Can you get sexually transmitted diseases by sitting on a public toilet?

　　“Will public toilets spread the disease? sexually transmitted diseases ? ”This is an issue that everyone is concerned about but has always been controversial. American public health news network The website previously published an article saying that the idea of ​​"infectious diseases in public toilets" is simply impossible, but some voices expressed that they could not rule it out. Although sexually transmitted diseases are mostly transmitted through sexual contact, they can also be transmitted through blood, mother-to-child vertical transmission and indirect contact. ； There are cases of STDs being transmitted through the toilet clinical It also happened on. Which statement is more credible? Under what circumstances is it possible to "get caught"? The reporter invited relevant experts to give answers.

　　What diseases are spread?

　　Syphilis, gonorrhea, and genital warts are all possible

　　A previous article published by the American Popular Medical News website pointed out: “The idea of ​​infectious diseases in public toilets is simply impossible because solid surfaces like toilets are not conducive to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. ”However, surveys show that 74% of people in the United States believe that toilets can spread STDs.

　　Domestic experts have also raised objections to this and pointed out: "Skin ringworm, superficial fungi, etc. that can be transmitted through contact skin disease , as well as sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis, may be transmitted through shared toilets. ”

　　Guangdong Province women and children The deputy chief physician of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the Health Hospital said: “In most cases, STDs are transmitted through sexual intercourse, in addition to blood transmission, vertical transmission from mother to child, and indirect contact. Therefore, it cannot be completely ruled out that public toilets are not infectious, and may still be infectious under very special conditions. Among the eight kinds of sexually transmitted diseases that are legally tested in our country, syphilis, gonorrhea and genital warts may occasionally be infected through contact with contaminated toilets, but non-gonococcal urethritis (cervical) inflammation, genital herpes, AIDS , chancroid, and lymphogranuloma venereum are generally not transmitted through the toilet. ”

　　In addition to the common STDs mentioned above, some Gynecology Diseases and skin diseases can also be spread through contaminated toilets. The chief physician of the Department of Gynecology at Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital said: “It is not ruled out that public toilets can spread gynecological diseases such as vaginitis, such as vaginitis caused by various bacteria and Candida albicans, but the chance is not very high. ”As for common gynecological Cervicitis It will not be transmitted through the toilet.

　　Toilets can also pollute the skin. If your skin is in direct contact with an unclean toilet seat, it is easy to cause cross-infection, and you can be infected with fungal skin diseases such as tinea corporis and tinea cruris. This situation can happen not only in public places but also at home. “The principle is similar to that of contracting athlete's foot (tinea pedis) from wearing shoes worn by others. ”

　　How to spread?

　　Body contact with toilet seat + splash

　　It has been reported that toilets contain many microorganisms that are invisible to the naked eye: viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. For example, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, etc. Infection with these microorganisms may cause SARS, skin diseases, liver diseases and other infectious diseases, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

　　So, under what circumstances is it possible to be infected with pathogenic microorganisms when using public toilets? “Whether it comes from physical contact with the toilet seat or splashes, you may be infected, with the former having a greater chance. However, the following conditions must be met before you are likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases and skin diseases in public toilets. ”First, in crowded places, there are sufficient numbers of pathogenic microorganisms ； Second, the toilet has been used by patients with sexually transmitted diseases or skin diseases before, especially if bloody, purulent or mucus-like secretions are left to contaminate the toilet. ； Third, if the user's skin and mucous membranes are damaged and exposed to these microorganisms, and the user's immunity is low, they may become sick.

　　In his clinic, he encountered cases of gonorrhea caused by using public toilets. Ms. Lin went to the hospital for STD treatment, but she was puzzled: “How could I get gonorrhea if I didn’t have sex? ”She suddenly recalled using the public toilet at the train station. Due to the strong water pressure when flushing the toilet, liquid mixed with feces and urine splashed onto the body, causing Ms. Lin to become ill. “This example also reminds us that it is best to flush and wash hands before going to the toilet. ”

　　Experts remind:

　　Toothbrushes, towels, etc. should be kept away from the toilet

　In addition to using public toilets, you should also be vigilant in crowded places such as saunas, hot springs, and foot baths. He mentioned that he had treated two children suffering from genital warts and gonorrhea. Their family members did not have sexually transmitted diseases, but the children were infected. Therefore, the hidden danger of indirect contact with sexually transmitted diseases in public places exists.

　　When using public toilets, you should pay attention to the following aspects:

　　1. Develop the habit of washing your hands before going to the toilet, because microorganisms can be transmitted to other parts of the body through your hands. People are more likely to be exposed to microorganisms from door handles, faucets, etc. than from toilets. If your hands come into contact with unclean microorganisms and then you pick up a tissue, this can also cause infection. In addition, flush the toilet before using it to prevent dirt from previous users from remaining in the toilet.

　　2. Try to squat instead of sitting on the toilet. If conditions permit, before using the hotel or hotel toilet, you can boil two basins of boiling water and pour it on the toilet seat for disinfection, or use a disposable toilet seat, or wipe the toilet seat clean with paper towels. In addition, be careful to prevent liquid splashing when using the toilet. If it is a home toilet, it should be cleaned and disinfected regularly and scrubbed with disinfectant every 1 to 2 days.

　　3. After using the toilet, cover it before flushing to avoid contamination caused by water mist splashing. In addition to toilets, squat toilets also need to be wary of splashes. According to reports, research from the University of Arizona in the United States shows that bacteria can spread to a place about 0.8 meters away after flushing the toilet. Therefore, personal items such as toothbrushes, towels, and contact lenses should be placed at least 0.9 meters away from the toilet, preferably in a cabinet.

　　4. Wash your hands after going to the toilet and don’t touch around. Neisseria gonorrhoeae can produce purulent secretions in the vulva or urethral opening. If you accidentally touch your hands and rub your eyes with contaminated hands, it can cause gonococcal conjunctivitis. Because gonococci can grow and multiply in mucous membranes, the eyes are no exception.