Tampons – Regular Vs Applicator
In the past few weeks I have had Mr Smaggle on a strict regime of watching strategic episodes of Sex and the City to prepare him for our movie date next week. Strategic because we don’t have time to watch the full series so we are watching 2 episodes per disk so he gets a general idea of the history. He quite likes HBO programs and is enjoying the show. He even understands most of what they are talking about. So high is his tolerance for the girly chat that he has endured talk of vibrators, anal sex and funky tasting spunk without so much as a blush forming on his pretty little cheeks. However he was totally horrified by one particular scene that we watched the other day. It’s the episode where Samantha and Carrie try to get into an exclusive restaurant and the door bitch is being a total cow and won’t let them in. Finally towards the end of the episode the door bitch has to ask Carrie if she can borrow a tampon. Carrie is delighted to help, they bond in the ladies bathroom and Carrie and Samantha are escorted to the best table in the restaurant mere seconds later as pay back for the miracle tampon. The scene that had Mr Smaggle freaking out was when Carrie hands over the tampon. I believe the exact phrase was ‘What the f*ck is that?’. This is what he saw…
The poor sheltered boy had never seen an applicator tampon before and was clearly traumatised by teeny tiny Carrie dishing out tyrannosaurus-sized tampons. He obviously knows what a tampon is and knows what they are used for. ‘They’re like a plug right?’ he asked when we first started dating. He wasn’t raised around adolescent girls so the details were never fully explained to him. I replied that yes tampons were like a plug only more absorbent. I also explained (quite unnecessarily) that once the ‘plug’ is removed it’s not like a sink – there’s no gurgling or gushing. Um… apparently that was assumed knowledge. Anyway after I explained to him that the super thick, paper covered, straw-like object was actually a tampon he asked ‘A tampon for giants??? Why is it so big?’ I replied that it’s because American tampons are weird. I’m sorry ladies I know you love them over there in the old U.S of A but seriously, I fail to see why they are so popular.
Australian Dolly magazine went through this phase of pimping applicator tampons in the mid-90’s. All you had to do was write to them and they would send you a sample pack of applicator tampons in a purple flowered make up case. Hell, I love free shit so I thought I would give them a go. Big mistake. For a start I couldn’t get the bloody thing in the right spot. It’s like getting someone else to put your glasses on for you. It’s uncomfortable and bizarre and you always have to re-adjust them yourself. But that wasn’t the worst of it. The fateful day I decided to road test my new tampons was a school day in year 8 while I was wearing the St Clares’ junior uniform of a pale blue and white striped ‘nurses’ dress. I was too inexperienced to have learned the act of the ‘flick and sit’ where if a girl has her period she flicks up the back of her skirt so she isn’t sitting on it, thereby avoiding any accidents. Without prior knowledge of this little trick and using the most ineffective tampons in the worId I proceeded to have a rather massacre like ‘leak’ during computer class. I then had to get a note from the principal saying that I was allowed to have my jumper tied around my waist for the rest of the day. Which everyone knew was a major breach of the school rules and the general assumption was that I had either leaked my period, wet my pants or had diarrhoea and none of these options helped the floundering popularity of a slightly geeky 14 year old Lady Smaggle. Little Lady Smaggle then had to catch the bus home. With boys. So after that humiliating experience I have a serious vendetta against the applicator tampon. The unnecessary packaging annoys me. They take up too much room in tiny clutch bags. And they bend in the bottom of my handbag and get all out of shape. And they may have caused some serious psychological development problems that I am sure will surface in a future therapy session.
I understand why they exist. For those religious ladies who believe that touching their privates with anything less than a 10 foot pole will send them blind. I totally get that. For those ladies who have serious hygiene issues. Fine. Use your applicator tampons and live in discomfort but for those of us non-OCD ridden heathens what’s the point?
Can my American readers shed some light on this mystery? What’s so great about the applicator tampon? And do most American women use them? Or are they just over represented in the media?
Does anyone have a hideous tampon story to share? Applicator tampon hate mail would certainly be favoured.
Come on… I’m sick at home and watching Sex and the City… I need a good old gossip!
Love Lady Smaggle
xxx
i have never tried applicator tampons as they just freak me the f**k out.. and regular ones i only used once! Here is my horror story!
I have super dooper sensitive skin & get an allergy rash as the drop of a hat… because of this there is only one brand of pad i can use.. i was 16 and invited to a pool party.. EVERYONE WAS GOING so off i hop to the shops to get some tampons (same brand as my pads thinking no harm would come) i got home and decided to give them a roadtest before the party. Whats worse then a really bad allergy rash?? A REALLY bad allergy rash in a place that is impossible to itch that you cant itch as its “that time”
So i had to miss to party and stay home from school a couple days as i was WAY to uncomfortable to leave the house :’(
Thats my horror story and why i am from now on sticking to what i know!!
xo
I am 100% backing you on the crap-ness of the applicator ones. I too was taken in by Dolly’s free trials of them and found that every time I tried to use them it just didn’t happen. If you want something done right, do it your damn self I say!!
