Cynthia Ezegwu
A recent conversation on social media has reignited debate over the widely held belief in so-called “toilet infections,” with medical professionals warning that the term is misleading and can negatively impact health-seeking behaviour.
Popular health expert Dr. Michael Ajidahun, also known as The Bearded Dr. Sina, addressed the misconception on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, stating, “I got ‘toilet infection’ from sharing toilets. There is nothing like a toilet infection. People confuse what could be sexually transmitted diseases, UTI or PID with a misnomer ‘toilet infection’ and then abuse antibiotics.”
His post prompted responses from users highlighting that while the term may not be medically accurate, the symptoms described—such as itching, discharge, or burning while urinating—are real. “Shared toilets can harbour bacteria, fungi, and parasites, especially in warm, moist environments with poor cleaning,” one user noted.
Dr. Sina clarified that he acknowledges the symptoms but stressed that the cause is often misunderstood. “The misnomer of toilet infection has led a lot of people to wrongly diagnose themselves. The point is, people should not assume these symptoms are from toilets and should seek treatment for the appropriate condition,” he said.
Health authorities have long noted that infections attributed to toilets are biologically implausible. A 2025 Healthtracka report highlighted that in Nigeria, the term is often used as a self-diagnosis for discomfort, but such symptoms are almost always caused by other conditions, including sexually transmitted infections.
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Medical social media personalities have also weighed in. In 2021, Aproko Doctor stated, “There’s nothing like a ‘toilet infection.’ It’s a misnomer for a group of conditions referred to as vaginitis… caused by Bacterial Vaginosis, Candidiasis, or Trichomoniasis—none of which is acquired from the toilet.”
According to Medscape, the Cleveland Clinic, and other medical authorities, pathogens responsible for these infections do not survive effectively on dry surfaces such as toilet seats. The primary vectors for infection are sexual contact or the body’s own microbiota.
Experts advise that good personal hygiene, safe sexual practices, proper toilet use, and timely medical treatment remain the most effective ways to prevent and manage these infections. They warn that perpetuating the “toilet infection” myth can lead to misdiagnosis, unnecessary antibiotic use, and delayed treatment.