In a body adhering absorbent article, an absorbent structure is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. A shell supports the absorbent structure at the vaginal region and has an adhesive on a body-facing surface thereof for adhering the shell directly to the wearer. A placement aid is disposed on at least one of the absorbent structure and the shell, and is configured for sensory perception by a wearer of the article upon placement of the article on the wearer to facilitate positive alignment of the absorbent article in a target placement region of the wearer with the absorbent structure disposed adjacent the wearer's vaginal region.