I don’t really have any horror stories for me, but friends of mine once saw a really drunk lady in a pub in a white dress who had “had a little accident”. No one out of them said anything to her, but I think when someone else finally did, she was either too drunk to care or understand….so if she figured it out the next day, that would most likely have been quite embarrasing for her…
ah yes, the ye olde applicator tampax.
seeing as i am 32 now and have had my period since age 11…that’s 21 years. wow.
anyway!
i never thought of them as being somehow modest, in that one doesn’t touch one’s vaj when using them, i guess the applicator helps to get it where it’s got to go? yes, i know a finger would be just as successful. i don’t find their use uncomfortable. maybe it’s my years o’ practice??
as for the non-applicator type, the brands i have tried don’t work for me, frankly. they don’t seem as *absorbent* and remind me of bullets for some reason.
i guess it’s sort of what you get used to? maybe it’s a cultural thing? that type is the most widely available kind here in the states.
to be honest, it’s not something i took the time to ponder in any sort of detail until you brought it up, my dearest smaggle.
I have never used one in my life and I never will. I’m thinking this is definitely a cultural thing. Us Aussies are like, “just stick yer finger up yer clacker, and you’ll be right”.
I was a bridesmaid for my sister’s wedding about 2 years ago… I wore a silver satin dress, looked so good, was feeling like the shiznet.
I don’t know how long it had been there, but my sister, the bride, had to inform me of the biggest red spot on my arse…
Ok I am American and I never thought about this. I think it is truly what you get use to. For me the applicator tampon slides in quickly, and is easier to move around for comfort. And both types of tampons can be purchased in the US so I just saw it as “to each her own”?
So now my question, is it really American women who use the applicator type more than women from other countries? Here in Japan they use the applicator too, so again, the question never came to mind.
Urg, I’m afraid I’m in the hating-of-applicators camp. I too find them almost impossible to get in the right spot, and I’m a diaphragm user, so I get even more practice at positioning things ‘up there’ than most!
What I wonder is why Dolly was so keen to push them on we youngsters? Was there a shortage of tampon users and they thought these might bring us over? Do they cost more? Hmmmmm…
I have never used non-applicator ones. Not that I’m against them, the applicator ones have never done me any harm. The first time I had my period I wore a khaki skirt the second day with an applicator one and nothing happened. I don’t have a tampon horror story, so maybe that’s why I’ve just never tried the “finger friendly” version.
As a New Yorker, I’ll be honest and say I had no idea that the rest of the world was full of non-applicator preferring gals.
In the drugstores here there is maybe 1 brand of non-applicator kind that was advertised heavily in the 80s but I think fell out of favor after that. 90% of our feminine hygeine aisles are devoted to applicators made of plastic/biodegradable cardboard/and everything in between (even ones you assemble yourself so as to make the packaging smaller).
Perhaps as the US finally starts to catch up to the rest of the world in the environmentally friendly department, more options will be offered here. But I think most of us use them, because that’s all we’ve got!
I have only used a non-applicator one once. It was about a year ago and a dire emergency, so I asked the other woman in the ladies’ room if she had a tampon. She gave me one without an applicator and I didn’t even know what it was. I never knew they made them without applicators.
I didn’t have a traumatic experience, but I can say I haven’t used a non-applicator since…I think it is definitely what you get used to (probably what your mom uses, really.)
I have used the applicator ones once (I’m Dutch btw; I don’t think they sell applicator tampons here, but can’t really say for sure – I’ve switched over to using a mooncup a few years ago, so haven’t had to buy anything since) when they were all I could get, in (I think) Mexico.
In the end, I had to pry the actual tampon out of the applicator in order to get it in the right place.
OMG I was in such a strop in the states, there’s like *one* brand of non-applicator tampons and they suck mighty eggs. Also I think their labelling is different because it seems like ‘regular’ is actually mini and ’super’ is regular (adhering to the ‘everything’s bigger in texas’ rule). But holy moly they sucked. I think the big issue is that Tampax have pretty much cornered the market (or that was how it seemed when I looked at the 5 bajillion varieties of Tampax and the one type of non-applicator tampons in the chemist) and there is very little brand choice as a result. Here there’s about 20 different varieties of tampons so you can pick one that works for your body (per example; I like Cottons which work well for me and give me warm ‘I’m not going to get cervical cancer from rayon flakes in my vajay’ feelings, while carefree really don’t work at all for me, tending towards leakage). So I suppose if you spent 10 years buying different types of appilcator tampons you’d probably find one that worked for you, too.
As an Australian lass I’ve always used the non-applicator kind. I never saw the point of the applicator. It’s akward, it creates excess waste and it’s just as easy to stick your finger up there and do the job.
I remember going to a gig a few years back and there was an American girl in the toilet who’d gotten her period and was asking if anyone had a tampon. Of course we all only had what we see as “normal” tampons and she was absolutely disgusted. She didn’t have much choice and used it anyway but afterwards came out and said “I deserve a medal for having to do that”. I don’y know, for some reason that always stuck with me and when I think of applicators.
