{"id":8497,"date":"2024-12-27T15:19:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-27T15:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/?p=8497"},"modified":"2025-01-22T12:57:18","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T12:57:18","slug":"can-you-get-an-sti-from-gym-equipment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/can-you-get-an-sti-from-gym-equipment\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you get an STI from gym equipment?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Can you get an STI from gym equipment?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lTM_z-yNaHw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Working out in the gym can seem a lot like sex. Your heart rate\u2019s elevated, hormones are flying all over the place, and you&#8217;re probably a bit sweaty by the end of the session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lots of bodily fluids get thrown around in the gym. With all these fluids flying around, some people might wonder if it\u2019s possible to get an STI, say, from using gym equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recent <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/12\/19\/people-panicking-catching-chlamydia-gym-equipment-22210030\/#:~:text=Basically%2C%20gym%20equipment%20isn%E2%80%99t%20a%20good%20home%20for,risk%20of%20catching%20the%20STI%20from%20pumping%20iron.\"><strong>concerns<\/strong><\/a> have appeared on social media sites like TikTok surrounding the possibility of getting STIs like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/chlamydia\"><strong>Chlamydia<\/strong><\/a> from their gym equipment and using items like towels left on certain surfaces. These concerns seemed to focus on how some people use gym equipment without having their genitals completely covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what\u2019s going on here? Is it possible to get an STI from gym equipment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading to find out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STi-gym-equipment-2-1024x518.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8498\" width=\"768\" height=\"389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STi-gym-equipment-2-1024x518.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STi-gym-equipment-2-300x152.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STi-gym-equipment-2-768x388.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STi-gym-equipment-2-1536x777.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STi-gym-equipment-2-2048x1036.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>You can get an STI in ways you may not expect. Put your mind at ease with one of Better2Know\u2019s Full Screen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/shop\/products\/home-testing-kits\/full-screen\">Get tested<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>What are STIs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding how STIs are transmitted under normal circumstances helps understand whether you might get one in an environment like a public gym.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/std-sti-testing\"><strong>Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/strong><\/a> tend to be transmitted between people through sexual activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSexual activity\u201d includes vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, and sharing sex toys \u2013 any activity where infected bodily fluids have the opportunity to come into contact with the mucous membranes in the genitals, rectum, mouth, eyes, and blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mucous membranes are more porous points of entry into your body than the skin. They are the points of entry many pathogens use to enter your system. Infected secretions like semen, precum, vaginal fluids, and blood that carry pathogens, like viruses and bacteria, come into contact with these membranes and establish an infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With all that said, some infections can pass between people through foreplay and kissing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/hpv\"><strong>HPV<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/herpes\"><strong>Herpes<\/strong><\/a> are great examples of infections that don\u2019t require full sexual intercourse to pass on. Bloodborne infections, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/hiv\"><strong>HIV<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/hepatitis-c\"><strong>Hepatitis C<\/strong><\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/hepatitis-b\"><strong>Hepatitis B<\/strong><\/a>, can also infect another person through blood-to-blood contact, like through blood transfusions or sharing needles when injecting drugs. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>How long can certain STIs live outside of the body?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you\u2019re not having sex in the gym, getting an STI while using a treadmill would require a mode of transmission that doesn\u2019t include swapping bodily fluids during the sexual act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most pathogens that could spread through sex tend not to live very long outside the body, especially when exposed to the air. Bacteria like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can only live for a very short period outside the body, likely only a few minutes or hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, some pathogens are more resilient. The viruses that causes Hepatitis B and C, for instance, can live outside the body for several days, increasing the likelihood of transmission. This is especially important to know <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/how-long-can-an-std-stay-on-a-toy\/#:~:text=How%20long%20a%20particular%20STD%20can%20last%20on,won%E2%80%99t%20survive%20for%20more%20than%20a%20few%20minutes.\"><strong>when using sex toys<\/strong><\/a>. Improper cleaning of sex toys between uses can lead to transmission of infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Is it possible to get an STI from gym equipment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The reality is that the likelihood of getting an STI from gym equipment is <strong>vanishingly rare<\/strong>. You\u2019re no more likely to get an STI from using gym equipment than you are from using other everyday items that other people use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since you\u2019re only using gym equipment, like machines and weights, using your hands, feet, and other parts of your body, it\u2019s almost impossible for someone with an STI to deposit any infected bodily fluids onto a machine that could realistically infect you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only way an STI could transfer from one person to another through gym equipment is if a very pernicious pathogen, like the Hepatitis B virus, is deposited onto a surface that you eventually touch with an open wound like a deep cut in your hand. However, even in this unlikely scenario, infection remains incredibly rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what about using towels?