A method for making a tampon , the method comprising steps of: providing a first primary absorbent pad comprising a first end region and a second end region separated from the first end region by a central region ; providing a second primary absorbent pad comprising a first end region and a second end region separated from the first end region by a central region; overlaying the central region of the first primary absorbent pad on the central region of the second primary absorbent pad in a crossing configuration, wherein the first and second end regions of the first and second primary absorbent pads do not overlap each other; forming apertures in the central regions of the first primary absorbent pad and the second primary absorbent pad ; positioning a flexible member on the central region of the first primary absorbent pad ; wherein the flexible member comprises a secondary absorbent member ; forcing a first portion of the flexible member through the central region of the first primary absorbent pad and the central region of the second primary absorbent pad , wherein the first portion of the flexible member is inserted through the apertures and the first portion of the flexible member extends outward from the second primary absorbent pad and a second portion of the secondary absorbent member extends outward from the first primary absorbent pad ; compressing the first primary absorbent pad and the second primary absorbent pad into a generally cylindrically shaped primary absorbent member that envelops the second portion of the flexible member ; and connecting a withdrawal cord with the primary absorbent member . providing a first primary absorbent pad comprising a first end region and a second end region separated from the first end region by a central region ; providing a second primary absorbent pad comprising a first end region and a second end region separated from the first end region by a central region; overlaying the central region of the first primary absorbent pad on the central region of the second primary absorbent pad in a crossing configuration, wherein the first and second end regions of the first and second primary absorbent pads do not overlap each other; forming apertures in the central regions of the first primary absorbent pad and the second primary absorbent pad ; positioning a flexible member on the central region of the first primary absorbent pad ; wherein the flexible member comprises a secondary absorbent member ; forcing a first portion of the flexible member through the central region of the first primary absorbent pad and the central region of the second primary absorbent pad , wherein the first portion of the flexible member is inserted through the apertures and the first portion of the flexible member extends outward from the second primary absorbent pad and a second portion of the secondary absorbent member extends outward from the first primary absorbent pad ; compressing the first primary absorbent pad and the second primary absorbent pad into a generally cylindrically shaped primary absorbent member that envelops the second portion of the flexible member ; and connecting a withdrawal cord with the primary absorbent member . <EOS>