From Rodin’s famous sculpture to lips locking Britney and Madonna, a good old lip has us confused… but can it leave us with more than a cheeky smile on our face? We believe there is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to our health. So, can do you get a sexually transmitted infection from a stye? Ask our GP and gynaecologist, Dr Sarah Welsh. In her ten-year career in the NHS, she’s seen it all – and she’s here to clear up any questions you might have about kissing and STIs. Collect…
Can you get an STD from kissing?
First things first: the kiss is mostly low risk to our health. However, there are some sexually transmitted infections (STDs) that you can get or give through a makeout session. This is due to the presence of small microorganisms, such as viruses or bacteria, in our saliva or in mouth sores. During a passionate kiss, these microorganisms can easily be transferred through bodily fluid between you and your partner(s), increasing the risk of STD transmission. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with kissing and practice safe behaviors to prevent the transmission of STDs.
Let’s talk about herpes
One of the most common STDs spread through kissing is herpes. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be present in saliva and can be spread through open sores or lesions in the mouth. This means that if you have oral herpes and you kiss another person, you are at risk of spreading the virus. It is important to note that while HSV-1 is usually associated with oral herpes (cold sores), it can also cause genital herpes (which is usually HSV-2) through oral sex. This doesn’t necessarily mean that kissing or oral sex is off limits while you have cold sores, but you should take precautions:
- Avoid kissing or oral sex (getting off) during cold sores
- Use barrier methods such as dental dams or condoms during oral sex to reduce the risk of transmission
- Communicate openly and honestly with your partner about the risks of oral herpes (here our guide to have the conversation!)
- Avoid sharing cups, knives and forks, lipbalms or other items that come in close contact with your lips or mouth
- Practice good oral hygiene to prevent outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission
- Consider discussing herpes prevention and treatment options with your doctor or health care provider
- Watch for any tingling or itching sensations around the mouth that may indicate an upcoming outbreak
Stop CMV in its tracks
Another STD that can potentially be transmitted through kissing is cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV is a common virus that can be present in body fluids, including saliva. While most people with CMV have no symptoms, it can cause serious complications in pregnant women as it can be transmitted from birth to babies or people with weakened immune systems. You may have heard the advice not to kiss babies or young children on the mouth. This helps prevent CMV and is generally good practice to protect their immune system. Wondering if you have CMV? Watch out for the following symptoms:
- high temperature
- aching muscles
- fatigue
- a skin rash
- i feel sick
- sore throat
- swollen glands
If you have any of these symptoms and are pregnant or have a weakened immune system (for example, due to chemotherapy or living with an immune disease), make an appointment to see your doctor.
Can you get HPV from kissing?
Possibly – although data is not conclusive at this time. A light peck probably isn’t going to pass on the human papillomavirus. However, a deep French kiss (open mouth with tongues) could potentially transmit HPV. It’s interesting how few people know about HPV when 8 out of 10 of us will probably be infected with it at some point in our lives. Most people do not see any problems or symptoms of HPV and their body will clear it naturally within 2 years. However, it can cause small warts or lumps around the vagina, anus or penis – if you notice them, go to the sexual health clinic or your doctor for a checkup. Certain types of HPV are called “high risk,” because of their links to cancer of the cervix, anus, penis, vulva, and vagina. You may also find that HPV is picked up during your treatment cervical screeningas part of NHS efforts to protect against cervical cancer.
In addition, other STDs such as gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis it can theoretically be transmitted through kissing, although the probability is much lower compared to other forms of sexual contact.
No, you cannot get HIV from kissing
Despite persistent myths and misconceptions, it is not possible to contract HIV/AIDS through kissing. HIV is not spread through saliva, so kissing someone who is HIV positive will not spread the virus. The virus is mainly transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Kissing is a very low risk activity when it comes to transmitting HIV and you should not panic about transmitting the virus through kissing.
Kiss
There are many health benefits of getting tongue tied together.
- A good old snog can lead to increased intimacy with a partner.
- The cocktail of “happy” hormones released during a kissing session (serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin) all help relieve anxiety and boost mood. We certainly had a spring in our step after picking up on a hot hinge…
- Flattening can help lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, allowing blood to reach all your vital organs smoothly – including your genitals. Hello horns…
- It can help us gauge whether we are sexually compatible with the person we are dating. If you’re feeling fireworks (or wet junk), it can guide us to whether we’ll have that all-important chemistry between the sheets…
So, is kissing a mood killer? The answer is mostly no. Practice common sense when it comes to looking after yourself and your partners – and keep the benefits in mind. Now, where did we put our glittery BonBelle?
Do they want more?
- It can be difficult to talk about trichomoniasis. Learn more about this lesser-known STD.
- Did he test positive? Us expert guide tell your partner that you have a sexually transmitted infection.
- We are sexual optimists. Prepare and always prepare one HANX Condom to keep yourself and your partner(s) safe.
