Tampons expire?

Everybody loves a sale. But don’t buy enough tampons at half price to last you a decade of heavy periods.

It turns out that tampons have an expiration time. Using them past their expiration can cause serious vaginal problems.

Wait, tampons expire? !

Yes, they can. While it may seem strange that a device constructed of cotton, cardboard, and plastic has an expiration date, listen to us.

Cotton, like many other materials is susceptible to becoming bacteria-laden over time. If you keep your tampons inside a bathroom with a shower, you are unwittingly creating a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

Sara Youngblood, CNP , a women’s healthcare specialist, says that bacteria thrive in moist, wet environments. You might not have considered that tampons can develop mold. But it is possible, especially if they are stored in a damp, clammy environment.

How long can tampons be used?

The shelf life of sanitary pads is about five years. However, if you store them in a moist place (like your bathroom), it’s more likely that they will mold before the expiration date.

Youngblood says that the chances of putting in a moldy tampon are low. “But it’s still worth being aware,” he adds.

How to tell if a tampon is expired

The FDA regulates tampons because they are medical devices. Although the FDA does not require that tampons include an expiration date, many brands do. You can check the expiration date of your tampons on their box in these cases.

You probably won’t even notice that a tampon is expired before you use it.

Youngblood: “A tampon with a moldy core would begin to grow on the absorbent core.” It would grow on the inner core of the tampon. You can’t see this before inserting it into your vagina.

Keep an eye on any strangeness. Unwrapping a tampon with a strange smell or that looks discolored or otherwise not clean and fresh is not advisable.

Other feminine products have a shelf life?

You want to make sure that whatever you put in your vagina or on it is in good condition. What about other period-related products?

Sanitary Pads:Pads have the same five-year expiration as tampons. If they are exposed to moist and wet conditions, they can also become moldy.
Menstrual Cups: “These rubber or silicone cups do not expire per se but should be replaced after one to two years – or sooner if they begin to tear, stretch, or otherwise deteriorate,” Youngblood recommends.
Period underwear These absorbent underwear are delicate like other undergarments so you should change them periodically. The only thing is that they don’t expire.

What happens if I use a tampon that is expired?

Your vagina can be a very sensitive area. Inserting a tampon that is moldy can cause a change in bacteria.

You may not experience any symptoms if you accidentally insert a tampon that is expired. It could cause unpleasant symptoms like:

Itchiness.
Irritation.
An increase in vaginal discharge.

Youngblood says that these symptoms usually subside after your period is over and the vagina’s pH returns to normal. But it’s best not to take the risk of introducing bacteria into your system in the first instance.

Make an appointment to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms. Tell them if you think a moldy pad is to blame.

How do you store tampons?

Want to make sure your tampons last as long as they can? Youngblood offers a few tips.

Tampons should be stored outside the bathroom. Keep your tampons somewhere cool and dry like the hall closet. Youngblood suggests that you put a few tampons in a bathroom cabinet for quick access. You don’t have to worry about them getting moldy over the week.
Note your purchase date. Grab a pen and mark the date you bought the tampons if the box does not have an expiration date. This will allow you to calculate the five-year limit.
Tampons should be kept in their original packaging. Do you ever take cotton balls out of the packaging and place them in a jar to grab on the run? You shouldn’t do this with your tampons. Youngblood says that tampons are individually wrapped for a good reason. They keep them safe, clean and hygienic.
Throw that tampon at the bottom of your bag! You should always keep a couple of tampons in your bag in case you have a leak. However, they may get left behind. You can get lip gloss on them, or crumbs, or even old pennies. These products are prone to getting dirty and slipping out of the original packaging, so they shouldn’t go in your vagina.