I used my first applicator recently when a lass my housemate had shagged left a pretty little purse full of them at our place. I thought, what the heck and gave it a go. OH MY GOD! Talk about uncomfortable, they just swell up all weird, and I couldn’t get it in place properly. I ended up having to take the tampon out and use it like a normal one but they don’t seem like they’re built for that and it got all soft and bent out of shape. It felt like I’d just grabbed a wad of cotton balls and tried to fashion my own tampon out of them and stick it in my vajayjay.
Well anyway, there’s my rant.
I’m an Aussie girl and have only used the non applicator kind all my life, at least that was until I moved to Japan where like the USA they only have the applicator type. I was out sight seeing with my American friend, when I got that feeling that I would need a tampon soon. Well I didn’t have any, so we found a chemist, and as at that time we spoke no Japanese we gestured wildly and pointed at things in our phrase book until we got the packet of tampons. We found the nearest public toilet, which only had the dreaded “traditional toilet” which is a squatting style toilet and really gross. I opened up the pack and saw the HUGEST tampon ever, I screamed for my USA friend to come and have a look and she was like “yeah that’s a tampon”…I then stood over the squat style loo, trying not to fall in and tried to use the thing but ended up just taking it out of the applicator and putting it up there myself, which is what I ended up doing for the rest of my year in Japan. I never worked out how to do it so I was comfortable. I’m defiantly a non applicator girl.
Such a funny post – what a brave girl you are to raise this taboo subject!
I will second the American girls – when we lived in the States, I could only ever find the applicator version. Very weird!
Cupcake – Oh my god! That is a horror story! How terrible for you. Well at least now you knoe you won’t ever get toxic shock right?
Mrs Munk – Ew. I’m not sure I’d actually be able to tell someone that. Even someone I knew. And I must have wrote to Dolly a million times I got so many tampons its ridiculous. I didn’t even like them.
Tricia – How funny! Applicator tampons are a little prudish here in Australia but obviously they are normal as in America. Glad to be of assistance is raising obscure arguments!
Ivy – stick your finger up your clacker! You crack me up! And at your sister’s wedding? That’s way worse than year 8 shcool uniform!
ShowA59 – I would love to know what people use in other countries. We already got a Japan response. It’s seems applicators are the go over there. I wonder if Australia is on it’s own down here in their love of the good old fashioned tampon?
Emma – Totally! It was Tampax town when I was 14. They obviously wanted to saturate the marked like they did in America. Nice try Tampax!
Nicole – Where do you live? I’m beginning to think it’s a country wide thing.
Jen – 90% of them Tampax? That might be the issue. It’s one company controlling the market and they are forcing your to use applicators. How many different brands are there? It’s interesting because I know heaps of Aussies (many who have commented here) and they all HATE applicators so it fascinated me that Americans use them all the time. I guess because you are sort of forced to hey?
Natasha – It’s all about what your mum uses. I was a Meds girl for years.
Bummble – Okay Mama Smaggle wants to know. What’s a moon cup? It’s nice to know the Netherlands are on our side!
Na – Stupid applicator tampons. Us Aussies know what we’re doing.
Angry Face – Deserves a medal? Riiiight.
Hayley – Wow Japan uses applicator tampons? It makes you wonder if they always did you whether America jumped in on the market. I think they are trying to take over the world with their evil tampons.
Gervy – Oh it’s not taboo! We all think about it! Besides it was Mr Smaggle’s fault. He is the one freaking out over killer American tampons.
As an American living in Aus I’ll just say this. Non-applicator is WAY better.
However, there is little choice in the US where this style of tampon is concerned. There are only like 2 brands that do them (at least as of 3 years ago), and neither can hold a candle to the ones here.
A mooncup (http://www.mooncup.co.uk/) is a menstrual cup, like the old Keeper or the Diva Cup.
Probably NOT for the applicator-users; it takes a bit of practice, but it works SO well for me.
It even takes away most of the cramps, especially when I put it in before the actual period starts (which, unlike with tampons, is no problem at all).
After using applicators from a tender age (less, um confronting . . ?), I was in Oz (from NZ) when I needed to restock. All I could find were regular tampons. I could not believe the SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE! No leaks, no annoying uncomfortableness, a breeze to get in – OK, sure, more ‘confronting’ and a somewhat messier moment, but oh baby! I am a convert. They also take up way less room in the pocket/purse/sleeve cuff.
[...] I have been writing my Betty & Veronica post for awhile but Lady Smaggle is a quick cat and beat me to it and did it better too! If you don’t read her blog – you are CRAZY! Her posts are so thoughtful, long (which I love) and she has a great sense of humour. [...]
Well, here is someone reporting from Europe: only normal tampons here, I’ve never heard of applicators till I read this post…
Applicators sound terribly unecological to me. And also prudish… what’s wrong with using your fingers ? Do we need special tools for everything ?
I have always used applicator tampons, the ones without are just so hard to get in, i don’t know how you’re meant to get them in high enough just using your fingers.
:S
I’m from the U.K. and have always used plastic applicator tampons. They’re more widely available than other alternatives. I was given self applicator ones as a freebie and thought what the hell. Why would someone want to put their fingers their at that time of the month?! However I saw the softcup on a website and would love to use one of those but unfortunately are not sold or shipped out to the UK.
