Public restroom question and possible infections

[SammieSammie]

Hello,

This is going to sound totally irrational and ridiculous (and no doubt it is) but my pregnancy is making me over-obsess about everything (currently 18 weeks). I would like some reassurance please.

Last night at a restaurant I went to the restroom and hovered close to, but didn't sit down on the seat (I never do in public restrooms). I noticed some wet toilet paper (didn't seem to be anything on it, but who knows) near the top of the inside of the bowl, but didn't think anything of it really. But it was one of those automatic flushing toilets and half-way through peeing it flushed by itself. After about 1 or 2 seconds I stopped peeing and moved away, waited for it to finish flushing and then went back and finished my business. Is there any chance that I can get any type of infection (STD or otherwise) or bacteria in my private parts from the water flushing down the previous bit of toilet paper and a possible fine spray of water upwards towards me? I was able to shower about 45 minutes later. Please tell me I am being ridiculous if necessary! I know I am probably being illogical but I need to move past this. Thank you.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Correct, no change in my assessment.  EWH

[SammieSammie]

Thank you Sir. I wasn't aware of the posting limit. That is my mistake and I do apologize. Hopefully I can move beyond this constant worry and enjoy this special time.

Just quickly before I move on, is your assessment the same based on my HSV2 and pregnancy related hemorrhoids?

Thank you again for your patience.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome back to the Forum.  As I believe I said before, it is normal for a pregnant woman to be concerned about possible risks to her unborn child but I think that your concerns are a bit more than the norm.  The myths about getting STIs of any sort from sitting on a contaminated toilet seat or from "splash back" of water from a toilet are just that- myths.  STIs are not spread through contact with inanimate objects that are contaminated by genital secretions or urine from an infected person, nor from exposure to contaminated water.  There is no reason for concern related to the events you describe.

At this time I must also point out that we ask our clients to post no more than two questions on our Forums in any six month period in order to permit access to the Forums for others.  This is your third in less than a month.  Please, no further new questions until December of 2014.  In the interim, I wish you the best throughout your pregnancy.
EWH