THE public toilets for the majority of women account for a real nightmareso that almost all they use them only if strictly necessary. Especially during the period. But is using the toilet when you are away from home really that risky? We asked the gynecologist.
Women and public toilets
According to a survey conducted by initialspeaking of hygiene, 7 out of 10 women they declare to not feeling safe using public toilets. Well 81% of survey participants are afraid of touching surfaces while 1 in 5 women prefer do not use them at all, even if you feel the need to. And the situation is even worse on the days of the cycle, during which, qalmost all of the interviewees does not feel comfortable when using public toilets. Of these, the 69% he uses it only because he has to and with a strong dose of courage.
Cup: an alternative
During the cycle, when you are away from home, if the need to use the toilet is closely linked to change of absorbent, a possible alternative is the use of the menstrual cup. “They are gods small bell-shaped containerswhich are inserted into the vaginal canal and which serve to collect blood and which reserve a series of advantages. Numerous scientific studies, as well as a survey intimidatehave shown that they do not create allergic reactions or increase the risk of infections. Also, there’s a less need to change. Indeed, a menstrual cup can be removed after 8 hours. It is a valid alternative to sanitary pads, even for women with abundant flows, used to having to change at least 4-5 times a day» explains the Doctor Manuela Farrisgynecologist and Councilor of the Italian Society of Contraception.
Public toilets: what is the real danger?
“Most of sexually transmitted bacteria I’m very labile in contact with air therefore it is difficult, if not almost impossible, for them to survive. The only hypothetical risk, rather than an infection with viruses or bacteria, is that of contracting a mushroomone skin mycosis which also spreads through contact. That’s why it’s really important to wash your hands thoroughly after using a public restroom. Although women are very afraid to use the toilet outside the home, places with a greater risk they’re the wet ones, like saunas and hammams. The infection from papilloma virus on the neck of the uterus is contracted only with sexual intercourse, but HPV infection in the vulvar and skin of the penis can be transmitted humid environments. However, it should be emphasized that they are part of the 9 strains covered by the HPV vaccine», continues the expert.
Watch out for cystitis
«It is therefore clear that important infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases, they do not contract using a public toilet. Conversely, the fear of using a toilet outside the home leads to hold the pee. This increases the urinary concentration and the molecular weight of the urine and therefore also the risk of cystitis. Fortunately, however, in these cases it simply passes drinking lots of water and no medications» concludes Dr. Farris.
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