Can you get an STD from kissing

While it is never the end of the world, contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is rarely at the top of anyone’s to-do list. This is why so many people are careful when it comes to protecting themselves from STDs by using condoms during sex and regularly checking in through STD testing. But there is one question that leaves even the most clued-in baffled, can you actually get an STD from kissing?

Let’s discuss everything you need to know about contracting STDs through kissing, including the types of STDs that can be transmitted by mouth, treatment, and the steps you can take to ensure you and your partner(s) stay safe. 

STDs through kissing – SOLVED

Are STDs passed on during kissing? Technically yes, you can get an STD from kissing. However, it’s not as straightforward or as common as you may think. 

STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, this means an STD is typically transmitted from one infected person to another through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexual contact includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. And although kissing isn’t considered as high risk as intercourse or oral sex by experts, it is possible, but rare, to transmit certain infections through kissing alone.

The Science

So how does it happen? The successful transmission of some STDs happens through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. Meaning if the person you are kissing has an infection around the mouth and lips, it's possible that they might pass on the virus. It is more likely to contract an infection if the person is showing signs or symptoms such as sores around the mouth or face, however, it is also possible to contract the infection when there is no visible outbreak present. 

Some of the most common STDs that can be passed on through kissing include

• Herpes HSV-1
• Herpes HSV-2
• Syphilis
• HPV 

Herpes HSV-1

HSV-1 (the primary cause of oral herpes) is one of two types of herpes – one of the most common infections worldwide. In fact, John Hopkins Medicine estimates that 50-80% of American adults have oral herpes. It is mainly transmitted from person to person through close contact such as kissing and coming into contact with the virus through sores or saliva in and around the mouth. It can also be contracted from a young age if a child is kissed by someone with an active outbreak. 

Herpes outbreaks tend to reoccur. If it is your first outbreak you may experience a fever, soar throat, headache, and muscle aches, as well as 

• Tingling and itching around the lips 
• Small fluid-filled blisters around the mouth area

As it is a viral infection, herpes can’t be cured. However, once detected, antiviral medications can be used to help reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks. 

Herpes HSV-2

The second type of herpes: HSV-2, is more commonly known to cause genital herpes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 13% of people aged 15-49 have this infection. It primarily spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity causing symptoms around the genital area. However, both types of herpes can spread to the face through close contacts such as oral sex or kissing. 

Similar to HSV-1, during your first outbreak you may experience flu-like symptoms, you will also likely notice symptoms in the area where the infection entered the body, these may include 

• Tingling and itching in the area of infection
• Small bumps or blisters
• Pain or itching 

HSV-2 can’t be cured but antiviral medication can be used to help sores heal during an outbreak, lower the frequency of outbreaks and lessen the severity of symptoms. 

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection typically spread through sexual contact. According to recent statistics, it is one of the most common STDs in the United States in the last few years. It is known to spread from one infected person to another through contact with a syphilis sore. These sores can appear on the genitals, rectum, or mouth – which is how they can (although rarely) spread through kissing when sores are present. 

Syphilis is known to cause little to no symptoms and can go undetected, this means that you can have the infection and not even realize it. If symptoms do appear, they tend to develop or change over time and may include

• Small sores in the area where the infection occurred
• Rash on the palms of your hand or soles of your feet
• Flu-like symptoms

If syphilis is not treated, it can cause a whole host of complications which is why, if you suspect you have a syphilis infection, it’s important to find out more. Once diagnosed, the infection can be treated with antibiotics – how long this treatment will last will depend on the stage of your syphilis infection. 

HPV

HPV infection is so common that most sexually active adults will carry the HPV virus at some point in their lives. The infection is typically transmitted through sexual contact as well as other types of skin-to-skin contact – according to Harvard Medical School, this includes both oral sex and ‘deep’ kissing such as french kissing. 

There are over one hundred varieties of HPV and while some are associated with cervical cancer, others are associated with warts. These warts can appear on the genitals, balls of your feet, or face. They may appear like

• Flat lesions 
• Small bumps 
• Hard and grainy 
• Flat topped with raised lesions 

It’s important to know that most HPV infections do not cause cervical cancer however if you think you may have an HPV infection, speak with your doctor who will be able to diagnose you with a physical exam and other specialized tests. While there is no cure for the infection, HPV warts often go away on their own and medication can be prescribed if needed. 

Just one of the most reliable ways to stay safe and reduce your risk of contracting an STD is to ensure both you and your partner(s) check in on your sexual health regularly. 

Remember, contracting an STD is not the end of the world but if you suspect you have one, there are lots of ways of testing for STDs and some can you do at home. You should always consult with a sexual health care practitioner if you think you have an STD even if you have taken an at-home STI test first.