Why BV Is Not Contagious Through Towels or Toilets

It’s something no one really wants to talk about, but many of us think about: can you actually catch BV from a toilet seat or by sharing towels? I remember wondering the same thing years ago, after a particularly confusing doctor’s appointment that left me with more questions than answers. If you’ve ever hesitated to grab a public restroom seat or avoided using someone else’s towel, you’re not alone. Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.

Can You Get BV from Sharing Towels?

Here’s the short answer: It’s extremely unlikely. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) isn’t considered a contagious infection in the traditional sense. It’s not caused by a foreign invader like the flu or strep, but rather an internal imbalance of bacteria that already live in the vagina.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible under all circumstances—just highly implausible. The vagina naturally contains a mix of bacteria, both good (like Lactobacilli) and bad (like Gardnerella vaginalis). BV happens when this balance gets disrupted. So, using someone else’s towel? Unless that towel has been used very recently and hasn’t dried, the chances of it causing BV are almost zero.

Why People Think Towels Might Spread BV

• BV sometimes recurs after shared household habits
• Confusion with fungal infections or STIs
• Misconceptions around “dirty” vs “infectious”

It’s worth noting that poor hygiene habits can increase the risk of triggering BV, but this doesn’t mean bacteria are hopping towel-to-towel. It’s more about what those habits do to your body’s own ecosystem.

Using Public Toilets – Any Risk There?

Honestly, I used to cover every inch of a public toilet seat in tissue, like some kind of arts-and-crafts project. But science says I didn’t need to stress. BV is not spread through toilet seats.

Even if someone with BV had just used the stall, the bacteria wouldn’t survive long enough or travel well enough to affect the next user. Vaginal bacteria are fragile and don’t thrive outside the body. They need a warm, moist environment to multiply—and cold plastic toilet seats are the exact opposite of that.

How BV Really Spreads (When It Does)

1. Disruption from sexual activity (read more here)
2. Hormonal changes or antibiotic use
3. Over-cleansing or use of harsh soaps

This condition is internal. It’s not “picked up” like a cold or rash. If you’re getting frequent BV after sex, it’s worth noting that recurrence is often due to biofilm-forming bacteria that resist treatment, not because your partner is re-infecting you via shared surfaces.

Misconceptions That Fuel the Confusion

I get it—when you’re dealing with something embarrassing, it’s easy to dive into forums, TikTok, or even overheard conversations for answers. But here’s where misinformation kicks in. People often conflate BV with yeast infections, STIs, or UTIs, which are different in how they develop and spread.

Many assume all vaginal issues must come from “catching” something. But BV is mostly about internal triggers, not external contaminants. Yes, BV can coincide with sexual activity, but even that’s not about classic transmission—it’s more about how sex changes the environment of the vagina.

Learn more about the difference between BV and yeast infections in this guide.

Should You Be Worried About Contamination at All?

If you’re using communal towels, public restrooms, or gym showers, basic hygiene should always be your priority—but not because of BV. We’re talking about more resilient pathogens like staph, fungi, or viruses. BV doesn’t even make that list.

Simple precautions are more than enough:

• Use a clean, dry towel—especially after workouts
• Change out of damp clothes quickly
• Avoid using soap inside the vagina

Vaginal flora is a delicate system, and honestly, our efforts to be “extra clean” sometimes do more harm than good. I used to think scented washes and wipes were keeping me healthy—turns out they were just fueling the problem.

More Accurate Info, Less Stress

If you’re struggling with BV, or just trying to avoid it, knowledge is power. Skip the panic and start with reliable sources. Here’s a solid breakdown on common BV causes and risk factors, which helped me finally figure out what was going on in my own case.

For a full overview of the condition and long-term management, check out the main guide on bacterial vaginosis. You’ll also want to bookmark this prevention tips page—a game changer.

And of course, don’t overlook expert-backed insights from reputable medical sites like cdc.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, or mayoclinic.org.