I am from the US and lived in Sydney for a while. There are a myriad of applicators and types of tampons in the applicators, and sizes, not just Tampax.
I think until relatively recently most applicator tampons “worked” (or didn’t work for some of you) by just getting longer. Now they have ones that work similarly to non-applicator tampons that “bloom” (like a flower).
Personally, I like applicator tampons, but not Tampax. A smooth, round tip applicator can be positioned, and then just popped in. No muss, no fuss. I don’t think Americans use applicators because they’re prudish, I just think it’s more a messy hand issue.
While living in Oz, I had a family member send me a huge box of plastic applicator tampons. I converted my flatmates as well. Neither of the two were fans of tampons previously, but that particular brand of plastic applicators (though horrible for the environment) made things a lot easier. When I returned to the US, I sent them a care package with tampons because they didn’t sell that brand in Australia.
I think certain types of applicator tampons make things easier, especially when you’re younger. But I think between regular tampons, and tampax, regular wins hands down. Tampax are flat and blunt and abrasive, if that’s the only encounter you’ve had with an applicator, I understand why you hate them.
OK so, being an Aussie girl myself and thinking how cumbersome and unnecessary applicator tampons are, you can imagine my shock when I moved to the UK only to find ONE semi-decent brand of normal tampons available. They are pants (English word for craptastic). Anyway, during a desperate time, at that time of the month, I bought a box of Tampax Compack applicator tampons and they ROCK. They are only slightly longer than the normal style of tampon and the plastic applicator slides out and kind of acts like a syringe/plunger thing. Anyway, it sounds gross, but it is so easy and fuss-free to use them. I was totally convinced when I got my period at a 4 day music festival. We ladies have to be careful about hygiene and TSS etc, so in a portaloo at a music festival where hand washing facilities are not as good as at home, applicator tampons saved the day (well, those and anti-bacterial hand gel).
I have never been a fan of Tampons (the whole Toxic Shock thing freaked me out) but when I had to use them I hated Tampax because, like everyone has been saying, they were terribly uncomfortable. The only brand I could use in any kind of comfort was Playtex. Since I hate tampons and pads I have since converted to a menstration cup (I use a Diva Cup) and love it. It’s way less wastefull and I don’t have to continuely buy products. I empty/clean it in the shower in the mornings and evenings and I never have to think about it during the day or night. It took some getting used to in the begining but I wouldn’t go back to tampons/pads if you paid me
Sorry, I forgot to mention that I’m Canadian and I had never heard of non-applicator tampons before, and I’ve never seen them sold at stores before. Maybe I should take a good look at the feminine hygiene aisle next time I’m at the drugstore and see if I can find any
I’d agree with charmer. I’d love to be able to use normal non-applicator tampons (eco-friendly, compact etc), but I don’t know how to position them. It isn’t about modesty either. Just positioning.
I use Playtex, but only on heavy days, and usually with pads. >_> Am I weird?
well.
All i can say is each to their own, everyone obviosly has differen ahh.. well you know so different products work for you.
Myself im an aussie girl. Always use tampons as i find the other messy, and dirty. and quite gross to sick in your own mess!!!
Anyway, seeing as applicator tampons are not available, well ive never seen any n australia i was quite shocked when i came to the Uk last year.
The first time i used the applicator i thought either id dropped the thing or it wasnt in right, cos for once i didnt feel the discomfort i use to feel.
I have alwasy struggled to get the things in and had always had to use some kind of lubricant to get them to slide in, i have no idea how other woman get them in easily. maybe they have a bigger vagina than me. who knows.
the point is im moving to aus next year, well moving back and am stocking up over here as i will miss the applicators. they are just soo quick, easy comfortable and have the exact same absorbency as other tampons, sounds like some of you have left the applicator inside for you to leak like that. doesnt sound right at all. lol. i had never experienced this and i want to introduce these applicators into aus.
i think its rediculous we dont have them, they are clean easy, and so quick. and they dont hurt. i hated using tampons before cos it always hurt shoving this thing inside. it certainly didnt glide in like the applicators do. it seems its just australia that doesnt use them, if the US and the Uk and Japan all use them there must be a reason for it hey!!!!!
i’ve never used an applicator. do u throw that part away every time? WHAT A WASTE. ugh that makes me sad actually. I never use tampons anyway but certainly don’t think I need a ‘guide’ of any sort!
Well, I have used both. I grew up in Europe and the only tampon available there was the non-applicator one. Since then I moved to the States and I now have lived there for 18 years. I have bought my first applicator tampon “Playtex Gentleglide” out of couriosity and never looked back. It is a huge difference!!! In my experience they are much more comfortable, absorbent and clean! Let me bring up another angle here…you are out and about, you use a public rest room and it is so much easier, simpler and more hygenic to change using the aplicator. After all your finger never has to enter (keep in mind even if you wash your hands there is always dirt and bacteria underneath your nails) so it is favored just purely from a hygenic stand point. All in all I would never go back to the regular non-applicator style.
