Tampons without applicators: what the debate in the US about menstrual products reveals
- Oh Yes Baby Yes
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
A viral TikTok video is currently causing quite a stir: an American woman holds up a tampon without an applicator to the camera and asks:
“What am I supposed to do with this?”
In Switzerland, Germany, and France, the answer is clear, because tampons without applicators are preferred there. In the US, on the other hand, surveys show that around 90% of women use products with an applicator – usually made of plastic.
This is not only surprising, but also reveals how differently menstruation is thought about, sold, and experienced in different countries.
What is the difference between tampons with applicators and tampons without applicators?
A tampon without an applicator is inserted directly into the vagina with clean fingers. The version with an applicator has a plastic or cardboard tube that is used to insert the tampon without the fingers touching the vaginal wal.
The European version was developed by German gynecologist Judith Esser-Mittag, who invented the o.b. in the 1950s. In the US, it was osteopath Earle Haas who invented the applicator model back in 1933, which was later made popular by Tampax.
To this day, the markets are characterized by:
In Europe, compact, applicator-free products dominate.
In the USA, applicators are considered by many to be more hygienic, practical – and the norm.
Tampons with or without applicators? Gynecologist Johanna Janku explains
When discussing tampons with or without applicators, the keyword “hygiene” often comes up. In fact, a tampon without an applicator is no less hygienic, provided that hands are washed thoroughly before insertion. This applies regardless of whether the tampon is inserted with the fingers or an applicator.
For many users, especially the first time, the applicator feels more intuitive at first. It gives a feeling of control and distance. This can be practical when you're on the go, but it's not a medical argument, rather a subjective feeling of safety. The key factors remain: clean hands, correct insertion, and regular changes.
Tampons, pads, cups, and panties: which products are best for which situations?
Not every menstrual product is suitable for everybody and every stage of life. From a gynecological perspective, it is worth taking a differentiated look at the alternatives:
In certain situations, such as after childbirth or gynecological procedures, pads are often more suitable than tampons because they cause less irritation to the vaginal flora.
Menstrual cups are a good option that does not affect the vaginal environment, but they require careful cleaning and some practice to insert.
Period panties are now a surprisingly safe and comfortable solution, especially for light to medium flow days. They do not need to be inserted, do not pose a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and can be used multiple times if washed correctly.
Washable cloth pads are inexpensive, sustainable, and skin-friendly, but depending on your body type, they can slip more easily and are not always leak-proof during heavier bleeding.
Menstrual sponges, on the other hand, are not recommended from a medical point of view: even after washing, germs can remain, which significantly increases the risk of infection.
The choice of product should always be based on individual body awareness, lifestyle, and specific needs.
Conclusion: Tampons with or without applicators?
Tampons without applicators are neither new nor experimental; they are standard in many countries. The fact that tampons without applicators cause surprise in the USA shows one thing above all: how differently the topic is socialized.
From a gynecological point of view, there is no reason not to use tampons without applicators. Hygiene does not depend on product design, but on how clean your hands are and how regularly you change tampons.
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