The short answer
You cannot catch an infection from a toilet seat. What is called toilet infection in Nigeria is usually thrush (a yeast infection) or bacterial vaginosis, and sometimes trichomonas, chlamydia or gonorrhoea, which are sexually transmitted. They look alike but need different medicines, which is why repeated chemist treatment so often fails. A swab and a PCR test show which it is.
Talk to a doctor privately, ₦15,000Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
The usual causes
Discharge, itching or a smell usually comes from one of these:
- Thrush: thick white discharge like cottage cheese, with itching and soreness. Not sexually transmitted.
- Bacterial vaginosis: thin grey or white discharge with a fishy smell, often worse after sex. Not an STI, though it is linked to sex.
- Trichomonas: frothy yellow-green discharge and soreness. Sexually transmitted.
- Chlamydia or gonorrhoea: often no symptoms, or a change in discharge, bleeding after sex or pain low in the belly. Sexually transmitted.
Why chemist treatment keeps failing
An antifungal treats thrush but not bacterial vaginosis or an STI. Antibiotics treat some STIs but make thrush more likely. Taking whatever the chemist suggests, course after course, can leave the real cause untreated while the symptoms come and go. Men get similar symptoms, discharge from the penis or burning, and the same rule applies.
When to see a doctor today
Pain low in the belly with a fever, pain during sex, bleeding between periods, or any of these in pregnancy needs a doctor the same day, because it can mean a pelvic infection.
Common questions
Can men get toilet infection?
Men can get thrush, and men get discharge or burning from gonorrhoea and chlamydia. A urine PCR test shows which.
Can I keep using the cream from the chemist?
If symptoms keep coming back, stop and get tested. Repeated treatment for the wrong cause delays the right one, and repeated antibiotics make thrush more likely.
Should my partner be treated?
For trichomonas, chlamydia and gonorrhoea, yes, or you will be reinfected. For thrush and bacterial vaginosis, usually not unless they have symptoms.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Guidelines for the management of symptomatic sexually transmitted infections. World Health Organization, 2021. Clinical guideline.
- Thrush in men and women. NHS. Patient information.
- Bacterial vaginosis. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 24 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.