American influencer sparks debate on tampon usage differences

A tampon is one of the hygienic products designed for women during menstruation. They are made from compressed cotton. Tampons, like sanitary pads, absorb menstrual discharge and blood but, by being inserted into the vagina, they prevent unpleasant odours, promote cleanliness and comfort.

Sanitary pads are also popular. Their noninvasiveness and quick replacement convince many people. For a long time, more and more people have been using menstrual cups during their periods. This new and more ecological alternative appeals to quite a large group.

Some tampons have a plastic applicator. The mechanism is supposed to make it easier to insert them into the vagina. It can be especially helpful for new users of this type of hygienic product. However, this solution is not very popular or ecological. Many women admit that the applicator often makes inserting tampons difficult.

An active discussion about applicators has emerged on the internet. The debate was sparked by an Instastory from an American influencer who goes by the name "spencer.barbosa". 2.4 million people follow the woman’s profile. Recently, she conducted a poll asking netizens if they had ever seen tampons without an applicator. Their answer surprised some.

Close to 70 per cent of Spencer’s followers responded to the question "Have you ever used tampons without an applicator?" with: "No, I’ve never seen them." Many European netizens can’t believe the popularity of tampons with applicators in the US. One commenter explains: "For them, it's something wow. They are shocked that in our Europe, those with applicators are so rarely used."