I’m Australian.
I only use applicator tampons.
i order them from the states. i find i put them in easier.
i can use the “normal” ones too.
although who cares which you use?
whatever you feel comfortable with.
and also, there’s about 180million american woman and they would probably all use applicators and about 8-10million australian women. if you go by that, applicators are the norm.
australia is the only place i’ve lived where they aren’t common
I just accidentally bought tampons without applicators.. opened up the package.. and was like.. wtf is this!?! I tried to put one in and it was extremely painful and wouldn’t go in any farther than the length of the cotton part….
I’ve been using applicator tampons since I first started my period years ago and can’t fathom why anyone would want tampons without the applicator? The reason the applicator is helpful is so that you don’t have to struggle with the rough, dry cotton against your interior skin. The plastic or cardboard applicators slide in without pain. The dry cotton causes me pain, I don’t know about anyone else. But it’s definitely a problem for me. I mean who invented these cotton ball tampons, men!?
Until I found this website, I didn’t even realize that applicator tampons were an American thing. But it makes sense to me to make them with applicators. Now I have to go buy applicator tampons.. and I just wasted a bunch of money on 2 packs of 20 tampons. I wish the box had told me there were no applicators.
Amen to this whole article! I hate applicator tampons. I am traumatized by them after trying to use them when I first got my period at 13 and failing multiple times, miserably. I’ve used non applicators ever since (I’m 29 now).
However, this is the kicker…I’m moving to the US in two weeks (engaged to an American). I am thinking I’m completely screwed when it comes to tampons. I will just have to buy in bulk and ship them over until I can find a suitable replacement in the States.
I still have Tampax nightmares…the horrible rough cardboard tubes…yikes!
I’m moving to Australia in January for four year and was horrified to learn that there are no applicator tampons in Queensland. The Australian women should at least be given a choice! I am Canadian, and here almost all the tampons are applicator ones (which are “the norm” as far as I’m concerned). The big brands here are Tampax (my favorite and the only ones I use are Tampax Compak, which look like little sugar packets so they’re totally discreet in your purse) and Kotex, and the only non applicator ones are OB which are rather terrible. Like the girls above me, the biggest issue isn’t so much the hygiene (although having to put your clothes back on and walk out of a stall at a public restroom with bloody hands is extremely unpleasant and justifies applicators on its own), but the uncomfortable and actually painful feeling of dry, rough cotton as you try to wedge it in. I really can never get non applicator ones in far enough that I can’t feel them, whereas with the applicators (especially the good ones which are smooth and preferably plastic), it’s effortless. You get in and out in half a second and your hands are minimally sullied.
I go through a lot of tampons on my period, so I might just have to pack a suitcase full of them and have people mail them to me. It seems ridiculous to ship a box overseas that normally costs me just 5 bucks at the drug mart, but what can I do.
But, as you say, there is a lot of variety in Australia so perhaps the non applicator tampons really are superior to the American ones and (hopefully!!!) I will be satisfied with them.
Anyways, thank you very much for writing this blog, you confirmed the rumors and now I can at least brace myself.
I have to admit, I found this blog through some weird late-night curiosity (thanks Google). I am in the US and have always pondered that “one” particular brand of non-applicator tampon that shares the shelves with what appears to be our cultural-norm “applicator style” tampons.
Ever since I was a teenager & started using tampons, I’ve always wondered, “now why in the world would anybody want to stuff their fingers up there during that time of the month, when an applicator makes that unnecessary?”
I must say, reading the comments here has been enlightening and interesting. To each her own; and it’s definitely eye-opening to see why other women prefer the non-applicator type.
Most of my adult life I have had a….”problematic” menstrual cycle. It’s never been regular- I’ll skip 2-3 months or more, and then I’ll have an ultra-heavy period. For a solid 3-4 days, it’s horrible- I’ll saturate pads *and* tampons every 2-4 hours. I get mildly anemic. Doctors haven’t been able to provide me with much help, except artificial hormones which make me feel worse….so I just live with it. Without me getting into even more icky detail, I’ll just say it’s messy enough WITH “applicator” tampons- I shudder to think what my hands would look like if I tried to use a non-applicator tampon during this ultra heavy flow. God forbid I ended up in a public restroom needing to change- I’d come out looking like I’d just murdered somebody!!
I’ve always wanted to visit Australia, so I’m glad I found this blog….now I know to bring my own supply of good ol’ American tampons before I go
this is the dumbest invention ever. a dry cotton unlubed thing is going to tear you apart if you try to insert it. It feels like hell, never sits in the right spot (not high enough and so it hurts when ever you walk). They leak like crazy – don’t conform to your interior – bad design. You come out of the bathroom with arm and hand covered in blood. If you don’t have access to hand cleaner you can get infections using them from dirty hands, you will get blood all over the bathroom stall, trying to wipe of your hand, etc. etc. You can’t get the blood from out of your nails and your hands stink like blood…This is why applicators were invented people, common!
btw, I have tried the diva cup and filled it in 20 minutes. and I weigh 110#. also tried the health food store hand-made “diaper” pad and it stunk so bad I tossed it in the trash instead of into my purse when I changed it. I don’t have a fetish against experiencing my body or my periods, I think they are wonderful . But they are messy and bacteria laden as well. Gentle Glide by Playtex are the best (though loaded with dangerous chemicals alas), they work great.
