Why do 90% of tampons in the US have applicators?

Question

I find it so odd - when I was growing up, applicators were like "training tampons". Are american women challenged in some way the rest of us don't know about?

I'm not buying the whole, "It's gross to stick your finger 'up there' and have to walk out of the public restroom..." Use common sense and grab some toilet paper to clean up, then wash your hands like normal! I'd like to hear some input from some women from countries other than the US.

Answer 1

It is down to taboos, tampon manufacturers are very good at using these social taboos surrounding menstruation to keep customers reliant on their products – for example bleached tampons imply menstruation is dirty, scented tampons imply menstruation is smelly, silent wrappers or discreet tampons imply menstruation is embarrassing.

I think applicators run along the same times, so that applicators are needed for insertion because women don't feel totally comfortable with inserting a tampon, putting their fingers into their vagina – certainly there are women who won’t touch their vaginas full-stop let alone touching themselves when there is menstrual blood present, but the attitude that it is 'disgusting' to dun dun DUN touch yourself when menstruating I think says a lot as to why applicators are used.

I agree in that I don't buy into the reason of avoiding mess, because applicator or not you have to touch the tampon in order to wrap it up for disposal in the bins, you simply use toilet paper to wipe your hands of blood if you are removing/inserting tampons or other internal menstrual options like menstrual cups or sponges, and you wash your hands after the bathroom anyway. There in lies that menstrual taboo again, too worried about touching themselves, it's only blood but many feel it's dirty.

I also think it is a US cultural thing, it is the same with scented tampons, these were not available in the UK until about four months ago, and American culture seems to have an uber obsession with cleanliness often to the point where their health or environmental health is looked over [tampons a risk to vaginal health, commercial tampons carry added risk due to chemicals used, applicators add to tampons environmental impact, more so if they are plastic applicators].

I don't think applicators are quite as popular here in the UK, I never saw the point in using them as to me it was unnecessary and made insertion more difficult, I tried them once and never bothered again. I certainly never had a problem with the 'gross' factor and I have menorrhea meaning excessively heavy menstruation and a hell of a lot of leaking with tampons. Even now I use menstrual cups I occasionally have to empty them in public toilets and I sometimes get blood on my hands, a simple wipe with toilet paper then wash of my hands deals with that. I know women who have no issue at all coming out of the rest room with their menstrual cup in hand to wash it in the sink; most of us menstruate so it's hardly an issue so have blood on your hands.

Answer 2

To answer Zivas question above, I always have tissue with me, so that wouldn`t be a problem. Just wipe your fingers then you can pull up your underwear & clothes!. As for the issue of applicators & non applicators, thats just down to personal preference. I guess as most women in the States grow up with applicator tampons, the stick with them!!!

Answer 3

Lots of people dont like to put in a tampon without an applicator because they dont want to have to stick their finger "up there". Either they find it gross or dirty, or they have been taught that there is something wrong with touching themselves that way (yes even to put a tampon in)... its sort of a cultural stigma for women. Personally I like an applicator because I think they're easier & more convenient (since thats whats more available) and makes tampons stay in place better (since thats what I've always used).

Answer 4

for first timers, use an applicator! plastic ones are better than the cardboard ones. Tampax is a good brand.

Answer 5

Okay, picture this --- you're in the bathroom at a very exclusive restaurant/club. You need to change your tampon so you do it your way. Kewl -- now all you have to do is walk out of the stall to the sink with blood all over your hands, never mind how you pulled up your pantyhose and slacks. EWWWWWWWWWWWWW Maybe that's why Americans shave their pits too -- a little wiser maybe?!

Answer 6

I don't know about you, but I find it really disgusting to have to put in a tampon with my finger and get blood all over my finger. I would rather use "training tampons" until the day I quit having a cycle.

Answer 7

not challenged, just sanitary!!