I Got an STI from My Own Towel — The Day My Vagina Turned Against Me

Sade was a clean freak. She never missed a shower and used fancy body scrubs daily. One day, after a sleepover at a friend’s place, she used her towel for a week before washing it. A few days later, she began to itch—violently.

Thinking it was yeast, she self-medicated.

But the discharge got worse. The pain during urination became unbearable.

The hospital result?

“You have trichomoniasis… from contaminated fabric.”

She had no idea that towels could transfer bacteria and parasites. That same towel had picked up germs from the guest room floor, and her delayed washing cost her weeks of medication and trauma.

Health Tip Highlight:

• Change towels at least every 3 days.
• Avoid using someone else’s towel—even if it’s your best friend.
• Dry towels in sunlight when possible to kill bacteria.

💔 What is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It spreads through unprotected sex and can live in the genitals, urethra, and even on towels or sex toys if not properly cleaned.

In women, symptoms include

• Itching or burning in the vagina
• Green, yellow, or gray discharge with foul smell
• Pain during sex or urination
• Swelling or irritation in the genital area

In men, symptoms may include

• Burning after urination or ejaculation
• Discharge from the penis
• Itching inside the penis
• Or sometimes… no symptoms at all

🚨 The Dangerous Part?

Over 70% of infected people don’t show symptoms at all.

That means they keep having sex, spreading the infection unknowingly.

If left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Increased risk of HIV
• Infertility in both men and women
• Complications in pregnancy (like premature birth)

✅ How to Stay Safe

1. Get Tested Regularly

Even if you’re in a committed relationship, regular screening for STIs helps detect silent infections early.

2. Use Protection

Condoms help reduce the risk of trichomoniasis and many other infections.

3. Don’t Ignore Discomfort

Burning, itching, or smelly discharge is your body’s cry for help. Don’t self-medicate—see a doctor.

4. Treat Both Partners

If you’re diagnosed with trichomoniasis, both you and your partner must be treated, even if one has no symptoms.

5. Clean Toys and Towels Properly

Sex toys and shared towels can spread trichomoniasis. Wash thoroughly with hot water and antibacterial agents.

💬 Final Thoughts

Trichomoniasis nearly broke my relationship, not because of cheating—but because of ignorance.

This is why I’m sharing my story on Healthforty—so you don’t suffer in silence, self-medicate blindly, or spread something unknowingly.

Sometimes the most dangerous infections… are the ones that don’t scream until it’s too late.

Please share this story. Talk to your friends. Get tested. Stay safe.