As the heatwave rages on, a doctor has shared some shocking news – including why you should never lend your towel and if you can get STIs from swimming in a communal pool.
Dr Sarah Welsh, 33, from London, is a trained medical professional with experience in gynaecology and is also the founder of the condom brand, Hanx.
With Brits set to crowd communal, private and paddling pools as temperatures rise to dangerous levels, the good doctor has offered some helpful advice.
But be warned, some of the revelations are pretty shocking.
Firstly, if you’re worried about contracting an STI from swimming or sitting in a pool with strangers, there’s no need – this isn’t actually a thing.
This is because the chlorine kills any bacterias of this kind and STIs are “very bad at surviving outside the body”.
However, sharing a towel with someone after a dip is a very, very bad idea unless you want to risk catching pubic lice.
It’s a common misconception that sexually transmitted infections can be passed on through sharing pools. How STI’s is a sexually transmitted infections or STDs. Sexually transmitted diseases are typically transmitted during sexual contact. And so unless you’re engaging in sexual activity in the pool, there’s not a risk here.
Speaking exclusively to NeedToKnow.online, Dr Welsh says: “Can you get an STI from a shared pool or paddling pool?
“In short, the answer’s no.
“STI is also very bad at surviving outside of the body or bodily fluids.
“What’s more, the chlorine and chemicals in public pools kill bacteria and viruses including STIs.
“The only tips here are to avoid sharing towels because pubic lice could potentially spread through these, as well as sharing bedding or clothing.”
If you’re having sex in a pool though, the STI risks are different.
And water friction could impact the effectiveness of the condom (as it could slide off or get damaged).
Dr Welsh said: “However, if you do have sex in the pool, there is a risk of catching an STI.
“Of course, and this is likely higher than catching one outside of the pool,
that’s because you’re less likely to use a condom.
“The water reduces the natural lubrication in the body and therefore you kind of increase risk of friction and injury.
“So STI isn’t getting through that.”
It’s recommended that you keep any sexual activities outside of the water even if you’re with a partner you trust and are using other forms of birth control, as other bacteria can enter the body this way.
And if things should go awry, don’t hesitate to contact your local GP.
Don’t feel embarrassed; they’ve seen it all before.
Dr Welsh said: “There’s also an opportunity for other germs to get inside the reproductive tract from the pool which can cause irritation.”
“The best thing you can do is not to have sex in the pool.
“And if you do, then obviously wearing a condom is so important.
“If you have any kind of concerns or symptoms then make sure you see your GP or sexual health clinic. They will be happy to help.”
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