"TOILET INFECTION"?

Remember that time you had to use a public toilet and you were very paranoid about the toilet seat 'giving you an infection', so much so you had to suspend your hips in an awkward position above the seat whilst 'doing the do?'. Well, you're not alone. Most people will relate to taking extra caution whilst using a public toilet to prevent a "toilet infection". In fact, when most people with pain on urination, or abnormal genital discharge are asked about the likely source of their infection, they most often say "I use(d) a public toilet".
                                                                                                                                                                 
Although most organisms can be deposited on toilet seats, truth is that these organisms hardly survive on those surfaces; and except you have a genital sore , your urethra or genitals was in direct contact, water from the bowl splashes on your genitals , or you had sexual intercourse on the toilet seat, the chances of contracting genital infections by merely using a public toilet (whilst observing basic hygiene) is next to zero.

Are public toilets then infection-free?

Absolutely Not! Whilst you may not contract genital or urinary tract infections by sharing toilet seats, you may pick up organisms(with your hands) on faucet handles, taps, towels , toilet doors or via inhalation. These organisms may find their way into your mouth or nostrils(when you eat or pick your nose) and result in  digestive tract or respiratory tract infections thereafter.

 How can I prevent these infections?

• Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after using the toilet. Afterwards, either use a toilet paper or your elbow to shut the tap.                                                                     
• After using the toilet, flush using your foot on the flush handle.                                                                                           
• Leave the toilet immediately you flush. This reduces the likelihood of inhaling organisms jetted out into the air by the flush pressure.                                                                                
• For the ladies, NEVER wipe from back to front when cleaning up after using the toilet. Doing so may introduce some organisms from the feces to the genitals.                                                       
• You may want to roll some toilet paper into the bowl before sitting.This reduces the likelihood of splashing whilst you're using the toilet.                                                                                           
• If splashing occurs, dab the surface of your genitals with toilet paper and rinse with clean water.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
• Avoid using re-usable cloth towels, disposable paper towels are preferred for obvious reasons.                                                                                                                                                             
  
• Finally, that genital discharge you attribute to 'public toilet' may be a result of an imbalance of your genital normal bacteria.This may be caused by vaginal creams, soaps, gels and toners used in douching.The vagina is self -cleansing.Mild soap and water are sufficient and healthy for vaginal care.