Patented is a tampon and a tampon applicator in combination for expulsion of the tampon into a vaginal cavity of a female user. The tampon applicator comprises a tampon holder tube and a plunger. The tampon holder tube comprises a hollow interior portion, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an outer perimeter and a first end dimensioned for insertion into the vaginal cavity. A second end is positioned opposite the first end and a force controller is positioned at the first end of the tampon holder tube. At least one side expulsion member is positioned at the first end of the tampon holder tube. The side expulsion member comprises a weakened region, which is selected from the group consisting of a groove, perforation, slot, T-cut, V-cut and hinge. The tampon comprises an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The tampon also has a body comprising a first end, a center and a second end. The body comprises a joined portion and a plurality of absorbent strips joined at the joined portion. The strips are selected from the group consisting of sheets, tissues, webs, nonwoven materials, films, woven materials, absorbent foams, superabsorbent polymers and mixtures thereof. The tampon is housed within the hollow interior portion of the tampon holder tube in a pre-expelled position and the plunger is slidably mounted in the hollow interior portion of the tampon holder tube. The plunger is adapted to expel the tampon through the force controller.