American influencer's tampon debate sparks cultural surprise online

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 odour and promote cleanliness and comfort.

In Europe, however, sanitary pads enjoy the greatest popularity. Their non-invasiveness and quick replacement convince the majority of women. For a long time, more and more people have been using menstrual cups during their periods. The new and more ecological alternative convinces quite a large group of women.

Some tampons have a plastic applicator. The mechanism is supposed to make it easier to insert it into the vagina. It can be especially helpful for new users of this type of hygienic product. In Europe, this solution is not very popular. 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." The woman's profile is followed by 2.4 million. Recently, she conducted a poll asking netizens if they had ever seen tampons without an applicator. Their answer surprised Europeans.

Close to 70 percent 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 U.S. One commenter explains: "For them, it's something wow. They are shocked that in our Europe, those with applicators are so rarely used."