When it comes to public restrooms, many women may feel uncomfortable using them. If possible, they would prefer to avoid them. However, when necessary, they have no choice but to use them. Many believe that using public restrooms may increase the risk of cervical cancer!! This is because there is a chance of contracting HPV, which is the cause of cervical cancer, from public restrooms. But how true is this? Dr. Net Boonkum, a gynecologist from the Women’s Health Center at Phyathai 3 Hospital, explained that…
Is it true? Using public restrooms risks contracting “HPV,” the cause of cervical cancer
HPV can be found everywhere. Therefore, using public restrooms may expose you to HPV, such as on door locks, faucets, and toilet flush buttons. However, HPV infection requires contact, friction, or sexual intercourse. The virus entering the body from sitting on a toilet seat is almost impossible because the virus cannot penetrate deep into the vagina. The possible danger might be the risk of warts or other skin diseases. So, we do not want everyone to worry that using public restrooms will lead to HPV infection. Prevention when using public restrooms can be done by washing your hands thoroughly before and after using the restroom to reduce the amount of germs that may unknowingly stick to your hands.
Cervical cancer, a deadly threat… that can be prevented
Although cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Thai women, preventing this type of malignancy is not difficult. We all know that the cause of this malignancy is the HPV virus, which is sexually transmitted. The main prevention method for cervical cancer is screening to detect abnormalities in the cervix or to test for HPV, the primary cause of cervical cancer, to allow treatment before it develops into cervical cancer or to receive vaccination as a preventive measure.
Dr. Net Boonkum
Gynecologist
Women’s Health Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