I been having period One and a half year now(Im almost 12),and beside pads from Always,I only use Tampax as tampons.They are the best to put in and get out.And I dont have to put finger All in to get it in,like other brands.As Im tight and bleeds pretty heavy
Well I started my period when I was at my dads house (HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE) over summer break a few weeks before my first day of junior high. Anytime I tried to use a pad, it just wasn’t absorbent enough for me. Tampons are completely comfortable for me. Maybe it’s just what you have better luck with. Who knows? I’d only use a pad if I had no way of getting a tampon.
I’ve had to coach friends on how to use (insert) them because they were too scared/nervous before. Who wouldn’t be nervous about it? It looks pretty weird. But after the first few times, it’s totally comfortable.
And, they last longer than pads too. You don’t have to worry as much with them. Well, I don’t atleast.
I think everyone should atleast try them once or twice. As long as you know how to properly insert them, they shouldn’t be uncomfortable.
This is so funny, my friend has a link to your post on facebook. I never used a non-applicator tampon until moving here. I do think the brand in the U.S. with the plastic applicator is easier and more comfortable to use than a non-applicator one. But now that I’ve been in Australia for a couple of years I like those all cotton applicatorless ones. Less waste and tiny in your purse. Cheers.
I am an Aussie girl just returned from NYC after 9 years. And before I left I stocked up on my Playtex applicator tampons from the USA. I did this because I knew they are virtually impossible to get in Oz except for the horrible Tampax ones. I am totally a fan of applicator tampons. Why wouldn’t one be (besides environmental reasons)? They are so much cleaner and easier to use. And the ones like Playtex are plastic and scented and so nice! People might worry about plastic but it doesn’t bother me at all. Where can I buy tampons like these in Australia?? HELP!!!
i have been doing some research on applicator tampons after my sister came back from america because she came back with this massive box of applicator tampons, me personally dont really use non-applicator tampons unless i have to cause i dont like the idea of being out and having to use my fingers because of public toilets, i have always thought it was odd that tampax was the only brand around, n after reading all of your comments i see that we havent grown up with the idea so its harder to get used to, but tampax applicators are crap, the idea of applicator tampons is fantastic when u dont want to touch…
The only readily available applicator tampons available in Aus are Tampax, and its any wonder Aussie girls like me never liked the idea of the applicator tampon!!! Tampax are CRAP, they expand in length as well as width, so even if you get it in the right place give it 10 mins or so and it expands it’s way out your vaj and you can feel it. Also they leak!! I don’t know why they keep putting these crap tampons in these great applicators. I have taken the stupid tampax tampons out of the applicator and put carefree tampons (or any good brand) in and used them with great success. The reason I do this is I have severe rheumatoid arthritis esp in my hands and also a conditions called fibromyalgia which makes me stiff and sore, so say what you like Aus girls- but it’s OK for you healthy fit girls to whack ur finger up your clacker, but girls like me just can’t physically manage it. Why should I have to be left with no choice but pads?? it’s NOT fair!!! I have now more recently taken to importing my tampons from the UK off ebay as it’s far cheaper than buying the tampax just for the applicator and then another box of tampons as well, I get “lil lets” applicator tampons that ONLY expand width-ways – so I can be like the rest of the girls in the world and have a choice – to use tampons.
I want to know why Australia is left without a choice?? why are we behind the rest of the world? The UK and Ireland, the US and Canada, NZ and most of the EU have a wide range of applicator tampons to choose from (enviro friendly and plastic), so what’s wrong with Aus? Hasn’t anyone ever thought of those of use with a disability?? Oh and I am only 36 – lots of experience with periods had and lost more to go….
sorry as per above and countires listing applicator tampons – that is based on where I can buy them from online. If you live in any of the places listed and applicator tampons aren’t widely available, my apologies – but people sell them from your countries.
Ros – Wow. That never even occurred to me. I now teach kids with special needs and disabilities and it makes perfect sense that applicator tampons would be easier for them to use. Perhaps you should contact Australian tampon companies? I have a friend who used to work at one and she had heaps of people calling about different special needs. At least it will raise awareness for other people. xx
I’m an American, and have only used a non-applicator tampon once. It was in a mall bathroom and I was desperate; I bought it from a machine. It was the only brand they carried. It was horrible- it said it was regular sized, but it felt like a light to me. Plus it had this bullet shaped pointy tip that was uncomfortable. And like others have said, it didn’t go high enough up. I use Playtex gentle glides usually, and I really like them. Tampax are rough and strangely shaped, really long and never wide enough. I always had leaks when I used Tampax. Playtex seem to “bloom” like a flower, and absorb way more. Plus the applicator is smooth and comfortable. I’m moving to Sydney in a few months, so I’ll probably take a bunch of Playtex with me- although I’m all for trying a new kind of tampon, even without an applicator. If I like it, I’ll keep using it. Whatever works for you, right?
