either one is fine. this is a personal choice. a healthy vagina is no more "contaminated" than a healthy mouth. it is a good idea to wash your hands before and after tampon insertion.
is using non-applicator tampons less hygenic than applicator tampons? . i have applicator tampons and non-applicator tampons. i have used applicator tampons (tampax) before but i haven't used non-applicator (ob) tampons. i was just wondering even if you wash your hands before inserting an non-applicator tampons isn't still kind of unhygienic and messy? i just think there might be a lot of bacteria in the fingers and there could be a chance of infections i am kind of paranoid. i just want to know wether it is safe for me to use an non-applicator tampon (ob).