DO PADS OR TAMPONS EXPIRE? Unlike food products or medicines, tampons and pads aren't perishable – though they do expire, eventually – most often due to being kept in moist environments like bathrooms.
Health risk
A doctor at Tshwaragano Hospital explained that expired pads may have unhealthy ramifications because there is a risk of bacteria growing on the pad, which could produce a fungal infection. He said it can cause symptoms like itching and an increase in vaginal discharge.
They do not expire as long as they are stored in a cool dry place.
How Do You Know if Your Products are Expired? When looking for a pack of sanitary pads or tampons, remember that the manufacture date and the expiration date are generally listed. Always check the expiry date on the package. It is typically about five years from the time it is produced.
Dr McKay says there can be pretty unhealthy ramifications for using the products outside their expiry. “There is a risk of fungus and bacteria growing on the pad or tampon, and then when you're putting that inside, you could be producing a horrible fungal infection.”
In very rare cases, using sanitary products that are too old or damaged can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS); a bacterial infection that can also happen when you leave in a very absorbing tampon for too long.
The shelf life of tampons is about five years — provided they're left in the package undisturbed and not exposed to excessive moisture. Tampons are sanitary products, but they're not packaged and sealed as sterile products. This means bacteria and mold can grow if they're not stored properly.
Pads left soaking in water for more than a day will smell and can grow mold.
Infrequently changing a sanitary pad can lead to an infection and result in symptoms such as itching, swelling, and abnormal vaginal discharge. According to a 2018 study , poor sanitary pad hygiene could result in: infections of the lower reproductive tract. bacterial vaginosis.
Trapped moisture provides a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, and wearing a pad for too long can lead to an infection, including a yeast infection. A damp pad and friction can also cause irritation or the dreaded pad rash and make you more susceptible to infection.
Green vaginal discharge is often a sign that you have a vaginal infection. Common culprits are a yeast infection or vaginosis, but it is also a common symptom of STDs, like trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. You will likely have other symptoms like irritation or pain with urinating.
Makeup that hasn't been used yet but is past its labeled expiration date likely just won't work as well. It can dry out or otherwise change in consistency, color or smell, and components of the makeup can separate. If the makeup has been opened and used, though, it can harbor harmful bacteria.
Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.
Quick Read Food date labels aren't expiration dates
They actually indicate when a product has reached its peak quality or flavor. Some foods may still be safe to eat after the use-by date. It's important to check for spoilage to determine if you should consume something.
But just like disposable pads, they may leak if you leave them on too long and they become saturated. You will become familiar with just how long you can go before changing your pad. You should change your GladRags about as often as you would change disposables (every 2 to 6 hours, or as needed).
According to Eat By Date, granulated white sugar, white sugar cubes, raw sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, sugar substitute, Equal, and Sweet n Low all last indefinitely. Although their textures might change, sugar never completely expires.
When stored correctly (in a cool and dry place), eyeshadows will last at least 2 years. Always check your eyeshadows for any signs of expiration. If you notice a change in smell, texture, lack of pigmentation, or if your shadows have started to harden, it is time to throw them away.
Mascara lasts around three to six months, and shouldn't be kept around for longer. Think about it: You're putting it right near your eyes. An old tube of mascara could be an eye infection waiting to happen, so consider swapping your old tube for a new one each season to stay on the safe side.
DOES PERFUME EXPIRE? Yes, perfume and also after shave do go off. However, how long they last depend on the scent's chemical composition. Many perfumes don't have a set expiry date and can last anywhere between 1-10 years.
“Most women bleed only 60 milliliters (about three to four tablespoons) over five whole days,” says Dr. Haughton. Even if you're free-flowing into the pool for five hours, there's no way that water is going to turn into the Red Sea with the amount of blood coming out of your body.
Blood that is dark purple or blue in color generally indicates high estrogen levels. In addition to its dark color, purple or blue blood usually also contains clots and lasts longer than a week. If left untreated, high estrogen levels can lead to the development of endometriosis, fibroids, or ovarian cysts.
Slippery and Mucus-y
If your menstrual blood is slicker than usual, that's probably just because cervical mucus has mixed with the blood. This is normal and usually no reason for alarm. However, you know your body best. If anything seems unusual, make an appointment with your doctor.
No matter how light your flow is, or even if there is no flow, bacteria can build up. Changing your pad every 3 or 4 hours (more if your period is heavy) is good hygiene and helps prevent bad odors. This is especially true if you'll be playing sports or rushing around from class to class.