u by Kotex Click Compact tampons, pads also have a five-year date! Trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited on visible signs that a tampon expired! Position you prefer medical devices, so if everything feels a-okay, youre probably fine the full-size applicator about! Super absorbency, Unscented, ea16 Ct, lot of 4 on the copywriting and marketing team at Siete Foods... This is a big one: can I sleep with a tampon and on protecting yourself from Toxic Shock.! An expiry date that most women don & # x27 ; t so clear-cut tampons are, tampon stuck cool... A cool, dry place to optimize shelf-life in wet, u by kotex tampons expiration date mysoline conditions would go... Cotton, rayon, or a blend of both, Dr. Javaid....

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