But What About Gym Towels and Hot Tubs?

This one gets asked all the time—and hey, I used to wonder too, especially after back-to-back flare-ups post-workout. Let’s break it down. Gym towels and hot tubs are not direct causes of BV, but they can create conditions that contribute to a disrupted vaginal microbiome.

Think of it this way: wet, used towels can trap bacteria and encourage growth. If you’re reusing one that’s been sitting in a bag for hours—yeah, not great. But it’s not the towel that “infects” you. It’s the combination of moisture, heat, and maybe even leftover soap or body wash irritating the area.

As for hot tubs? Sitting too long in hot, chlorinated water may stress your natural flora. It doesn’t give you BV directly, but if your balance is already fragile, it can push things over the edge. I’ve definitely cut down my soak time after realizing this.

Other Shared Surfaces You Can Stop Worrying About

Here’s a reassuring list of shared items that won’t give you BV:

• Toilet seats (yep, again for the people in the back!)
• Gym benches or yoga mats
• Shared blankets or sheets—if laundered properly
• Swimming pool water

What might tip the scales is what you do after exposure. For instance, not drying off properly or sitting in a damp swimsuit too long can irritate your vulva and change its pH, increasing risk. That’s not about catching something—it’s about giving the wrong bacteria a boost.

What You Should Actually Focus On

If you’re focused on avoiding BV, skip the public restroom anxiety and start with things that actually matter to your body’s internal balance:

1. Skip the scented stuff. No scented soaps, tampons, or wipes down there. Just don’t.
2. Wear breathable fabrics. Cotton underwear changes everything.
3. Don’t over-wash. I know it feels cleaner, but less is more—trust me.
4. Support your gut and vaginal health. Some probiotics can help, especially ones with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and reuteri.

Oh, and if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, keeping BV in check is even more important. There’s research linking it to preterm birth, which honestly shocked me when I read up on it. Learn more here.

When It’s Time to See a Doctor

Sometimes, it’s not about surfaces or soap. If you’ve done everything right but still keep getting BV, don’t tough it out. A persistent or recurring case may need medical intervention. Especially if you’re noticing symptoms like:

• Strong fishy odor
• Thin grayish discharge
• Burning sensation when urinating

And yes, self-diagnosing BV isn’t always reliable. A visit to your OB-GYN can confirm things and get you on the right treatment. I once spent months assuming I had yeast infections—total waste of time and money.

If you’ve gone through multiple treatments and still struggle with it coming back, check out these long-term solutions for BV that go beyond just another round of antibiotics.

Knowledge Over Fear

In the end, BV isn’t something to be feared—it’s something to understand. It’s not contagious through toilet seats, towels, or hot tubs. It’s not a sign you’re dirty. It’s not something people can “catch” from you or vice versa. What it is, is a signal that your vaginal environment needs a little care and attention.

I’ve learned more from living with this condition than I ever expected. Most of that came from stopping the blame game and starting to listen to my body. I also leaned on legit, evidence-based resources like this one on prevention and recurrence.

And if you want a full walk-through on all things BV—from symptoms to causes to everything in between—check out the complete guide to bacterial vaginosis. For more specific insight, this pillar article breaks down causes and risk factors with surprising clarity.

You deserve peace of mind, not paranoia. Once you understand how BV works, you can stop stressing about where you sit, what towel you grab, or which toilet seat you just used. Let’s leave that worry behind—for good.

Gwenna Aazee

Dr. Gwenna Aazee is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with a special focus on hypertension management, chronic disease prevention, and patient education. With years of experience in both clinical practice and medical writing, she’s passionate about turning evidence-based medicine into accessible, actionable advice. Through her work at Healthusias.com, Dr. Aazee empowers readers to take charge of their health with confidence and clarity. Off the clock, she enjoys deep dives into nutrition research, long walks with her rescue pup, and simplifying medical jargon one article at a time.