Abstract: The present invention relate to a sanitary tampon comprising a compact applicator and a tampon (3) of compressed absorbent material stored within the applicator, the applicator having an inner tube (1) and an outer tube (2) slidably disposed over the inner tube (1). The outer tube (2) has a distal discharge end (4) for insertion into the body of the user. The tampon (3) is solid and substantially cylindrical in shape and is constructed such that at least a part of the body (11) of the tampon (3) adjacent the proximal end (13) sits at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the applicator so that when the inner tube (1) is withdrawn past the proximal end (13) of the tampon (3) to prime the applicator for use, the proximal end (13) of the tampon will urge itself against the inner surface of the outer tube (2) and when the inner tube (1) is pushed back into the outer tube (2) to expel the tampon, the tampon is hindered from re-entering the distal end (6) of the inner tube (1).