RISK AWARE
I’m a doctor – here’s why you should never share a towel and when to be wary of swimming pools
A DOCTOR has revealed why you should never share a towel with someone else this summer.
Dr Sarah Welsh, from London, also cleared up whether you can catch sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a swimming pool.
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The heatwave has thankfully passed, but with more warm summer days ahead, many Brits will be spending their time at pools or going on holiday.
Dr Welsh, founder of the condom brand , warned that sharing a towel with someone after a dip is a bad idea.
She said: “Avoid sharing towels because pubic lice could potentially spread through these, as well as sharing bedding or clothing."
Pubic lice are tiny but you can sometimes see them crawling in the hair around the genitals.
They may also be found in the chest, armpits, face and eyelashes.
While someone is receiving treatment for the so-called “crabs”, they should not share clothes, a bed, or things like razors with anyone else, avoid sexual contact, and follow strict bedding washing instructions.
Pubic lice isn’t the only thing to be wary of if you’re heading to the pool.
Dr Welsh said you can get an STI from someone in the water if you are having sex with them.
She explained: “If you do have sex in the pool, there is a risk of catching an STI.
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“That's because you're less likely to use a condom.”
If you do use a condom, water friction could impact the effectiveness, as it could slide off or get damaged.
Dr Welsh added: "The water reduces the natural lubrication in the body and therefore you kind of increase risk of friction and injury.”
It's recommended that you keep any sexual activities outside of the water even if you're with a partner you trust, as other bacteria can enter the body this way.
Dr Welsh said: "There's also an opportunity for other germs to get inside the reproductive tract from the pool which can cause irritation."
Chlorine and other cleaning agents used in pools can disturb the vagina's balance of good bacteria, leading to thrush, inflammation and bacterial vaginosis.
"The best thing you can do is not to have sex in the pool," Dr Welsh said.
"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."
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.
It's a common misconception that STIs can be passed on through sharing pools.
Chlorine kills any bacterias of this kind and STIs are "very bad at surviving outside the body".
Dr Welsh said: "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.
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"What's more, the chlorine and chemicals in public pools kill bacteria and viruses including STIs.”
If things should go awry, don't hesitate to contact your local GP or sexual health clinic.
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