Kissing is an innocent expression of affection, love, and intimacy. But beyond these, can kissing cause any risks?

Ever wondered if kissing can give you any kind of STDs? Have you ever experienced any symptoms after kissing? Want to know how it can be prevented?

Karepedia is here for you. In this blog, we will be discussing the possibility of getting STDs through kissing and everything related to its connection. Let’s dive in.

STDs And Kissing

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are diseases that spread most through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

It is surprising to note that there are some STDs which can be spread through kissing.

Even though kissing is a low-risk activity there are chances of getting some STDs.

The STDs that spread easily through kissing are:

• HSV-1(Herpes simplex virus 1)
• Cytomegalovirus
• Syphilis

STDs That Can Spread Through Kissing

HSV-1

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can take two different forms - HSV-1 and HSV-2.

• HSV-1, also called oral herpes, can easily be spread through kissing.

• It is very common that 67% of people under the age of 50 have the virus in their bodies.

• The most common symptom is a small white or red blister on the mouth or genitals.

• It can bleed during an outbreak.

• Touching the sore area will transmit the virus.

• It can also be passed to the other person when no symptoms are present.

• Even though rare, HSV-1 may be transmitted through sharing saliva or things that have come into contact with the virus.

Symptoms of HSV-1

• Painful, fluid-filled blisters or cold sores around the mouth, lips, or nose

• Tingling or itching sensation in the affected area before the blisters appear

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or groin

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Difficulty swallowing

• General malaise or feeling unwell

• Recurrence of outbreaks intermittently, often triggered by stress, illness, or sun exposure

Cytomegalovirus

• CMV or Cytomegalovirus is a viral infection that can be transmitted through contact with saliva that contains the virus.

• It can also be transmitted through urine, blood, semen and breast milk.

• It is passed during oral, anal and genital sex.

Symptoms of CMV include:

• Fatigue

• Sore throat

• Body pain

• Fever

• People with weak immune systems and are affected by CMV may have symptoms that affect the lungs, liver, eyes, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Syphilis

• This isn’t usually spread by kissing but if the partners have syphilis sores in their mouth it can be transmitted. 

• Deep kissing, such as French kissing will increase the chances of getting the infection. In this case, there are more chances of getting in contact with the virus.

• Syphilis can also spread to a baby during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Syphilis include:

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Swelling in Lymph nodes

• Hair loss

• Body pain

• Feeling exhausted

• Early treatment is beneficial against Syphilis.

STDs that are not transmitted through kissing

Here’s what you need not worry about while kissing:

• Chlamydia: This bacterial infection is not transmitted through saliva. It is passed through oral, anal or genital sex which are unprotected.

• Gonorrhea: This is passed through sexual intercourse and not through saliva.

• Hepatitis: This is a viral infection which is caused by sexual contact or being exposed to the blood that contains the virus. It Is not caused through saliva.

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. This bacterium causes PID when it is introduced into the vagina area.

• Trichomoniasis: This is a parasitic infection caused by genital contact. This cannot survive in the mouth and as a result it does not spread by kissing.

• HIV: It is a viral infection which causes problems with the immune system. It is not caused by kissing or through saliva. HIV is transmitted only through the contact with fluids such as semen, blood, vaginal fluid, anal fluid and breast milk.

FAQs

1. How long does it take for an oral STD to show up?

This really depends as different STDs take different time to appear in the body.

Some STDs show symptoms immediately while others take a lot of time to appear. It may even take months and years to show up.

It is also important to note that some oral STDs don’t have symptoms as well.

2. Should a person get tested for Oral STD?

It also depends. According to the Centre for Disease Control, only two categories of people need to have regular testing for oral STD.

Women should get tested when needed based on their reported sexual behavior. Men who have oral sex with men should get tested at least once in a year.

It is necessary to get tested if you think that you have any symptoms of STDs.

3. Can oral STD spread to other parts of the body?

Yes. It can be transmitted to other parts of the body such as skin, genitals, internal organs etc.

4. Is there a way to prevent STD from kissing?

No Kissing is the only way to prevent STD from kissing. There are some tips to prevent STD while kissing.

• Avoid kissing if any of the partners have sores in their mouth.

• Do not bite while kissing

• Do not brush right before or after kissing.

• Practice good dental hygiene.

• If you feel sick, try not to involve in kissing

5. How to talk to your partner regarding STDs?

It is necessary to have a conversation with your partner regarding STDs before engaging in any sexual activities.

The following are some of the ways through which one can have a productive discussion with your partner regarding STDs.

• Set your expectations- If you need your partner to use barrier methods during sexual activities, do tell them in advance.

• It is your body, and you have all the right in it.

• Have a direct, open and honest conversation - If you have difficulties in having sex without barrier methods or without getting tested, say it to your partner.

• Be clear about this before you engage in sexual activities.

• If you have any STDs, inform your partner of this as well. 

• Use barriers – Condoms, dental dams and other protection methods will not only reduce the rate of pregnancy but also will reduce the chances of getting STDs.

• Be understanding – This is very important.

• If you find out that either you or your partner has an STD, do not get angry about this.

• Do not feel that your partner has cheated you by hiding this from you as some STD symptoms may take years to appear.

6. Which are the other diseases spread by kissing?

A person can get and transmit different health problems through contact with saliva or any sores.

Common diseases which are passed through kissing include:

• Influenza
• Coronavirus
• Germs that cause gum disease
• Polio
• Dengue fever
• Yellow fever
• Rabies
• Zika
• Ebola