Doctor addresses claims people can catch STDs from sharing gym equipment

A doctor has addressed concerns that it's possible to catch STDs from shared gym equipment.

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are something to avoid, and this can be done by practicing safe sex.

Of course, regular check-ups for those who are sexually active, especially with different partners are also advisable.

But recently there have been rumors that you can catch an STD at the gym.

Chlamydia is a common STD. Credit: WLADIMIR BULGAR/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty

The rumor originated from TikTok user @grinny45, who shared his experience of being diagnosed with chlamydia after initially believing he had conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye," as cited by News.com.au.

In his video, the user explained he hadn’t been sexually active and suggested the infection stemmed from a gym towel placed on a workout bench.

“Chances are someone has sweated on the seat you put your gym towel [on], wiped your face, and [got] pink eye,” the TikToker quoted his doctor as saying.

The claim sparked alarm among users, with some uploading videos of themselves vigorously wiping down gym equipment to avoid what they called “eye chlamydia.”

One user, @alaskaaayoung77, speculated that the issue stemmed from women exercising without underwear, further fueling the panic, per the Daily Mail.

But is there genuine cause for concern?

Can you catch an STD at the gym? Credit: serts/Getty

Dr. Zac Turner, a biomedical scientist and physician, addressed the controversy in an interview with news.com.au.

“The latest viral panic swirling around social media has gym-goers terrified that they’ll catch chlamydia from their squat racks and yoga mats,” he said. “Before you start setting fire to your gym membership, let’s unpack this one with a bit of science and some sensible advice.”

The short answer? No.

“Chlamydia is not the ghost of sweaty treadmills past, waiting to haunt your reproductive health,” Dr. Zac clarified.

Unlike bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which can survive on surfaces, Chlamydia trachomatis - the bacterium behind this common STI - requires direct membrane-to-mucous contact to transmit. It cannot survive long outside the human body.

“For chlamydia to be transmitted, there 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.”

While he conceded that science avoids saying “never” outright, Dr. Zac explained the odds of such transmission are astronomically low. “Chlamydia needs a warm, moist environment like the human body to survive. Once exposed to air or gym wipes, it’s toast.”

It's highly unlikely the disease was caught at the gym. Credit: Milan_Jovic/Getty

Chlamydia remains one of the world’s most common sexually transmitted infections. According to Dr. Zac, it spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex and often shows no symptoms, making regular testing critical.

“Left untreated, it can cause complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, fertility issues, or discomfort that’ll make those gym squats feel even worse,” he warned.

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

Featured image credit: Milan_Jovic/Getty