Public toilets not primary cause of genital infections — Expert

A gynaecologist, Dr Abdullahi Kabir, says the use of public toilet is not the primary cause of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in women.

He said this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Bauchi.

Kabir, also an obstetrician at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU-TH), Bauchi, said it’s a misconception that women contracted UTIs through the use of public toilets.

He dismissed the notion as a myth, noting that most bacteria cannot survive for long on hard, cold surfaces.

“There are a lot of misconceptions. Women believed that once they enter a toilet, squat and urinate, they immediately develop an infection. In most cases, that is not how these infections are contracted,” he said.

According to Kabir, infection through direct contact is theoretically possible, such occurrences are rare and not the major source of most genital infections.

“The majority of cases are linked to other factors, including poor personal hygiene, insertion of harmful substances into the vagina, and risky sexual practices.

“Sexual behaviour plays a critical role in the spread of infection, men with multiple sexual partners can transmit infections to their spouses.”

Kabir warned that failure to seek prompt medical attention could endanger others, particularly in polygamous families.

He underscored the importance of contact tracing in medical practice, stressing that when a woman was diagnosed with an infection, treatment should be extended to her husband, even if he showed no symptoms.

“The co-wives may also receive preventive treatment to curb silent infections.”

While calling for cooperation among couples during treatment, Kabir advised for abstinence from sexual intercourse until medication was completed.

He also advised women to avoid misinformation, maintain proper hygiene, practice responsible sexual behaviour, and seek early medical care to prevent complications and curb the spread of infections.