Doctor issues warning after shocking claims people are catching chlamydia from gym equipment

A doctor has issued his opinion on whether you can actually catch chlamydia from using equipment at the gym.

California ER doctor Joe Whittington has taken to his platform (@drjoe_md) to address various claims by people on social media as one TikTok user alleged that he contracted chlamydia from touching gym equipment.

The man said he wiped his eye with a towel that was placed on a seat and after a visit to the doctors, the tests allegedly showed his 'pink eye' to be chlamydia.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK.

The STI can be passed on through unprotected sex (sex without a condom) and is usually treated with antibiotics.

If it's not treated, it can cause serious health problems.

Dr Joe has since taken to Instagram to explain if chlamydia can actually be caught from touching gym equipment.

"POV - You keep seeing TikToks where ppl are getting chlamydia on their face after touching gym machines," the question in his video read.

Dr Joe then explained: "Can you really get chlamydia from gym equipment?

"Well, we all know it's primarily spread through doing the deed, not through casual contact or touching surfaces.

"So unless you're doing something very unusual with those gym machines, you're safe.

"But you do have to worry about MRSA, ringworm and skin warts, so make sure you wipe down the equipment before and after you use it."

What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and it's a type of bacteria that can be found in gyms.

It's spreadable through close contact and gym equipment.

"MRSA is a type of bacteria that usually lives harmlessly on the skin. But if it gets inside the body, it can cause a serious infection that needs immediate treatment with antibiotics," the NHS says.

Most people with MRSA bacteria on their skin do not have any symptoms.

But if you get an MRSA infection under your skin, 'you may have an area of skin that is painful and swollen; feels warm when you touch it; leaks pus or liquid; looks red – though this may be harder to see on brown or black skin'.

At the gym it is recommended to wipe down equipment with a before you use it.

Also be sure to sanitise gym equipment with wipes, which will help prevent the spread of infection.