Is this news to other people, too? I feel like this is quite important information, because who knows how long some of the tampons in my cupboard have been there. I like to stock up in batches, okay? We spoke to Affi Parvizi-Wayne, founder of organic tampon company Freda , to get the lowdown on why TF non-edible things but things you do indeed put inside your body have a sell-by date and we never knew. As Affi explained, "the lifespan of all tampons are said to be 5 years" and she advised that women shouldn't use tampons after this length of time, even if they don't look any different to freshly-bought ones.
Tampons will likely only be visibly mouldy if the seal has been broken and bacteria enters the packaging, however, which is actually nothing to do with the expiry date. If this has happened, Affi explains you might notice "discolouration, a smell and mouldy patches".
You may never have spotted it before, but Tampax tampons - one of the most widely distributed synthetic brands in this country - do display an expiry date on their outer packaging.
One on side of the box you will find two dates - one is the date of the tampons' production, and the other is the month and year they'll expire. As you can see below, this particular pack is practically fresh off the factory belt. This naturally acidic microbiome is generally all you need to protect your vagina from infection. Non-organic pads, like tampons, are made of a mix of cotton and synthetics. All of these materials can potentially become moldy or grow bacteria in the wrong environments.
Pads can also become swollen and ineffective if damp. Not all menstrual pad packaging contains expiration dates. Those that do, however, often recommend an expiration or use-by date of three years from manufacture. Similarly, if you see discoloration or mold on your menstrual pad, switch it out for a fresh one.
As for the dilemma of being in a bathroom stall with only one tampon with a slightly ripped wrapper? From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. Your email address will not be published. We take your words seriously.
If the wrapper seems to be slightly torn, but the tampon and applicator is still protected, that may still be good. Finally, keep in mind that mold may be obscured in tampons with an applicator, so look for other tell-tale signs of an expired tampon like moisture or a lack of proper packaging. A really funky smell would also, of course, be a sign that this tampon should stay very far away from your vagina. What are the side effects of using an expired tampon, you ask?
Your vagina has a very natural, delicately balanced microbiome, meaning that there is plenty of yeast and good bacteria. This naturally acidic microbiome is generally all you need to protect your vagina from infection. In fact, most studies or theories suggest that the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome is absorbency. People with vaginas are pretty comfortable with what their odor and secretions are usually like, so if something is amiss or suddenly changes, they are normally aware of it.
If you do happen to notice a strange odor, a stinging or burning sensation, or a strange discharge, those are potential signs of infection - and definite signs that it is time to go check in with your doctor! Believe it or not, but highly absorbent viscose rayon is one of four synthetic ingredients that is commonly associated with the increased likelihood of Toxic Shock Syndrome. While the other three ingredients -- carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylate rayon, and polyester -- have been taken off the market, rayon still exists in many popular tampon brands today.
This incredibly dangerous chemical is a result of chlorine processing. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there is no safe level of exposure to dioxin. In addition, it has also been linked to hormone disruption and can greatly affect your immune system in a negative way.
Whatever you do, stay far away from dioxin and reach for organic cotton tampons , like the ones found right here at Rael. Whenever you can, always stick with organic cotton since non-organic cotton tampons are likely to be genetically modified.
Fragrance is essentially a chemical cocktail. Chlorine is used during the bleaching processes and does produce small amounts of dioxins in the process. While the FDA maintains that there are only small trace amounts of dioxin, when you look at this from a cumulative angle, there is most definitely cause for concern.
BPA is a hormone-disrupting chemical that comes from producing plastic, and it has been linked to -- you guessed it -- cancer. Tampons are made of cotton, and cotton is susceptible to bacteria and mold. This means that if you store your tampons in a warm and wet place, chances are they will absorb harmful bacteria and become moldy -- and no one wants to put a moldy tampon in their vagina!
Toxic ingredients like rayon, BPA, and dioxin are commonly found in conventional tampons, but the truth is that you should avoid them at all costs.
The next time you are shopping for tampons, stick with organic cotton tampons that are made without the use of any harsh ingredients, like the ones found at Rael.
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