Not every infection you have is a toilet infection!!!

If there is anything very common and unusual in attending an only girls boarding school, it is the constant talk here and there about toilet infections.

Whether it is due to foul odor, or an itchy sensation felt, any of these symptoms is greatly attributed to being the result of a toilet infection.

Am I saying there’s no such thing as getting infected from improper hygiene using the toilet? No

But yes, I am saying not all infections you’re most likely dealing with are as a result of a shared toilet seat.

In the actual sense toilet infection is the layman’s name given to what medically would be termed “vaginal infections”.

I would love to pin-point that what is said to be misquoted to be a toilet infection sometimes could be any of these below:

1. Candida Infection
2. Bacterial Vaginosis
3. Trichomoniasis

Unlike what you must have heard about infections not everything is sexually transmitted and not all types are equally gotten from a toilet seat as earlier stated.

However, trichomoniasis is one of the types of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

What would come a long way in your understanding of this topic on infections, is that these organisms naturally occur in the vagina and do not cause infections. But poses the risk of an infection where there’s an increase in the number of these vaginal organisms.

ALSO READ; PAINFUL MENSTRUATION: CHINESE MEDICINE APPROACH

What causes an increase in normal vaginal organisms ?

 If you were told to give up your constant love for tight underwear or pants, you might resist.

But what if I told you that sometimes the result of what we refer to as an infection might just be an irritation.

Let me explain in detail. Some ladies are very sensitive and experience itching, redness, or irritation in their vagina because of what they wear.

As simple as tight pants or underwear rubbing and putting pressure on the vulva can lead to irritation. Trust me they look very cute from behind but what are they causing upfront?

Now, this is what happens, so they trap heat and moisture in the vagina, restricting the breathability of the vagina, thereby causing a perfect environment for bacteria or yeast to thrive in.

For some persons with mild symptoms this might just be it, it would be better to switch to something more loosely or skirts. Also, there is the need to change the type of underwear you use, to ensure what you wear doesn’t cause much friction.

Recommendation: Wear plain cotton underwear and change it often.

However, is this the case for everyone? No.

• Use of antibiotics for a longer duration: These antibiotics might be used to treat other infections but when in excess can alter the balance of the vagina by removing protective organisms.

• Excessive washing of the vagina is known as douching. Constant practice of this act can disrupt the balance of the vagina, thereby leading to bacteria or fungal overgrowth.

• Hormones also play a huge role, certain steroids, as well as contraceptive pills could be one of the leading causes.

• Low immune response, whether it’s as a result of emotional or physical stress could significantly have an impact on it.

In conclusion, the aim of this article is to let you know that not every infection you are likely putting up with is as a result of a toilet seat.

In the subsequent post, I would be addressing how to know you have any of these infections listed, what to watch out for.

Feel free to leave a comment.