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A leading doctor has warned that people are increasingly contracting chlamydia from gym equipment, as the highly infectious sexually transmitted infection (STI) spreads rapidly in gyms across the UK.
Dr. Want, a medical expert at the London Sexual Health Centre, said: “We are seeing an alarming rise in cases of chlamydia being transmitted through shared gym equipment, such as yoga mats, elliptical trainers and free weights. It’s a ticking time bomb, and people are putting themselves and others at risk without even realising it.”
According to Dr. Want, the disease is often spread through tiny amounts of fluid left behind on equipment, which can be easily passed on to the next user, often unwittingly. He added: “People are not washing their hands after using these devices and not disinfecting them regularly, creating an ideal environment for the bacteria to thrive.”
The dire warning comes as new statistics reveal that diagnoses of chlamydia have surged by 22% in the past year, with the majority of cases occurring among 16-24-year-olds.
Dr. Want stressed that it’s crucial gym-goers take simple precautions to prevent the spread of the disease, such as regularly disinfecting equipment with a bleach-based solution, wearing a condom when using shared equipment, and discussing with a partner before using a shared yoga mat.
He urged gyms to take action, saying: “Gyms need to install proper ventilation systems, use antiviral products, and provide free condoms and lubricants for exercise, not just for sexual activity. It’s costing a pretty penny, but it’s better to be safe than sick.”
