Do you know what is the second most common infection in the body? It is a urinary tract infection (UTI), as per the US National Library of Medicine. Not just that, women are four times more likely to get it than men. Understandably, owing to its commonality, there might be questions and misconceptions on how one catches it in the first place. Sexual activity, not emptying the bladder fully, and not keeping the genital area clean are some of the common ways that bacteria can enter your urinary tract. But can you get UTI by sitting on a toilet seat? The answer is, absolutely not, according to Dr Tanaya Narendra, commonly known as Dr Cuterus on Instagram.
Why Toilet Seat Won’t Give You Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
In her latest Instagram post, Dr Narendra explained why it’s a mere misconception that one can get UTI from a toilet seat. It is because when you sit on the toilet seat, your pee hole doesn’t get in contact with it, “unless you are some crazy fancy adventurer who likes to rub their pee hole on the toilet seat when peeing,” she said. And there is no way the “bacteria can climb on a secret bacteria rocket ship from the toilet seat and fly to your urethra,” she added. Hence, you cannot get UTI from a dirty toilet seat. The Fortis Hospitals, too, says the toilet seat isn’t a common vehicle of infection transmission to humans.
So, is there a way you can get UTI from peeing in the wrong way? The answer is, only if you wipe yourself after that the wrong way. If you from back to front, you bring your butthole bacteria to your pee hole that can give you UTI, Dr Cuterus explained.
Also read: Know About The Difference Between UTIs & STIs From An Expert
Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
So you do not get UTI by sitting on a dirty toilet seat. According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), UTI is usually caused when bacteria from poo enter the urinary tract. Here are some of the factors that can increase your chances of getting the infection:
- Sex
- Not emptying the bladder fully
- Conditions, such as kidney stones, that block the urinary tract
- Not drinking enough water
- Not keeping the genital area clean
Symptoms Of UTI
Following are some of the symptoms of urinary tract infection:
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation or pain when you pee
- Your pee smells bad and looks cloudly
- Pain in the back or on the sides below your ribs
- You might also get fever or experience tiredness
If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor, who would generally confirm it following a urine test. Antibiotics are generally recommended for treatment, according to the US National Library of Medicine.
Also read: Do You Often Suffer From UTI During Your Periods? Here’s What You Need To Know
How To Prevent UTI
There might be multiple factors that can increase your risk of UTI. However, there are multiple ways, too, that you can prevent the infection. The following are some of the ways by the UK NHS:
- Keep your genital area clean and dry
- Clean your genital area before and after sex
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids. However, avoid sugary drinks, and foods, as they may lead to bacterial growth.
- Do not hold pee
- Empty your bladder completely
- The fabric of your underwear also plays a role. Hence, avoid those made of nylon.
Although people of any sex can get urinary tract infections, it is more common in women than men. Also, it affects people of all ages. This infection has a lot to do with how you take care of your hygiene. Hence, keep your genital area clean. Also holding your pee or not emptying your bladder can increase your risk of UTI. You must also drink plenty of fluids to prevent it. However, if you experience the symptoms, such as frequent urination or discomfort when you pee, then you must consult a doctor and seek help.
Photo Credit: Freepik
