Tampons (a topic the queasy shouldn't look at)

[newbie]

I apologize in advance for asking about this! If you get queasy about women's personal period stuff, I'd say stop reading right now .

Well, here goes...I was supposed to have a private swimming lesson today. As I was changing in the locker room, I looked down and noticed that I was leaking. Just 30 minutes ago, at home, I had inserted a Playtex Slimfit Tampon (regular absorbency).

So then I went to the bathroom and wouldn't you know it, my suit was ruined. I then took out my tampon, and it was fully soaked. But I don't understand! In the past, I've used tampons without a problem. Usually I don't have to change it until 4 hours later...even if my period is heavy, like it is now. I wonder what went wrong??

Then, my friend who was in the locker room, too, handed me a tampon without an applicator. I could not get it in . I've never inserted a tampon without an applicator.

Unfortunately, I had to tell my cute swimming instructor -- who's a guy -- that I couldn't swim today. He asked why and finally I had to tell him. Unfortunately, there were 2 other guys there, too, and all three of them were cute! I was mortified. Luckily, they handled it pretty well.

Anyway, I guess my question is, do I need to use a different kind of tampon, or did I insert it incorrectly?? Again, sorry for asking this question! Thanks!!