For those with cleanliness obsessions, it is very difficult to accept using public toilets, but sometimes when traveling or participating in outdoor activities, it is necessary to resolve urine and feces issues, and the only option is to use public toilets. When using the toilet, they are very cautious, making sure that water from the toilet bowl does not splash. So, if water from a public toilet splashes on the buttocks, will it lead to a sexually transmitted disease?
Public toilets are very different from the toilets at home in terms of hygiene. Most public toilets have poor hygiene conditions, resulting in unpleasant odors. Additionally, with inadequate cleaning and delayed disinfection of these public toilet bowls, there are indeed safety hazards. Some people become anxious when they come in contact with water splashing up from the toilet bowl while defecating, fearing the possibility of contracting a disease.
Although the water inside the toilet bowl is very dirty, there is no need to worry about contracting a disease if splashed with this water. The viruses that can cause diseases are difficult to survive outside the body for an extended period. Most viruses lose their activity once they leave the human body. Whether it’s HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea, the risk of transmission through using public toilet bowls is very low. Therefore, there is no need to worry as these diseases mainly threaten health through blood transmission, sexual contact, or mother-to-child transmission. As long as these transmission routes are not present, there is no risk of contracting the disease.
Is squatting toilet better or sitting toilet better?
When it comes to choosing between a squatting toilet and a sitting toilet for defecation, it depends on individual needs and the circumstances. For most people, using a squatting toilet for defecation allows better exertion of force, resulting in quicker defecation and avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet bowl, which could increase the difficulty of defecation and waste time.
However, for those with mobility issues, the elderly with limited mobility, or pregnant women with increased physical burden, it is better to opt for a sitting toilet. Nevertheless, when using a public toilet, if both a squatting toilet and a sitting toilet are available, it is better to choose the squatting toilet to avoid contact with the toilet seat and prevent the spread of bacteria.
What are some good practices for safely using public toilet bowls?
To feel more at ease when using public toilets, apart from choosing a squatting toilet, one can also carry disposable toilet seat covers. Placing one of these covers on the toilet seat before use reassures direct contact between the body and the seat, addressing the issue of poor hygiene conditions.
Furthermore, if one is afraid of feces touching the toilet water causing splashing, placing two tissue papers in the bowl beforehand can act as a cushion, preventing water splashes. This method not only reduces the risk of hygiene-related issues but also eliminates concerns about touching unclean water in the toilet bowl and contracting diseases, alleviating many worries.
It is evident that being splashed with water from a public toilet bowl generally does not lead to contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Sexually transmitted diseases pose health threats when sufficient and active viruses come into contact. Of course, merely coming into contact with these viruses does not automatically result in infection; the key is whether there is contact with blood or invasion through a particular mucous membrane.
