Because periods aren’t hard enough.
Following reports that U by Kotex tampons were “unraveling” within some of its users, parent company Kimberly Clark issued a voluntary recall of the product, according to a press release, which read, in part:
Kimberly-Clark has received reports from consumers of the U by Kotex® Sleek® Tampons, Regular Absorbency, unraveling and/or coming apart upon removal, and in some cases causing users to seek medical attention to remove tampon pieces left in the body. There also have been a small number of reports of infections, vaginal irritation, localized vaginal injury, and other symptoms.
Yikes. Sounds scarily like the makings of Toxic Shock Syndrome. (Not to be confused with toxic masculinity, which we’ve given far more attention to on this site.)
But back to the seriousness of this issue: The recall is limited to specific lots of Regular Absorbency U by Kotex Sleek Tampons, produced between October of 2016 and 2018 and sold throughout the United States and Canada, according to CBS News. Buyers of this brand and type can identify affected product by looking at the lot number on the bottom of the packaging. A full list of recall numbers has been provided along with the announcement, as well as a Medical Device Recall checker.
Users of affected lots are advised to cease using the product immediately and contact Kimberly Clark’s Consumer Service Team. Additional symptoms might include hot flashes, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting following use of the product. If any of the above symptoms have occurred, users are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Again, this is not a drill: If you or someone you know might be experiencing any symptoms associated with this product, please do not hesitate to take action, for the sake of your health.
No, seriously.