To better understand what that means, women’s health experts break down everything there is to know about tampon storage and shelf life. If a tampon is not in its original packaging or if the wrapper has been damaged, Polis says to discard it, as dust or bacteria may have collected on it. Other factors she recommends looking out for include: color change, extra-fluff sticking out from the tampon, or a bad odor. In any of these circumstances, the tampon should be discarded. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s important to reach out to a physician or a gynecologist to be evaluated. There’s a lot of moisture in the bathroom, Polis explains, which means tampons will be more likely to accumulate bacteria or mold. To prevent moisture from seeping into the cotton tampons, Cabeca suggests keeping a dehumidifier in the bathroom. More effectively, both experts recommend storing tampon boxes in a cool, dry room—such as a hallway closet or the bedroom. Oh and next time you buy a new box, keep the receipt and follow these steps to protest the Tampon Tax.
