Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCan Kissing Spread STIs?When to Get TestedDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Can Kissing Spread STIs?
When to Get Tested
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Sexually transmitted infections(STIs, sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs) are bacterial or viral infections that are usually spread through sexual contact.
When it comes to STI transmission, some sex acts, like kissing, are considered to be lower risk than others. But kissing isn’t completely risk free.
This article will explain everything you need to know about STIs and kissing, including the types of STIs that can be transmitted, diagnostic procedures, prevention, and more.
Don Mason / Getty Images
Can STIs Be Spread Through Kissing?
Which STIs Can Be Spread Through Kissing?
Very Easily Transmitted
Less Easily Transmitted
Although CMV, a viral infection, isn’t on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) list of sexually transmitted infections,it can be spread through sexual contact. It’s not easily transmitted through kissing, but it’s possible to do so. CMV is transmissible through bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, blood, tears,semen, and breast milk.
Unlikely to Be Transmitted
Syphilis, a bacterial STI, is usually transmitted through vaginal,oral, oranal sex. Syphilis can be spread through kissing if one partner has a sore in their mouth, though this is uncommon.
How Long Does It Take for Oral STIs to Show Symptoms?
How long it takes for an STI to show up will vary, because each type of STI has its ownincubation period.
For oral herpes, the incubation period is two to 12 days.For CMV, it’s three to 12 weeks,and for syphilis, it’s 10 to 90 days.
Routine STI testingis recommended for all sexually active people. It’s important to know that STI testing is not typically part of your annual physical, so you may need to request it.
You should also get tested if you suspect you’ve been exposed to an STI, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Many of the tests used to screen for STIs can detect them even if you’re asymptomatic.
STIs are diagnosed via various types of tests, including blood tests, urine tests, and swab samples. Oral herpes, CMV, and syphilis are all diagnosed with a blood test.
The type oftreatmentwill vary based on the type of STI you’re diagnosed with.
The maintreatment for syphilisis usuallypenicillin G. That said, other antibiotics may be used as well. The stage of syphilis infection will help determine the course of treatment.
Treatment for oral herpes includesantiviral medicationssuch asfamciclovir, Valtrex (valacyclovir), and Zovirax (acyclovir). These medications can help reduce your symptoms, but there is no cure for herpes.
Healthy individuals who contract CMV typically do not need medical treatment. Those with weakened immune systems should contact their healthcare providers for their recommended course of treatment.
STI preventionis important, and there are a number of strategies to help prevent both contracting and spreading STIs. These include:
Summary
STIs are diseases that are primarily spread through sexual contact. Some sex acts are higher risk than others. Kissing is considered to be low risk, but you can still get oral herpes, CMV, and syphilis from kissing. Using barrier methods during sex, getting regular STI screenings, and communicating openly with partners can help prevent the spread of STIs.
A Word From Verywell
Although an estimated 1 in every 5 adults in the United States has an STI,there continues to be stigma around them. Don’t let shame or embarrassment keep you from getting tested or treated for an STI. There are many effective prescription medications available that can help you feel better quickly. Seeing a healthcare provider will also help protect you from thecomplications associated with untreated STIs.
How long it takes for an STI to show symptoms will depend on the type of infection. Some STIs present with no symptoms at all. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to an STI, get tested.
It depends on the STI. Oral herpes is very easily passed on through kissing, but syphilis is likely to be.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cytomegalovirus (CMV).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.New York State Department Of Health.Cytomegalovirus (CMV).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis - STI treatment guidelines, 2021.Kreisel KM, Spicknall IH, Gargano JW, et al.Sexually Transmitted Infections Among US Women and Men: Prevalence and Incidence Estimates, 2018.Sex Transm Dis. 2021;48(4):208-214. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001355
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cytomegalovirus (CMV).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.New York State Department Of Health.Cytomegalovirus (CMV).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis - STI treatment guidelines, 2021.Kreisel KM, Spicknall IH, Gargano JW, et al.Sexually Transmitted Infections Among US Women and Men: Prevalence and Incidence Estimates, 2018.Sex Transm Dis. 2021;48(4):208-214. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001355
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cytomegalovirus (CMV).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.New York State Department Of Health.Cytomegalovirus (CMV).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis - STI treatment guidelines, 2021.Kreisel KM, Spicknall IH, Gargano JW, et al.Sexually Transmitted Infections Among US Women and Men: Prevalence and Incidence Estimates, 2018.Sex Transm Dis. 2021;48(4):208-214. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001355
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.
New York State Department Of Health.Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis - STI treatment guidelines, 2021.
Kreisel KM, Spicknall IH, Gargano JW, et al.Sexually Transmitted Infections Among US Women and Men: Prevalence and Incidence Estimates, 2018.Sex Transm Dis. 2021;48(4):208-214. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001355
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