Doctor’s warning after people ‘catch’ chlamydia from gym equipment

A leading doctor has weighed in on viral social media claims that it is possible to get chlamydia from touching gym equipment.

The rumors started with a TikToker who claimed he contracted an STI at the gym after wiping his eye with a towel he had placed on a bench.

User @grinny45 said he had to see his doctor after getting what he thought was “pink eye” also known as conjunctivitis, a minor eye infection.

But tests revealed it was actually chlamydia.

Confused, as he had not been sexually active, the doctor asked him if he worked out at a public gym.

“Chances are, someone has sweated on the seat where you put your gym towel [on]wiped your face and [got] pink eye, his doctor apparently told him.

In another video, user @alaskaayoung77 blamed it on the phenomenon of women going commando to the gym.

Others then responded and shared videos of themselves profusely wiping down gym equipment for fear of contracting “eye chlamydia”.

Now, Dr. Zac Turner, a leading biomedical scientist and physician from Sydney, has offered his medical verdict.

“The recent viral panic going around social media has shamed gyms into catching chlamydia from their squat racks and yoga mats,” he tells news.com.au.

“Before you start torching your gym membership, let’s unpack this with some science and some common sense advice.”

Can you get chlamydia from gym equipment?

Short answer? No.

According to Zac, “Chlamydia is not the sweaty treadmill ghost of the past waiting to haunt your reproductive health.”

“Unlike the flu or Staphylococcus aureus (more on this later), Chlamydia trachomatis “The bacteria behind this common STI” does not survive long outside the body. She’s not living her best life on the gym bench, hand weights or elliptical.

“For chlamydia to be transmitted, there must be direct contact, from membrane to mucosa, usually through sexual activity. So if you’re not too intimate with gym equipment (a conversation for another day), you can unlock your muscles – you’re safe.

Is there any chance that could happen?

In science, Zac says “we never say never”, but this claim is extremely unlikely.

“Chlamydia needs a warm and moist environment like the human body to survive. Once exposed to air wipes or the gym, it’s toast.”

“Same goes for those viral koala chlamydia jokes” because, yes, chlamydia is a serious issue for koalas. It is actually a different type (Chlamydia pecorum) that affects their eyes and reproductive health. But unless you’re hugging wild koalas in the middle of spin class, you’re still in the clear.

So how do you actually get chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide.

It’s spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex — and often, there are no symptoms, which is why testing is so important, Zac says.

If left untreated, it can cause complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, fertility issues, or discomfort that will make those squats at the gym feel even worse.

“Bottom line: Use protection, get regular STI screenings, and don’t blame dumbbells,” he adds.

Are there other risks with gym equipment?

Despite this, Zac warns that there are still risks when using dirty gym equipment.

Gyms can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, but mostly those that cause skin infections and not STIs.

Think about staph infections or Staphylococcus aureus which can survive on surfaces such as mattresses and weights.

“Wipe down equipment before and after use and cover any cuts or scrapes,” says Zac.

Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis) and the bellworm (Tinea corporis) also like warm, sweaty environments.

Wear shoes, wash gym towels and avoid rolling on shared mats without barriers.

Viruses such as colds, flu and even noroviruses can enter poorly cleaned surfaces.

Zac asks gym-goers to bring their own water bottle, avoid touching their face and sanitize their hands.

So, in conclusion, hygiene matters, but you almost certainly won’t catch chlamydia from your gym — that is, unless you meet someone and pick things up off the gym floor —

“Wipe equipment, wash hands and be aware of current transmissible hazards like skin infections,” notes Zac.

“What about chlamydia? Keep your focus on protection where it matters—during sex—and leave the gym equipment out of it.

“Now go ahead, hit those squats and tell TikTok to take it easy, and if you feel the burn, ask your doctor for a pill.â€