Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
A urinary tract infection spreads microbes in the urinary system to affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. However, microbes mostly affect the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra. It is often believed that urinating in public toilets increases the risk of UTIs. Women often avoid going to public toilets. They wait to reach home and tend to hold urine in their bladder for long hours. This practice increases the risk of UTI in place of reducing it. In this article, we will discuss whether public toilets cause UTIs. We will also explain the ways to avoid the risk of UTIs in public toilets.
Do public toilets cause UTIs?
Not exactly. Using a clean public toilet often does not cause UTIs. People often believe that public toilets are dirty and microbes can easily enter body openings to cause infection. However, this is not the case. Microbes cannot enter the body opening easily. Bacteria that cause infection cannot jump and cross the vagina to reach the urethra. UTI spreads when microbes reach the body openings and gets a chance to populate in the urinary tract. Following unhygienic practices in the public toilet can increase the risk of UTI. Some of these practices include wiping genitals with an infected napkin or coming in the close contact with infected stool.
How to avoid UTIs in a public toilet?
Following hygiene practices in the public toilet can reduce the risk of UTI. Avoid bringing body openings into close contact with the microbes. Also, people may avoid touching surfaces then body openings to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Besides this, it is essential to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Drinking water regularly makes a person urinate frequently. This does not provide microbes enough time to grow and multiply in the urinary system.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
