Debunking Myths: Can You Really Get an STD from Kissing?

Kissing is an inherent part of most relationships, especially romantic or sexual.

But there is usually a cautiousness when kissing or having any sexual contact with someone new for the first time.

It is better to have open communication with a new partner and set boundaries to stay protected from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).

The question that comes to the forefront for many is: can you catch an std from kissing?

This article supplies a detailed answer to this query, along with sharing what STD can you get from kissing, how to avoid it, when to get tested, and so on.

Can you get STD from kissing

Kissing carries a low risk of transmission of STDs.

However, there are STDs or STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) which can spread through oral transmission.

And some specific STDs like Herpes and Cytomegalovirus can spread by mouth, more specifically, through kissing.

Only getting tested can confirm if an individual has contracted an STD from kissing.

STDs that can spread easily through kissing

Tiny germs or microorganisms can cause STDs, live in the saliva, or cause mouth sores.

When an infected individual engages in a deep mouth-to-mouth kiss with their partner, the STD can spread to the partner.

The two most common STDs spread through mouth-to-mouth kissing are Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

This section discusses most of the STDs spread through kissing.

Herpes

Herpes can spread through skin-to-skin contact like a kiss and engaging in oral sex with someone who has the virus.

Kissing can help spread Oral Herpes (HSV-1) when one out of the two kissing has an active infection.

A person can contract the Herpes virus if a person with Oral Herpes kisses or licks their genitals.

Herpes can be transmitted even when the person with the virus experiences no symptoms at the time of kissing or any sexual activity.

However, it is uncommon to develop Genital Herpes (HSV-2) through kissing. 

It is most often spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Also, while it is possible to get Herpes from kissing, avoiding kissing or oral contact during an active Herpes outbreak can minimize the risk of spreading.

Syphilis

Though the risk is generally low, Syphilis can be transmitted through kissing.

When there are chancres or visible sores in the mouth, the transmission of Syphilis becomes possible.

One way to avoid getting STDs like Syphilis from kissing is not to kiss if either of the partners has visible mouth sores.

HPV

Intimate skin-to-skin contact, like genital contact of any kind or kissing, can spread HPV.

However, to date, there are no studies that have established a definitive link between kissing and HPV contraction.

Yet, there is research suggesting that HPV transmission could be likely through open-mouth kissing.

Unfortunately, HPV is an STI that can cause serious health issues like cancer in later life.

Cytomegalovirus

A type of Herpes virus that can spread through saliva while kissing is CMV or Cytomegalovirus.

Kissing may have evolved as a way to protect against congenital disabilities caused by CMV. 

This is because kissing allows females to control when they become infected with a specific male’s CMV. |}

CMV is present in salivary gland epithelial cells and can be spread through lesions caused by Periodontitis. 

It can be transmitted from a male to a female through mouth-to-mouth contact and saliva exchange.

Gonorrhea

It was once believed by experts that Gonorrhea could not be transmitted by kissing, but that is no longer the case. 

Recent research suggests that they may be spread through saliva, particularly in those who engage in oral-genital or oral-anal intercourse. 

Oral Gonorrhea can be contracted through kissing, especially deep kissing. 

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential risk of Gonorrhea transmission through kissing.

However, more research in this area is required.

STDs that people cannot spread by kissing

Some Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) can be transmitted through kissing, while many others cannot.

STDs or STIs that do not carry a risk of transmission through kissing include:

• Chlamydia: Without barrier techniques, oral, anal, or genital intercourse is the only way this bacterial STI can spread. Saliva does not transfer these germs
• HIV: It is a virus that makes the immune system weak. It spreads through body fluids like blood and semen, but not saliva. It’s unlikely to spread through kissing unless both partners have mouth sores or bleeding gums
• Chancroid: There is no evidence that non-sexual contact, such as kissing, can spread the Chancroid virus. Sexual touch is the main way of transmission for Chancroid. Saliva from kissing does not spread the infection
• Hepatitis: Hepatitis virus can be transmitted by sexual contact or contaminated blood, but extremely unlikely through saliva
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through sexual intercourse. When the bacteria enter the vagina, they can cause PID, but not in the mouth
• Trichomoniasis: This is a parasitic infection that transmits through vaginal touch. It cannot live in the mouth, and kissing is a rare way to spread
• Pubic lice or crabs: Pubic lice, sometimes known as crabs, are microscopic insects that reside on body hair, particularly in the pubic area. They are usually transmitted by intimate body contact, most frequently during intercourse

Talking to a partner about oral STDs

It can be not easy to talk to a partner about oral STDs, but it is crucial to have that conversation to safeguard the health of both partners.

Here are some tips or pointers that can help one talk to a partner:

• The conversation should be conducted with a calm, positive attitude. An STD is a health issue, and it does not reflect on anyone as a person
• One should read up on the facts, as there are many myths surrounding STDs. Being aware will help in answering their partner’s questions
• An individual should inform their partner that there are medications to cure or treat STDs, and safer sex may help protect their partner
• If one-half of a couple has an STD, the talk should be about how to protect the other partner
• The talk should be open and direct about the need to have safer sex, the need to get tested, and the reason for talking about STDs
• The partner should be encouraged to ask questions and be provided with facts about the STD
• Both partners should agree to stay safe and use protection, such as condoms, every time they have sex

How to avoid STDs

To reduce the risk of STD transmission through kissing, it’s critical to have an open and honest discussion about sexual health and any associated dangers with a partner.

