A pull-activated applicator comprising, a barrel, a finger grip, a deployment element, and a pledget including a withdrawal string, wherein the barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction, wherein the barrel and the finger grip define an internal space and wherein the pledget and at least a portion of the deployment element are positioned within the internal space, the pledget being located within the barrel, the applicator having an insertion end opposite a finger grip end, the portion of the deployment element in the internal space defining a deployment element path, wherein the deployment element moves along a first portion of the deployment element path from the finger grip end towards the insertion end, characterised in the applicator further comprising a pusher positioned within the internal space, and in the deployment element further moving over a first directional transition element (58,90) which redirects the deployment element along a second portion of the deployment element path towards the finger grip end, under or through the pusher which redirects the deployment element along a third portion of the deployment element path towards the insertion end, wherein: either the deployment element further extends from the pusher over a second directional transition element (58,90) which redirects the deployment element along a fourth portion of the deployment element path towards the finger grip end; or the deployment element further extends from the pusher to and joins with a fixed point, thereby terminating the deployment element path. a barrel, a finger grip, a deployment element, and a pledget including a withdrawal string, wherein the barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction, wherein the barrel and the finger grip define an internal space and wherein the pledget and at least a portion of the deployment element are positioned within the internal space, the pledget being located within the barrel, the applicator having an insertion end opposite a finger grip end, the portion of the deployment element in the internal space defining a deployment element path, wherein the deployment element moves along a first portion of the deployment element path from the finger grip end towards the insertion end, characterised in the applicator further comprising a pusher positioned within the internal space, and in the deployment element further moving over a first directional transition element (58,90) which redirects the deployment element along a second portion of the deployment element path towards the finger grip end, under or through the pusher which redirects the deployment element along a third portion of the deployment element path towards the insertion end, wherein: either the deployment element further extends from the pusher over a second directional transition element (58,90) which redirects the deployment element along a fourth portion of the deployment element path towards the finger grip end; or the deployment element further extends from the pusher to and joins with a fixed point, thereby terminating the deployment element path. either the deployment element further extends from the pusher over a second directional transition element (58,90) which redirects the deployment element along a fourth portion of the deployment element path towards the finger grip end; or the deployment element further extends from the pusher to and joins with a fixed point, thereby terminating the deployment element path.