For generations, a persistent myth has circulated in whispered conversations and casual advice, that women contract urinary tract infections (UTIs) from sitting on public toilet seats, writes Dr Aaron Mujajati.
It is a belief so widespread that many women hover uncomfortably above the seat, convinced they are protecting themselves from infection.
But here is the truth: UTIs are not caused by toilet seats.
The truth is that majority of UTIs are caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), that live in the digestive tract and sometimes spread to the urinary system.
These bacteria typically enter the urethra and travel upward, leading to infection.
The toilet seat, by contrast, is an unlikely culprit.
In fact, the skin is an excellent barrier against germs, and the conditions required for bacteria to move from a seat into the urinary tract simply do not exist.
So why does this myth endure? Perhaps because UTIs are so common, about 40% of women will experience at least one in their lifetime, and people naturally seek a visible, external cause.
Public toilets, often perceived as unhygienic, become an easy scapegoat. But the real risk factors lie elsewhere and these include:
- Sexual activity, which can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
Improper wiping habits (back-to-front instead of front-to-back).
Holding urine for too long, which allows bacteria to multiply.
Hormonal changes, especially after menopause, which can alter the urinary tract’s natural defenses.
This is not to say hygiene is unimportant. Washing hands, staying hydrated, and urinating after sexual intercourse are all effective preventive measures.
But hovering over a toilet seat or avoiding public restrooms altogether does little to protect against UTIs, and may even cause unnecessary discomfort or bladder strain.
The danger of clinging to the toilet seat myth is twofold. First, it distracts from the real causes and preventive strategies. Second, it fuels stigma, making women feel embarrassed about a condition that is both common and treatable. UTIs are medical issues, not moral failings or hygiene lapses.
The next time someone warns you about “catching something” from a toilet seat, remember: the real threat is not where you sit, but how bacteria find their way into the urinary tract. Let’s flush away the myths and focus on science.
Bottom line: UTIs are caused by bacteria, not toilet seats. Dispelling this misconception empowers women to take the right preventive steps and seek treatment without shame. You have heard.
*Dr Aaron Mujajati is a renowned Zambian physician and corporate wellness specialist
