It would be extremely difficult for you to get an STI from a toilet seat. The germs that cause STIs are fragile, and they have a hard time surviving outside of the body. STIs are also not spread through casual contact such as shaking hands or hugging. STIs spread through sexual contact involving the genitals, mouth or anus/rectum. They also spread:
- through skin-to-skin contact (e.g., kissing, non-penetrating sex or body rubbing)
- By mixing infected body fluids (such as blood, semen or vaginal secretions)
- by sharing needles, other drug paraphernalia and through needle stick injuries
- by sharing razors, nail clippers, unclean or used tattoo equipment, piercing or acupuncture equipment
- from a pregnant person to their unborn baby, as the baby is being born during a vaginal delivery
- through breastmilk to a baby
- when sharing things like clothing, bedding and linens