SELF-LUBRICATING TAMPON APPLICATOR

A self-lubricating tampon applicator includes a barrel having opposed insertion and proximal end portions and having a continuous side wall that defines an interior area and a plurality of spaced apart apertures and proximate the insertion end portion. A tampon is positioned in the interior area of the barrel. A piercing member is positioned between the tampon and the plurality of apertures. A lubricant reservoir is positioned between the tampon and the plurality of piercing members. A plunger situated in the barrel engages a proximal end of the tampon and is slidable from a starter configuration extending from the proximal end portion of the barrel to a deployed configuration positioned inside the barrel. Pressure applied to the plunger pushes the tampon and the reservoir downstream and the reservoir is pierced by the piercing member, dispensing lubricant through the plurality of apertures onto an outer surface of the barrel.