This can assist in establishing boundaries and lowering the chance of infection.

Another way to lower the risk of STD transmission during oral intercourse is to use barrier techniques like condoms and dental dams.

Additional strategies for lowering the chances of getting an oral STD include:

• Not kissing with cuts or sores in the mouth
• Not flossing/brushing immediately before or after kissing
• Avoid kissing when feeling unwell
• Take vaccines against Hepatitis B and HPV
• No biting during a kiss
• Maintaining good central hygiene

When to get tested

Testing for STDs is recommended after engaging in high-risk sexual behavior or having symptoms of an infection.

The window period for STD testing varies depending on the specific infection.

It is essential to wait for the appropriate amount of time after potential exposure before getting tested for STDs, as testing too early can lead to false results. 

However, it is crucial to get tested as soon as possible if an individual suspects an infection or has engaged in high-risk sexual behavior.

They should talk to their doctor if they suspect they’ve been exposed to an STD, find blisters or sores in their mouth, or have other symptoms.

The doctor can assist in determining if oral STD testing is appropriate for them.

Conclusion

It is possible to get STDs from kissing, although the risk is generally low. 

The two most common STDs spread through mouth-to-mouth kissing are Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). 

To stay protected from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), it is better to have open communication with a new partner and set boundaries. 

It is also important to know about the risks involved and to take necessary precautions to avoid contracting STDs.

Regular testing is recommended to ensure good sexual health and safety.

Frequently asked questions

• plannedparenthood.org
• endinghiv.org.au

STDs that people cannot spread by kissing

Some Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) can be transmitted through kissing, while many others cannot.

STDs or STIs that do not carry a risk of transmission through kissing include:

• Chlamydia: Without barrier techniques, oral, anal, or genital intercourse is the only way this bacterial STI can spread. Saliva does not transfer these germs
• HIV: It is a virus that makes the immune system weak. It spreads through body fluids like blood and semen, but not saliva. It’s unlikely to spread through kissing unless both partners have mouth sores or bleeding gums
• Chancroid: There is no evidence that non-sexual contact, such as kissing, can spread the Chancroid virus. Sexual touch is the main way of transmission for Chancroid. Saliva from kissing does not spread the infection
• Hepatitis: Hepatitis virus can be transmitted by sexual contact or contaminated blood, but extremely unlikely through saliva
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through sexual intercourse. When the bacteria enter the vagina, they can cause PID, but not in the mouth
• Trichomoniasis: This is a parasitic infection that transmits through vaginal touch. It cannot live in the mouth, and kissing is a rare way to spread
• Pubic lice or crabs: Pubic lice, sometimes known as crabs, are microscopic insects that reside on body hair, particularly in the pubic area. They are usually transmitted by intimate body contact, most frequently during intercourse

Talking to a partner about oral STDs

It can be not easy to talk to a partner about oral STDs, but it is crucial to have that conversation to safeguard the health of both partners.

Here are some tips or pointers that can help one talk to a partner:

• The conversation should be conducted with a calm, positive attitude. An STD is a health issue, and it does not reflect on anyone as a person
• One should read up on the facts, as there are many myths surrounding STDs. Being aware will help in answering their partner’s questions
• An individual should inform their partner that there are medications to cure or treat STDs, and safer sex may help protect their partner
• If one-half of a couple has an STD, the talk should be about how to protect the other partner
• The talk should be open and direct about the need to have safer sex, the need to get tested, and the reason for talking about STDs
• The partner should be encouraged to ask questions and be provided with facts about the STD
• Both partners should agree to stay safe and use protection, such as condoms, every time they have sex

How to avoid STDs

To reduce the risk of STD transmission through kissing, it’s critical to have an open and honest discussion about sexual health and any associated dangers with a partner.

This can assist in establishing boundaries and lowering the chance of infection.

Another way to lower the risk of STD transmission during oral intercourse is to use barrier techniques like condoms and dental dams.

Additional strategies for lowering the chances of getting an oral STD include:

• Not kissing with cuts or sores in the mouth
• Not flossing/brushing immediately before or after kissing
• Avoid kissing when feeling unwell
• Take vaccines against Hepatitis B and HPV
• No biting during a kiss
• Maintaining good central hygiene

When to get tested

Testing for STDs is recommended after engaging in high-risk sexual behavior or having symptoms of an infection.

The window period for STD testing varies depending on the specific infection.

It is essential to wait for the appropriate amount of time after potential exposure before getting tested for STDs, as testing too early can lead to false results. 

However, it is crucial to get tested as soon as possible if an individual suspects an infection or has engaged in high-risk sexual behavior.

They should talk to their doctor if they suspect they’ve been exposed to an STD, find blisters or sores in their mouth, or have other symptoms.

The doctor can assist in determining if oral STD testing is appropriate for them.

Conclusion

It is possible to get STDs from kissing, although the risk is generally low. 

The two most common STDs spread through mouth-to-mouth kissing are Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). 

To stay protected from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), it is better to have open communication with a new partner and set boundaries. 

It is also important to know about the risks involved and to take necessary precautions to avoid contracting STDs.

Regular testing is recommended to ensure good sexual health and safety.

Frequently asked questions

• plannedparenthood.org
• endinghiv.org.au