Using out of date sanitary towels

[Springysprang]

I have found half a packet of sanitary towels in the cupboard, with a use by date of 2019.

It wasn’t until last week that I realised they even had use by dates, as I found an article about it. Apparently you shouldn’t do so because some of the material could break down and it could be bad for your health in some way? I’d never even heard of this before.

I actually switched over to plastic-free ones a few years ago, but the ones I found were normal Bodyform ones.

Well I'd use them up if I had them, perhaps at home rather than out and about. But yes soft plastics do breakdown particularly if kept some where in bright sunlight

They have use by dates? 😮

I found some in the back of the cupboard ... just as absorbent, just not as sticky. In fact, not sticky at all after about 30 seconds. I thought first time it was a one off and got as far as the front door with the second pad before I realised it was heading for freedom.

I'd say if it was only 2019 they expired they should be fine. If it was 2001 I might be a bit dubious. Why not try one and see what happens?

Bad for your health how?

I can see they might not work/adhere quite as well, but I don't understand the health concern.

Unless they are dust how on earth could they effect your health?

All those disposable ones are really bad for you in general, and the environment. I switched to reusables years ago and would never go back. I don't even get period pains any more.

they have use by dates?

I had no idea they had use by dates, I wouldn’t have even checked!

I only found out tampons had a used by date when I queried why there were some in the reduced section in the supermarket! I keep spares in handbags that might not get used for years, and I'm not sure how I'd know how long I'd had them.

Disposable pads are bad for you? What nonsense.

Mooncups were bad for me as they were extremely uncomfortable and unreliable and also hurt me in the wallet.

I think she might have meant that plastic disposable ones are bad for you. A few years ago I switched over to plastic-free disposables that are made of organic bamboo. They’re actually biodegradable, including the packaging. Ever since then I’ve had far fewer menstrual cramps and have also stopped getting sore skin that I used to get.

Wouldn’t hesitate. Use by dates wouldn’t occur to me

I'd just use them. They may not be as sticky as before but who cares.

Ah ok. I don't think I've ever seen plastic sanitary pads.

All mainstream brands like Always and Bodyform etc are all made with plastic.

Ok. Well, something else I'm not going to worry about I'm afraid as I have no problem with them.