can You Catch Chlamydia at the Gym? A Doctor Weighs In
We all worry about the usual gym perils – pulling a muscle,awkward encounters,maybe even leaving your workout towel behind. But lately, a new fear has taken hold: can you catch a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from gym equipment?
The rumor mill started churning after a now-deleted TikTok video went viral. an Australian user claimed he contracted chlamydia from using a gym towel on a workout bench, sending shockwaves through the fitness community. This sparked widespread concern, with some even speculating that women exercising without underwear were the culprits.Yikes!
Before we all ditch our gym memberships in a panic, let’s get some expert insight. Dr. Zac Turner, a biomedical scientist and physician, stepped in to debunk the myth and offer some reassuring advice.
“The latest viral panic swirling around social media has gym-goers terrified that they’ll catch chlamydia from their squat racks and yoga mats,” Dr. Zac told News.com.au. “Chlamydia is not the ghost of sweaty treadmills past,waiting to haunt your reproductive health,” he clarified.
Dr. Zac explained that chlamydia can’t survive on gym equipment like bacteria, such as Staphylococcus (Staph infections), which can linger on surfaces. Chlamydia needs a warm,moist surroundings to thrive,like the human body. once exposed to air or gym wipes, it’s quickly neutralized.
“For chlamydia to be transmitted, ther needs to be direct, membrane-to-mucous contact, usually through sexual activity. So unless you’re getting far too intimate with the gym equipment (a conversation for another day), you can unclench your glutes – you’re safe,” Dr. Zac reassured.
Whew! That’s a relief.
“Bottom line: Use protection,get regular STI screenings,and don’t blame the dumbbells,” Dr. Zac added.
Now that we have clarity, we can hit the gym with peace of mind. Though, it’s still an excellent idea to wipe down equipment before and after use to prevent the spread of general germs.
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## Can You Catch Chlamydia at the gym? A Doctor Weighs In
**Intro Music**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Health. Today’s topic is one that’s causing a lot of buzz online: The possibility of catching sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia at the gym. We’ve all heard the rumors, especially after a viral TikTok video claimed just that. So, we’ve invited Dr. [Alex Reed Name],a leading infectious disease specialist,to separate fact from fiction. Welcome to the show, Dr. [Alex Reed name].
**Dr. [Alex Reed name]:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** let’s address the elephant in the room. Is it actually possible to catch chlamydia from gym equipment?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** While theoretically possible, it’s highly unlikely. Chlamydia is spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, primarily semen and vaginal fluids [[1](https://nowtoronto.com/trending/a-man-saeid-he-caught-chlamydia-in-his-eye-because-someone-went-commando-at-the-gym-heres-what-health-canada-says/)]. Transmission requires a certain amount of contact and moisture. Simply using the same weights or bench as someone who may have chlamydia wouldn’t be sufficient to transmit the infection.
**Host:** But what about the case circulating online, the one involving a towel?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** Even then, it’s unlikely. While chlamydia can survive for a short time outside the body, surfaces like gym towels aren’t ideal for its survival [[1](https://nowtoronto.com/trending/a-man-said-he-caught-chlamydia-in-his-eye-because-someone-went-commando-at-the-gym-heres-what-health-canada-says/)]. Plus, the chances of the bacteria transferring from a towel to your eye, the individual’s reported route of infection, are very slim.
**Host:** So, should we be throwing out our gym towels and sanitizing everything in sight?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** Good hygiene is always critically important, but panic is unwarranted.Just like you would wash your hands after using public restrooms,wiping down equipment before and after use is a good practice,as is bringing your own towel.
**Host:** Got it. For listeners concerned about STIs in general,what’s your best advice?
**Dr.[Alex Reed Name]:** The best way to protect yourself from STIs is through safe sex practices like using condoms and getting regular STI testing. And,of course,if you have any concerns,don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.
**Host:** Great advice, Dr. [Alex Reed Name], thank you for clearing things up.
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