A tampon insertion device for inserting a tampon includes a structure for indicating the insertion device is sufficiently inserted into a woman's vagina before deploying the tampon. The tampon insertion device includes a barrel having opposed insertion and proximal end portions and a side wall that defines an interior area therebetween. A tampon is initially positioned in the interior area. A depth indicator having indicia is situated on the side wall of the barrel that is indicative that the barrel is fully inserted, the indicia including one of a recess, a groove, or imprinted matter extending radially about the barrel. The insertion device includes a plunger slidable from a starter configuration extending away from the proximal end portion of the barrel to a deployed configuration positioned downstream inside the interior area. Pressure applied to the plunger causes the plunger to urge the tampon downstream within the interior area.