Can you get toxic shock from leaving a tampon in when you are not on your period?

Question

and discharge is just dripping on to the tampon

Answer 1

No, you will only get toxic shock but you can get vaginal infections if you leave the tampon soaked with discharges for too long.  Please be hygienic and change the tampon as instructed every few hours...

Answer 2

Toxic shock is caused by a bacteria, not tampons. Tampon use is linked to more than 50% of the cases reported. Many women that get TSS are actually using the product as directed when they get sick. Since tampons are porous it's a lot easier to introduce bad stuff into your body. Commercial tampons are made with rayon and bleached cotton, those fibers often come off some when wet, so they can be left over in your body, greatly increasing your chances of getting sick. There are organic tampons, but those are still porous and even those aren't sterile. The other option is menstrual cups. There are reusable ones, such as Divacup, Mooncup, Lunette, etc. and Insteads which are disposable. Many women swear by these products and they are much safer. I plan on trying a cup this cycle and I am doubtful that I will ever return after the horrors Ive read about the so called sanitary products.

Good luck