Hi Lady Smaggle, I have contacted 3 different tampon companies in Australia and I just get the standard “thanks for your feedback” response. None are interested. I cannot get a reply from a real person, I only get a reply from a computer! The websites aren’t user friendly and it’s difficult to find contact info that is not electronic feedback. When i did find a telephone number I was on hold for 25 minutes before speaking to someone who gave me meaningless platitudes like “oh I’m sorry to hear that” and “i’ll look into it” and I have been contacting these useless companies for over 10 years and nothing has changed, so I guess even if they did ‘look into it’ they didn’t think it was worth changing.
Anyone else got any suggestions on how to get this situations changed???
I should not have to import my tampons from overseas!! Perhaps I should write to the government – but they are mostly men, so I cannot see them caring, they put GST on feminine hygiene products, that’s how much they care!!
Any serious suggestions welcome….
Ros
Wow this is really interesting! I’m an Aussie, and have only ever used non-applicator tampons. However, I’m going to try to purchase some applicator ones. This is because tampons usually hurt when I put them in, (even carefree slim silk-ese mini-which is the best (in my opinion) non-applicator tampon in Australia) although once they’re in they’re fine, and because now I have acrylic nails, it’s harder to put a tampon in with my finger. Does anyone else have this problem (with false nails)?
Oh, and for those applicator tampon users who are wondering, we clean the blood off our finger BEFORE we leave the toilet cubicle (and before we touch our clothes etc) with whatever is available: toilet paper, tissues, moist wipes, water bottle. Then we go out and wash our hands. Well this is what I do anyway. Though it would be lovely not to have to do that.
Hey everyone! I am a Canadian girl who LOVES her regular (non-applicator) tampons! Unfortunately there is only one brand of these available, for us Canadians to buy. Don’t get me wrong, I love my OB’s, (or as I like to call them, my little bullets). They are super small, quick and easy …but I think that every company needs some competition. Maybe more Canadian ladies would choose them if we had more than one company to choose from. Even ladies who prefer applicator type tampons, may not like all varieties and companies.
I had no idea that non-applicator tampons were the “norm” in Australia until one of my best friends (who’s from there) told me. Wow, was I surprised and glad that there was a country out there that was environmentally conscious like me!
I think applicator tampons are such a waste of time and space. Not to mention, worse on the environment. I have tried them before, but I don’t get the point of jamming this unnecessary object up your you know what. It’s just uncomfortable and awkward to position, when you could just use your finger and it just slips inside. I don’t find it messy, if you don’t wait too long after you wipe… and you only keep your finger on the end of it. I can’t see how it is messy… maybe I’m just lucky. Whatever you use, no matter how “skilled” you think you are, you should ALWAYS read the instructions, when you’re using a new product or a product from a new company.
Personally, I don’t find non-applicator types difficult to get in, especially since OB started making the “pro-comfort” and the “silk-ease” variations… they pretty much slide in themselves!
I think of applicator tampons, as being very old fashion. Especially in this day and age, we need to do what we can. Think of all the tampons us ladies use and the amount of sheer waste that we accumulate. Shouldn’t we at least go for less when we can and support those companies that offer us less “packaging”? Cause lets face it, you probably don’t recycle that plastic or cardboard applicator. I believe anyone looking to do their part for the environment, should give non-applicator tampons another shot.
Thank you for your time ladies and Lady Smaggle, XO
Good luck and happy tampon shopping!
ok here it go’s. i was told that with a pad u get completey clean as in u get all the new and old blood out. and with a tampon it my help from accidents but it dont always soke it up and when ur done with ur tampons and ur period. u may still have some old blood that just sat there with ur tampon in and its stuck, and then whn it gets loose i get this gross dark jelly stringy crap a couple days later. be cause it happened to me and i only use tampons if i have to and it is a must if i have to, other wise i hate them.
Hi! I live in the UK. We have equal numbers of both types.I prefer inserting with an applicator but prefer carrying around non-applicator ones (slip one in the back pocket of jeans). The deciding factor for me was performance- and non-applicator wins hands down as they expend widthways- so much better. Lillets have recently started doing a compact applicator one that expands widthways but they always seem to get stuck in the tube. Also, all that plastic isn’t very environmentally friendly. I’ve actually just started using a Mooncup.
