A catamenial tampon has been issued a patent. A compressed absorbent member has an inner region, an exterior surface and is made up of absorbent material. The absorbent material has a first surface opposed to a second surface and an insertion end opposed to a withdrawal end. A fluid wicking overwrap substantially covers the first and second surfaces of the absorbent material. The fluid wicking overwrap extends beyond the withdrawal end of the absorbent material to form a fluid wicking skirt portion. The fluid wicking overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. A portion of the fluid wicking overwrap substantially permeates the inner region of the compressed absorbent member.