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Hi I️ Have An Embarrassing Question. I️ Am Afraid I️
Question: Hi I️ have an embarrassing question. I️ am afraid I️ got bacteria that was in the toilet in my anal area. Due to some bowel movement problems I️ believe I️ have developed polyps and I️ was feeling for them while I️ wiped. My hand scraped against the inside of the toilet. I️ am worried what bacteria may have come in contact with my anal region. Should I️ get this tested immediately?
Brief Answer:
The anal area is already contaminated with bacteria
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. I wouldn't be concerned about this. Because your stool has many different bacteria, your anal area is constantly being exposed to bacteria. Any bacteria that might be on the inside of your toilet would be the same bacteria in your stool, and so there would be no reason to be concerned or to be tested.
I hope that helps and makes sense, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
The anal area is already contaminated with bacteria
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. I wouldn't be concerned about this. Because your stool has many different bacteria, your anal area is constantly being exposed to bacteria. Any bacteria that might be on the inside of your toilet would be the same bacteria in your stool, and so there would be no reason to be concerned or to be tested.
I hope that helps and makes sense, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Okay thank you. Is it still okay if I️ came in contact with the pink mold that builds up in toilets? I️ read that exposure to it can be harmful and cause multiple types of infections. The mold is apparently called serratia marcescens.
Brief Answer:
Infections are rare
Detailed Answer:
Serratia marcescens, as well as other serratia species are common in the environment, and like you said, in bathrooms and toilets. Fortunately, this bacteria has not been known to commonly cause infections, and the usually the only times they cause problems are during outbreaks in hospitals. When it does cause infections, it is typically in the bladder, lungs, or blood, so touching it would not be expected to cause any problems. I would just make sure to wash your hands and areas that were exposed whenever you think you might have touched something that was not clean, and not be too concerned about it.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Infections are rare
Detailed Answer:
Serratia marcescens, as well as other serratia species are common in the environment, and like you said, in bathrooms and toilets. Fortunately, this bacteria has not been known to commonly cause infections, and the usually the only times they cause problems are during outbreaks in hospitals. When it does cause infections, it is typically in the bladder, lungs, or blood, so touching it would not be expected to cause any problems. I would just make sure to wash your hands and areas that were exposed whenever you think you might have touched something that was not clean, and not be too concerned about it.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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