Having to use the public washrooms in India is one of the scariest experiences of being a woman. You feel disgusted to your core due to the horrible hygiene conditions and lack of proper facilities available. It’s a different case if its in a mall and you can consider yourself lucky if you ever stumble upon a clean bathroom. But 90% of the time, you question the decision to use it.
We squat, try to block that bad smell, pray to God that there is water available. During these trying times, we hate how convenient it is for men to just stand up and pee without having to worry about all those infections waiting for you at the toilet seat.
But as a woman is always well prepared to take on the world, let’s figure out our way through this messy nightmare.
Avoid direct contact
The toilet seat, or literally any part of the washroom, is a breeding ground for germs and diseases. It goes without saying that avoiding direct contact with any surface is a safe bet. It may seem nearly impossible- how do we sit while peeing? How do we open the tap for water? Worry not, we have got you covered. Follow this article to find out how you can tackle these issues.
Don’t wash your vagina with a jet spray
This is an important rule. No matter how tempting it might be, avoid using the jet spray. Instead rely on toilet papers. You never know how clean the water or the jet spray might be, and toilet papers will also help keep your vagina clean and dry. And if the washroom doesn’t have a proper toilet paper dispenser? Always be prepared and never leave your home without keeping few tissue papers/napkins in your bag. This way you know that whatever touches your vagina is clean. Keep those UTIs at bay by smart planning.
Step out of your house well equipped
As women, we always have our essentials ready in our handbag. It is impossible to leave home without them. Along with that lip-balm and scrunchie, don’t forget these hygiene products too:
1. Period supplies
This is a no-brainer. Never leave your home without an extra pad or your menstrual cup, even if your period is not close, to avoid those unpleasant surprises.
2. Toilet Seat Sanitizer / Surface disinfectant
Many women hygiene companies are now releasing toilet seat sanitizer to aid us in our nature calls. Invest in an affordable one to keep up your hygiene game. If you can’t find one, you can also use a small surface disinfectant. Just spray the toilet seat once before you sit down to pee- no more uncomfortable squatting! Do not forget to disinfectant the wash basin and water tap before you wash your hand.
3. Hand Sanitizer
This is a given during the pandemic. It is always a good idea to sanitize your hand before touching door knobs, etc.
4. Toilet paper/ Tissue paper
Keep few folds of toilet paper or tissue paper with you. You can use it to clean your vagina after peeing, and also use it to press the flush- just wrap one around your finger before pressing the flush. There are a lot of ways you can use toilet papers in a public washroom, so it’s a good idea to keep some handy.
5. Toilet Seat covers
In case you are still not comfortable using the toilet seat, maybe you can invest in toilet seat covers. It is easily available in grocery stores or pharmacies, or purchase them online at an affordable rate. You can store few in your bag.
Try and invest in Peebuddy Urination funnel
Still feeling uncomfortable about the idea of coming in direct contact with the toilet seat? Still envying men? Maybe it’s time for you to try out Peebuddy disposable female urination device. It is a portable, leak-free and disposable stand and pee funnel that can rescue from this problem.
Never put your belonging on the floor
Avoid putting your bags and belongings directly on the floor. It can easily transfer all those germs onto you. If you have a friend with you, hand them the bag before using the washroom. Or hang it over a door hook or door knob. In case those options aren’t available, final resort is to hug and hold on to your belongings.
Leave the washroom clean behind you
Public washroom maintenance is a sad situation in this country, but thankfully, there is some gradual change coming. What can you do on a personal level to keep washrooms clean? After you use the washroom, flush and leave the toilet clean for the next person. As more people start doing it, some respite will be brought into using public washrooms.
