- The so-called “toilet infections” are NOT gotten from toilets! It is highly unlikely; the probability is negligible! The closest medical name is “Vaginal Infections”, and some are actually “Sexually-Transmitted Infections [STIs]”
- These infections are common in females, and about 75% of ladies will have at least a yeast infection in their lifetime. So, don’t think you are “alone” if you are infected.
- The commonest infections of the so-called “Toilet infections” are: Candidiasis (fungal infection), Bacterial Vaginosis (bacterial infection), and Trichomoniasis (protozoan infection).
- While Trichomoniasis is an STI, the other two are not directly linked to sex as a cause. So don’t be quick to be suspicious if your roommate has “toilet infections.”
- It is almost impossible to get an STI from the toilet. The organism cannot survive long in that environment and getting the organism in the amount that will cause an STI is highly unlikely, especially with the immunity of an average person.
- The commoner “Toilet infections” are caused, not by organisms from the toilet, but by normal organisms in the vagina! Normally, they don’t cause infections, but when they increase in number, they cause the “Toilet infections.”
- The mass increase in the number of these normal vaginal organisms can be caused by:
- Douching or excessive washing of the vagina (for example, after sex, or menses, or even while bathing). This disrupt the biochemical balance and causes fungal and bacterial over-growth.
- Poor hygiene, and moist/wet underwear (‘pants’). And not keeping the area dry, especially after taking a bath; or wearing tight underwear. Fungus love any moist/wet environment!
- Excessive use of creams, perfumes, soaps, etc. in order to remove the normal vaginal odor could also affect the normal balance and cause these infections.
- It could be due to hormones e.g from contraceptive pills, during monthly ovulation, during pregnancy, from steroid-drugs,etc.
- Using an antibiotic [to treat other infections], especially a strong antibiotic, for a long period of time. This could remove the ”protective” organisms, thereby altering the balance.
- Low immunity e.g. from emotional/physical stress, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, etc
- Research and microbiology show that toilets are NOT implicated in these infections, despite the common notion and reference, even from medical personnel. Stop blaming toilets!
I guess this is enough for one post!How do I know if I have “Toilet infection”? How can I treat it? How do I prevent it? WATCH OUT for PART 2 [coming soon!] Lolzzzz.