Can you really get STI or other infections from sitting on public toilet seats?

Can you really get STI or other infections from sitting on public toilet seats?Granted, putting your butt on something that a bunch of other people have put their butts on IS pretty gross....but are there any real health risks or is this just something our Moms told us? What are some of the potential risks?

becca!
there are no risks except for a dirty but lol toilets can not SEXUALLY transmit anything however there is a very rare case where you could have pubic lice on the toilet seat but again that is extremely rare

NYSEMT307
In the most perfect scenario, yes, but it is so rare I would say the risk is nearly non-existant. If someone had an open herpes wound, which left behind secretions, and you ALSO had an open wound of some kind, and you sat on the secretions directly after that person, you could get herpes. If you have any sort of open sore, cut, or wound on your genitals or buttocks, just don't sit down. Otherwise you are OK. Viruses do not live long off of the body and your skin is an amazing barrier.

Another potential is crabs and scabies. These are parasites that could potentially live off of the body long enough to transfer to another person but again this is far fetched.

Add your own answer in the comments! Learn about different types of STDs and the effects on the body in both women and men. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Info Blog.

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