There are all sorts of misconceptions and myths about STDs. A lot of people don't know that yes, you can get a sexually transmitted infection from kissing. There's also confusion about what type of protection, exactly, condoms provide. In this blog, we're answering one common question: Can you pick up an STD from a toilet seat?

Keep reading for the answer.

Can Sexually Transmitted Diseases Spread From a Toilet Seat?

Is it technically possible to acquire sexually transmitted infections after sitting on a toilet seat? Yes. However, it's so unlikely that it's nearly impossible.

But why?

Well, the circumstances that would make transmission possible via a toilet seat are so specific that the odds of them happening are simply incredibly slim. Take human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as an example. HIV spreads through blood. So in this case, an individual would need to come into contact with a toilet seat that has blood on it, and the blood would have to make contact with an open wound on their skin.

Furthermore, most STDs can't survive long outside of the host's body (meaning the infected person). In the case of public toilet seats, viruses and bacteria might survive for several seconds, tops.

Bodily fluids and direct contact with an infected individual often need to be involved for the human body to contract an STD. So, we can all rest easy. When it comes to STDs, the public restroom isn't nearly as big of a threat as some of us thought it was. (And while we're at it, this includes any germs lingering on rubbish bins, faucet handles, and paper towel dispensers.)

What About Using Paper Toilet Seat Covers?

Regardless of what may or may not be lingering on toilet seats, does using a paper cover help at all?

While it might feel like you're stopping yourself from making actual contact with the toilet seat, a cover probably won't do anything, according to experts. This is because these covers, as well as toilet paper in general, are porous, and the holes are large enough for microscopic organisms to sneak through. You might have better luck if you use a few layers.

If it gives you peace of mind and you feel more comfortable with some sort of barrier, go for it! Just remember that (1) it likely won't do much, and (2) you are probably already safe to begin with. The best thing you can do is wash your hands after using the restroom.

The Real Threats in Public Restrooms

While direct contact with a toilet seat won't lead to the transmission of a sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis B, there are other types of bacteria and viruses haunting the average public restroom.

Some research has found that in just an hour of use, there were around 500,000 bacterial cells per square inch on bathroom surfaces. These included Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Lactobacillus, as a few examples.

However, this is important: Bacteria don't do well on cold, hard surfaces, like toilet seats and toilet paper holders. As long as you don't touch your face after using the bathroom and then cleanse with either soap or hand sanitizer, you'll probably be just fine!

The Biggest Risk of STDs Comes With Sexual Activity

The transmission of viruses and bacterial STDs on a toilet seat should probably be the least of your concerns. Rather, we need to talk about the risks associated with sexual activity, because skin-to-skin contact and the spread of bodily fluids is where there is a higher risk.

This underscores the importance of having honest conversations with your partner(s) before engaging in any sort of sexual contact, including oral sex, anal sex, and even more casual contact like kissing. What is your history like? What are your expectations? What types of birth control do you plan to use? The barrier method is one—this includes condoms, diaphragms, sponges, and cervical caps—but there are other options.

Furthermore, we always recommend entering into monogamous relationships. Keep in mind that when you engage in sexual activity with an individual, you are also, by default, engaging with everyone they've been with in the past. Transparency and honesty are key in helping everyone stay safe from dangerous health complications.

Get Tested to Avoid Infection

Finally, we can't stress enough the importance of STD testing. It doesn't matter how careful you feel you've been — the responsible thing to do is for any and all individuals involved in a physical relationship to get tested for bacterial and viral STDs to ensure they won't spread anything to others. When we all commit to keeping not just ourselves but our partners safe, and prioritize sexual health, we can have a significant impact on transmission rates.

eNational Testing offers STD testing at more than 2,700 locations across the United States. It's quick, confidential, and convenient, and same-day testing is available. You'll get your test results in one to five business days. Should you have questions afterward, you can follow up with a clinician to discuss medical care (if necessary) and any other next steps.

Many STDs are curable with prompt and appropriate treatment. Here's the even better news, though: You can avoid contracting viral and bacterial STDs in the first place by being diligent with getting tested and asking your partners to do the same.

Order an STD test with eNational Testing today, or contact us with any questions.

Learn more in our blog, Which STDs Should You Test For?