Using tampons?!

Using tampons?

I've decided to start using tampons, but I have a couple questions about it:

1. Should I only use them when the blood has already started flowing? I tried a tampon right before my period just to see how it would feel, and it felt HORRIBLE. Was that because there was no blood to make it go in/out smoothly?

2. Is it really safe to go swimming with a tampon? Will it prevent any blood from leaking out?

3. What brand do you reccomend?

Use a lubricant like K-Y on the tip to make insertion easier. It's okay to put it in before you start bleeding, as long as you don't forget it. However, if you are dry it will be harder to insert, and probably painful to remove. Use a lubricant if this ever happens.
Make sure it is all the way inside you, but you don't have to ram it up there ridiculously far. Put your finger in, to get a feel for the angle of your vagina, and aim it in that direction.
Once you get used to them, they are SO much more comfortable than pads.

Yes, it's completely safe to go swimming with a tampon. It's one of the most wonderful advantages.

Use something with a biodegradable applicator, like Tampax (not pearl). The thought of all those plastic applicators in our landfills forever makes me ill. Once you learn to use them, they are just as easy and comfortable as plastic. (Remember, use a little lubricant if you have trouble.)