“To my knowledge, no one has ever acquired Sexually Transmitted Diseases
(STDs) on the toilet seat unless they
were having sex on the toilet seat!”-
Pres, American Society for Microbiology.
Lady MH, a 21 year 200L student in a
Nigerian university, shared her experience. She said: “Toilet Disease is very embarrassing. Few hours after using the toilet
reserved for my floor in the hostel, I started feeling this strange itching in
my ‘womanhood’; It wasn’t funny at all. I wish I never contacted it, but it was
due to my ignorance as a fresher at that time. Thank God for timely medical
intervention”
What is “Toilet Disease”?
It does not have an internationally
acceptable definition simply because, uhmm, guess what!, it doesn’t exist. Don’t
be shocked! Although, you can contract certain infections from toilet seats,
flush handle, water faucet handle and even, doorknobs if they are not kept
clean. This is expected. Imagine you drinking water from a dirty cup that has
been used for serving many people without being washed. How does it sound? The
same rule applies to toilet seats. However, you cannot contract Sexually
Transmitted Infections like Gonorrhea, Syphilis, herpes, HIV, HPV etc as widely
believed. Ladies are mostly affected because the ‘design’ of their genitourinary
system makes them more prone to infections. A recent study showed that “only
35% of men wash their hands after using a public bathroom. Women were twice as
likely to wash, up at 65%”
What are the sources of these infections?
They result mostly from certain
bacteria or fungi which could be present on the toilet seats and other places
in the toilet/bathroom. Specifically, Candidiasis (caused by some fungi) could
be gotten from wearing dirty and/or wet underwears especially when they are silk/nylon;
wearing of extremely tight-fitting pants.
The Symptoms
·
Vaginal
and Labial Itching
·
Abnormal
vaginal discharge
·
Pain
with intercourse
·
Painful
urination
·
Redness
and swelling of the vulva etc.
Diagnosis and Tests
The doctor will ask for your sexual history, current signs
and symptoms, and some tests might be carried out depending on the outcome of
examination. Don’t be scared. Hun!
Treatment
·
Appropriate
drugs to cure the infection will be given by the doctor.
·
Advice
on good personal hygiene and healthy lifestyle.
· Practice
of safe sex.
·
Regular
and Prompt medical check up is very essential.
Prevention Tips
· Practice
safe sex
· Ensure
that your toilet is always clean. However, if you are to use a public or ‘strange’
toilet, use tissue to wipe/cover the seat before use.
· Wash
your hands with soap and water after using the toilet.
· Avoid
wearing extremely tight-fitting pants or shorts which may cause irritation.
· Wear
clean, dry cotton underwear.
· Keep
your genital area clean and dry.
·
Avoid
soap and rinse with water only; Sitting in a warm but not hot, bath may help.
·
Avoid
douching.
·
Avoid
using feminine hygiene sprays, fragrant or powders in the genital area.
…….and then, men! Don’t
think you are totally free especially when you flirt around. You can actually
contact those infections through sex. So, ensure you share this article with
all the ladies in your life- wives, fiancée, girlfriends, sisters, cousins,
aunts and then, concubines if you have any *winks.
EDUCATE YOUR
NEIGHBOUR, SAVE A LIFE TODAY!
Up next: Do you know that
you can have peptic ulcer disease by patronizing some restaurants? Don’t miss
the next edition of HRF HEALTH ANGLE. See you next week.
For enquiries, contact us: hrfnigeria@gmail.com +2348148327860 @HRF_Nigeria
