[Question #12627] Transmission question
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6 months ago
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Hi, I know this might sound silly but I have a question. I had a gynecologist appt last week and at one point my legs were sweating and due to that, the paper underneath me ripped a little. Now I’m worried that my bare bottom (vagina) touched the seat and that I could have contracted something like an STD from the seat. Is this a silly thing to be concerned about? Can I get an std like chlamydia or gonnorea from this event? My vagina was actually touching the chair so I am wondering if this could have given me something.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
6 months ago
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Welcome back to the Forum. I note that this is your 7th post in the past 4 months and while some of your earlier questions reflect possible exposures, the undercurrent of your questions suggest an unnecessarily high fear of STIs. I understand that you had a bad experience 3 years ago but would hope that you are able to, or at least working towards addressing this unwarranted fear. Most people do not have STIs, most single unprotected exposures to infected partners do not lead to infection and condom-protected sex, which is what you mention in earlier posts transforms low risk sex into no risk sex.
Regarding your question- it is unlikely that the patient who was seen by your GYN prior to you had an STI (chlamydia or otherwise) and even if she did- STIs are not transmitted through contact with inanimate objects such as exam tables, toilet seats, etc. In fact they are not even transmitted when a partner transfers infected genital secretions from one person to another on their hands in the process of masturbation. I would have no worries whatsoever regarding the episode you describe. I see no need for testing.
I hope this information is helpful and hope that you are working to overcome your anxiety regarding STIs. EWH
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6 months ago
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I know I am overly cautious and anxious about these topics. Thank you for answering. I was just worried if say someone prior’s vaginal secretions were possibly still on the chair if it was enough to transmit something to me. But that isn’t possible ? I know people sit on the piece of paper over the chair but I just was overly worried about it. Thank you for answering. I’m trying to work on it.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
6 months ago
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Toilet seat covers are of no proven benefit. Exam tables are always cleaned between patients and even in the unlikely circumstance that the person before you was infected and residual secretions were present, there would be no risk of infection to you. Please don’t worry. There is no need for testing related to this situation. EWH---
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6 months ago
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I didn’t know the paper is not beneficial. Even on exam chairs like the one I’m describing? And thank you for your response. I will try not to worry.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
6 months ago
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Great. Closing the thread now. EWH---
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6 months ago
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Also, in your years of experience has anyone got chlamydia or gonorea from sitting on a chair naked? Like a gynecologist chair
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
6 months ago
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Never. EWH---