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main concern raised on social media revolves around a very particular scenario: using a towel that has touched a surface to wipe your eyes or face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in this scenario, you\u2019re not going to get an STI. It\u2019s possible to wipe your eyes with a bacteria-infested towel and get conjunctivitis, but this will most likely be caused by non-STI bacteria, like those found in faecal matter, or because the towel had previously wiped away viruses like those that produce colds, as these too can infect the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is, however, one STI that we often see spread through gym equipment. The virus Molluscum Contagiosum causes very small pimples int eh genital area. This infection can spread easily with intimate contact, and because a lot of those who are infected have no idea they have it. It often transmits from sitting on the same bench in locker rooms as someone with the infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most gyms are cleaned regularly and have etiquette that requires users to wipe down equipment after use, usually with some kind of disinfectant. While gyms may be locations where you can catch airborne infections, like COVID-19, you\u2019re almost guaranteed not to get an STI at the gym unless you\u2019re engaging in unprotected sexual activity with an infected person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re worried about getting an STI at the gym and you\u2019re not having sex, you should be fine. However, if you want to put your mind at ease by getting a full view of your sexual health, you\u2019ve come to the right place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Better2Know offers a full range of STI tests for a wide variety of infections, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/chlamydia\"><strong>Chlamydia<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/hiv\"><strong>HIV<\/strong><\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/syphilis\"><strong>Syphilis<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/gonorrhoea\"><strong>Gonorrhoea<\/strong><\/a>. Get tested for a single infection or get full coverage with one of our comprehensive STI screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out more about how to get tested by calling the number at the top of this page or clicking the button below to create an online booking at a sexual health clinic near you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STI-gym-equipment-1024x518.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8499\" width=\"768\" height=\"389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STI-gym-equipment-1024x518.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STI-gym-equipment-300x152.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STI-gym-equipment-768x388.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STI-gym-equipment-1536x777.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/STI-gym-equipment-2048x1036.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Don\u2019t let an STI damage your health. Get a clear view of your sexual health with Better2Know.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/clinics\/book-online\/choose-clinic\">Get tested<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<!-- Simple Share Buttons Adder (8.1.2) simplesharebuttons.com --><div class=\"ssba-classic-2 ssba ssbp-wrap left ssbp--theme-1\"><div style=\"text-align:left\"><span class=\"ssba-share-text\">Share this...<\/span><br\/><a data-site=\"\" class=\"ssba_facebook_share\" href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8497\"  target=\"_blank\" ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/facebook.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Share on Facebook\" \/><div title=\"Facebook\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Facebook<\/div><\/a><a data-site='pinterest' class='ssba_pinterest_share' href='javascript:void((function()%7Bvar%20e=document.createElement(&apos;script&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;type&apos;,&apos;text\/javascript&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;charset&apos;,&apos;UTF-8&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;src&apos;,&apos;\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinmarklet.js?r=&apos;+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)%7D)());'><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/pinterest.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Pin on Pinterest\" \/><div title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Pinterest<\/div><\/a><a data-site=\"\" class=\"ssba_twitter_share\" href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8497&amp;text=Can%20you%20get%20an%20STI%20from%20gym%20equipment%3F%20\"  target=&quot;_blank&quot; ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/twitter.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Tweet about this on Twitter\" \/><div title=\"Twitter\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Twitter<\/div><\/a><a data-site=\"linkedin\" class=\"ssba_linkedin_share ssba_share_link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8497\"  target=&quot;_blank&quot; ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/linkedin.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"LinkedIn\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Share on LinkedIn\" \/><div title=\"Linkedin\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Linkedin<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This article has been medically reviewed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/dr-steve-chapman#\">Dr. Steve Chapman<\/a>, 22\/01\/2025.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Working out in the gym can seem a lot like sex. Your heart rate\u2019s elevated, hormones are flying all over the place, and you&#8217;re probably a bit sweaty by the end of the session. Lots of bodily fluids get thrown around in the gym. With all these fluids flying around, some people might wonder if [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":""},"categories":[3,16,2606],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[1094,823,1836,1093,563,571],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8497"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8497"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8497\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8526,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8497\/revisions\/8526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8497"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=8497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}