I have been using tampax tampons for yrs now they r so much better than non-applicator ones. I found this out when in the school toilets I used to hide my bloody finger when walking to the sink to wash my hands in front of 20 other girls and when I found tampax in woollies I was over the moon they go in so fast quick and easy with no mess apart from the card board or plastic tube there’s no repositioning just in and out and no dirty fingers (Y) for tampax!!
hey
im from the uk and it still surprises me that in australia and south africa its hard to find applicator tampons unless they are those huge horrible cardboard ones! ewww i cant use them cos its hard to get a grip on the applicator and so its hard to push in and pull out. however the plastic ones are amazing – you end up in the right place every time, no mess, no fuss and they are smaller to carry round – almost the same size as a non applicator!
i dont choose them for prudishness i think they are cleaner and i find them easier to use and in most of the rest of the world they are the norm! i find it hard to believe that aussie girls dont get much of a choice – its about 50/50 over here but all my friends use the applicator ones.
i guess its what you are brought up with but i am sick of having to pack tampons when im travelling to these countries!! vital luggage space is taken up with tampons just so i can be comfortable at that time of the month! if they made the cardboard ones – which over here are smoother than when i first used them god 15 or so years ago – the same shape and size as the compak plastic ones, i would switch for the environmental factor, but until then ill stick with what suits me!
but i reckon they should at least give you guys a choice!
leslie, it’s not gross or uncommon to use tampons without an applicator. and your vagina is already lubricated from having your period, and many of the tampons have a silky-type cover over them to make them easier to insert. also, having your period isn’t like you’re constantly gushing out blood like a tap. you don’t walk out of a bathroom covered in blood or looking like you just murdered someone. you always wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon and generally use toilet paper to wipe your hands with quickly if there is excess blood before leaving the stall and then go and wash your hands. just because you prefer to use applicator tampons doesn’t mean you need to be rude or make accusations or statements that aren’t true. you can offend people. it’s just a personal preference. i’ve been using non-applicator tampons for years and have never had any infections or problems down there. and it’s not gross. it’s just your vagina, your body. you use your common sense, take care of yourself and be hygienic. if you’re that worried about infection etc, you should probably be more familiar with yours. oh and if it sits in the wrong spot and leaks, YOU PUT IT IN WRONG. practice it a bit until you feel comfortable. they are designed fine, you’re just doing it wrong. plenty of other girls use them without discomfort or leakage.
Wow, haven’t some of you got your knickers in a twist over this! Why would one care what other people feel comfortable using. If it doesn’t confirm to the way you would do things yourself it is of no consequence; live and let live ladies. I came across this Blog while searching online for hours trying to order my usual Playtex applicator tampon and they no longer ship them to NZ. I was introduced to them by a Canadian friend, many many years ago, and have never used anything else since. There is really only one issue for me and that is my nails are nearly as long as my fingers, natural of course, and I’m not chancing slicing and dicing my most valuable asset. It used to be a real issue for me before I started using an applicator. Another plus for me is the Playtex string seems to be coated, possibly in a wax of some kind, as it does not chafe like some other tampon strings. Alas though for me there will be no more Playtex as I can no longer get them shipped out of the US of A!
hey, well i don’t have any horror stories or experiences. But i found this blog quite interesting because quite soon i am going to the USA on exchange for a year and this tampon style just popped into my head because its all you ever see in the movies. i am a big tampon user cause i just hate pads and i had no idea what to expect for when i went over there at least now i know there are at least some non-applicator tampons in the US!!!!
well i live in the states and ive only ever tried applicator ones and i just think they are easier i understand the confusion about it but its like i would just never know how far to push it up there…..with the applicator its put it in until the grip touches your body and then push the back and its in perfectly like its impossible to mess up and plus i would think it would hurt putting the pure cotton in because when i remove it only after only like three hours once it hurt like a b*tch because it was so dry….but yeah i get that its bigger but its really not that bad they make new ones know where you pull the back out till it clicks so the packaging is smaller….im pretty sure that its just because i learned with the applicator so thats what im used to and the same for the nonapplicator users….if you learn without one its just going to be pointless to add one in, unless its hard without one thats why they make them.
My horror story comes from being 13 and on an island with only one store. I got my period at 11, and had only used pads, cuz that's what my mom used. I was a little afraid of tampons, but willing to give it a go, so that I could swim. We went to the store and bought the only brand available–a store brand with a cardboard applicator. I read the directions, and tried to insert it. It took a while, but I thought I had it. Well…a little bit later, I was swimming, and noticed a tampon floating next to me…it had popped out! I guess it never went in all the way, or expanded too much for my small frame. I stuffed it into my bathingsuit without anyone noticing, and promptly got out. I didn't wear a tampon again for 8 years. Then I was tired of almost accidents wearing a pad and a harness (running a ropes course). I decided to try tampons and went for the only non-applicator brand–OB (I'm American), and they worked great! Rarely do I have a "mess" on my finger…it's covered! Now, I alternate between pads and tampons, depending on my mood and activity. I would like more choice though…I've never really understood how to use an applicator. It just doesnt make sense…
I know that this is an old post but I found it while googling: Do American's use non-applicator tampons because I was wondering the same thing.
Anyway, I live in NZ and prefer the regular kind even though my first time experience put me off them for a bit for a while. The thing is when I was teen applicator tampons were just easier: I didn't have to put my finger into my vagina to push it in, figure out if it was in far enough and the string was already out. After a while I got kind of sick of them though – they just cost SO MUCH MORE than the regular ones and decided I needed to give them a try…
First time using one: I forgot that the string wasn't already out, so just put it in and then realised there wasn't a string on the outside of my body. Spent about 10 minutes trying to squeeze/tweeze the damn thing out with my fingers and was put off using them for a good three or four years. Can't get enough of them now though