Public toilets are undoubtedly the most unhygienic and possibly the most contaminated spaces. It sure is a breeding ground for disease-causing organisms that can survive on the surface of the seat, leading to infections. But does it mean it can also transmit Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) from one person to another? In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Madhushree Vijayakumar, Consultant-Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Hebbal, Bengaluru, answers.
Can A Sexually Transmitted Infection Spread From A Toilet Seat?
As far as infection from a toilet seat is concerned, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a possibility, according to Dr Vijayakumar. However, the situation may be different when it comes to STIs as toilet seats cannot spread STI.
This is because STI-causing bacteria and viruses are unable to exist outside of human tissue, explains the doctor, adding, “The warmth and moisture of human tissue provide the bacteria with the ideal conditions for survival. The bacteria and virus that cause STIs can only survive for ten seconds outside of the human body.”
Also Read: The Fear Of Vaginal Penetration Is Real: Expert Explains The Condition Called Vaginismus
How Exactly Does STIs Transmit From One Person To Another?
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than 10 lakh STIs are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic. Every year, an estimated 37.4 crore new infections with one of four curable STIs occur, as per the global health body.
The alarming data urges each and everyone of us to not only take preventive measures but to also understand how these infections spread in the first place.
Dr Vijayakumar says, “The possibility of contracting STI exists for anyone who engages in unsafe sexual activity. An individual infected with STI can spread it to others by coming into touch or contact with their mouth, rectum, genitalia, or body fluids.”
This includes physical touch during oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse.
Did You Know?
According to the WHO, eight pathogens are linked to the greatest incidence of STIs, of which, four are currently curable. These include syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The other 4 are incurable viral infections, such as hepatitis B, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Also Read: Healthy Practices To Curb The Spread Of STIs
Preventive Measures
Here are some ways to protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases:
- Avoid intercourse with multiple partners
- Get tested before physically engaging with your partner
- Take timely vaccinations to avoid certain types of STIs, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and B
- Always use condoms and dental dams
Bottomline
A toilet seat may expose you to a number of infections but an STI is not one of them. STI-causing bacteria and viruses only exist in the warmth of the human tissue and cannot survive in the natural environment. Therefore, you cannot contract an STI from a toilet seat either. However, it is best to practise good hygiene and take all preventative measures against contagious infections.