The present invention relates to a tampon applicator comprising an inner tube (12) for storing a tampon therein, and an outer tube (2) slidably disposed over the inner tube (12). The outer tube (2) has a distal discharge end (3) for insertion into the body of a user and means (9) for resisting movement of the tampon towards the proximal end (4) of the outer tube (2) when the inner tube (12) is partially withdrawn from the outer tube (2). The outer tube (2) has a first projection (6) extending into a first longitudinal slot (16) in the inner tube for limiting the sliding movement of the inner tube (12) and resisting complete withdrawal of the inner tube (12) from the outer tube (2). The inner tube (12) and outer tube (2) are provided with means (9) such that when the inner tube (12) is withdrawn and the applicator is primed for use the distal end (15) of the inner tube (12) is deformed slightly when the inner tube (12) is pushed back into the outer tube (2) to prevent the tampon from re-entering the distal end (15) of the inner tube (12) during expulsion of the tampon from the applicator.
