A tampon having an improved aspect ratio is provided. The tampon includes a self-sustaining, fluid-expanding, compressed absorbent pledget having one or more absorbent materials. The tampon has a width, a thickness, and a length. The width can be greater than the thickness and an aspect ratio of the width to the thickness can be from greater than about 1.4:1 to less than about 2.0:1. Also provided is a method of positioning a tampon within a vagina of a woman.