“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.
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