A sexually active person needs to know a lot to protect their sexual health. After all, the dangers of being sexually active don’t just start when you enter the bedroom. They can exist even with the most casual forms of intimacy.
A common myth out there is that you get chlamydia while kissing. But is this true?
In this blog, we’ll cover what chlamydia is, how it’s spread, and what you can do to protect yourself from this STD.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria can infect an infected person’s urinary tract, throat, eyes, and rectum, causing a variety of symptoms.
This bacterial infection is common among younger people aged 15-24 and more common in women under 25. The Centers for Disease Control calculates that 1 in 20 sexually active US women between the ages of 14 and 24 have an active chlamydia infection. However, anyone can get it, regardless of age, gender or sexuality.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
Chlamydia often has no symptoms. Someone can have a chlamydia infection and not even know it, allowing them to spread the infection without doing so. This is what makes chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections so devastating.
However, when symptoms do occur, they include:
- Burning sensation during urination
- An unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, usually with a distinctive odor
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Swelling and discomfort in one or both testicles
- Rectal discomfort and bleeding (rectal infection)
- Sore throat (throat infection)
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection)
If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease. For someone who is pregnant, chlamydia can lead to premature labor, conjunctivitis, and pneumonia in the newborn.
Having chlamydia can also make you more susceptible to other STDs like HIV.
How is chlamydia spread?
You contract chlamydia mainly through unprotected sex, such as vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, and other forms of intercourse, such as sharing sex toys.
Can you get chlamydia from kissing?
No, you cannot get chlamydia from kissing, even if someone has a chlamydia infection in their throat. Chlamydia cannot be spread through casual physical contact, such as hugging, holding hands, and kissing.
However, just because you can’t get Chlamydia from kissing doesn’t mean you can’t get something else.
What can you get from kissing?
There are many sexually transmitted diseases that you can catch from kissing. Here are some:
Herpes
The herpes simplex virus has two strains: HSV 1 and HSV 2.
HSV 1, commonly called oral herpes, is the virus that causes cold sores around the mouth. This virus can be spread to another person through kissing.
HSV 2, commonly called genital herpes, tends to infect the genitals. However, it is possible to have an HSV 2 infection in your mouth and pass it on to another person through kissing as well.
HPV
HPV is the most common STD. There are more than 100 types of HPV and more than 40 subtypes of HPV can affect the genital area and neck.
HPV tends to spread through sexual intercourse and close skin-to-skin contact. It is possible for someone with an oral HPV infection to spread the virus through deep kissing. The spread of the virus is more likely if infected saliva comes into contact with open sores in the partner’s mouth.
Syphilis
Syphilis is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, but it is possible for the infection to spread through kissing.
During the early stages of a syphilis infection, a chancre (sore) appears at the initial site of infection, usually on the genitals. However, it is possible for this chancre to appear in the mouth if the mouth is the initial site of infection. If an infected person has a chancre in their mouth and kisses someone, they can spread the infection.
Final thoughts
The idea of having an STD can be very stressful. However, if you think you might have an STD, it’s always best to know for sure by getting tested.
To make an appointment at a sexual health clinic near you, call the number at the top of this page to speak to one of our trained sexual health counselors. They will be able to discuss your situation with you and find the best course of action to protect your sexual health.
