We Asked A Doctor If Tampons Expire And Her Answer Kind Of Blew Our Minds

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If mold does infiltrate a tampon and you unwittingly insert it (the mold would be dark black, blue, or green, but you might not see it if the tampon is hidden by the applicator), don’t freak out too much. “You might notice itching and irritation, or increased discharge because the vagina is trying to maintain its natural pH,” says Dweck. Bacterial interlopers can similarly disrupt the natural bacterial balance in your vagina and can even cause infection, but you probably don’t need a course of antibiotics to treat it unless the symptoms worsen after you’ve removed the offending out-of-date tampon, says Dweck. If that happens, book a visit with your gynecologist.

What you should—and shouldn’t—be doing to keep your lady parts in good shape:

Related: ?What Your Period Blood Consistency Means About Your Health

Common sense rules here. Since expiry dates are marked on every tampon box, “read labels just like you would for salad or juice,” says Dweck. If you reach for a tampon and notice it’s outlived its shelf-life, it’s safe to use it while you run to the store for a new box. As for that emergency tampon in the bottom of your bag (because who knows how long it’s been in there?): Worry less about age and more about the integrity of the wrapper and applicator. If a stray pen or hair clip has torn the protective covering, the tampon can be exposed to dust, ink, makeup, and other infection-causing bacteria that can irritate your nethers, says Dweck.