2 minutes read2 minutes readWe can all agree that toilets, especially public toilets, can be very unhygienic. Given that bathrooms are where people bathe, urinate, and defecate, it’s understandable that some people may think you can get a sexually transmitted infection from a toilet seat.
In this blog, we will review what STIs are, how they spread, and the risks of getting an STI from a toilet seat.
Overview of STIs and how they spread
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs) are bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections that primarily pass between people through sexual activity. This activity can include oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, hand-to-genital contact, sharing sex toys, and more.
Some STIs can spread in other ways. For example, blood-borne infections like HIV can spread through blood transfusions, and Hepatitis B can be spread by sharing razors or toothbrushes.
Other STIs, like human papillomavirus (HPV), Scabies, or Herpes can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, such as touching an infected person’s genitals.
Risks associated with a toilet seat for transmitting an STI
The risk of infection from a toilet seat is low because most STIs can’t spread through casual contact. Neither bacteria nor most viruses can survive for very long outside of the body. Most sexually transmitted infections need direct access to your bodily fluids (like semen, blood or vaginal secretions) to be transmitted.
However, just because it may be unlikely doesn’t mean getting an STI from a toilet seat is impossible.
One study from Zambia showed that Trichomonas could be transmitted by sharing bathwater. It is technically possible for a damp surface, like a towel, to transmit this STI. The infected source would need to be freshly deposited onto the toilet seat and then come into direct contact with your genital area.
Scabies, a parasitic infection of the skin which is often transmitted sexually, can also be passed on by sharing things like towels, clothing and bedding, and through prolonged physical contact. Scabies can live outside of the body for around 2-3 days. In this way, it may be possible for Scabies to be passed on from a toilet seat.
It is also possible for a virus like Hepatitis B to enter your body from freshly deposited blood or semen from a toilet seat. This blood or semen would need to come into direct contact with your genitals or any open wounds.
How to protect yourself in a public toilet
If you’re concerned about catching something from a public toilet, there are a few precautions you can take:
- Wipe down the toilet seat with toilet paper or a disinfectant wipe
- Use a toilet seat cover if one is available
- Avoid using damp toilet paper
- Use toilet paper when flushing the toilet
- Wash your hands thoroughly after you’re done
Final thoughts
No matter what you have done, if you think you may have an STI, it’s always best to get tested.
If you call the number above, Better2Know’s Sexual Health Advisors can help you review your current situation and concerns and help you find the best STI test and sexual health clinic for you.
