Human papillomavirus(HPV)is known to be spread throughoral sex, so it may seem reasonable to assume that kissing—particularly deep kissing or “French kissing”—is a risk factor for infection. While theoretically possible, there have yet to be any studies that have definitively made this connection.
This article walks you through what the current research says about HPV and kissing. It also describes the most common modes of HPV transmission and the best ways to protect yourself from infection.
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Research on Kissing and HPV Transmission
At present, the only fair response to whether kissing can cause HPV is maybe.
Some studies have suggested that open-mouth kissing may be linked to HPV transmission, but the evidence supporting the claim is often contradictory or ambiguous.
This is a common theme with studies involving HPV and kissing: It is hard to isolate couples with HPV whoonlyengage in deep kissing.
This suggests kissingmayplay a role in the oral transmission of HPV. It doesn’t prove a link.
How Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Is Treated
Proven Methods of HPV Transmission
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 80% of people who are sexually active will become infected with HPV at some point during their lives.
While kissing may or may not pose a significant risk of HPV, vaginal, anal, or oral sex are extremely effective routes of transmission.
The virus can even be passed through close skin-to-skin contact during sex, often from a partner with HPV who isasymptomatic(without symptoms).
Does HPV Always Cause Cancer?Although some types of HPV are linked tocervical cancerand other types of cancer, the majority of infections clear on their own and pose no threat of cancer or any other health concern.
Does HPV Always Cause Cancer?
Although some types of HPV are linked tocervical cancerand other types of cancer, the majority of infections clear on their own and pose no threat of cancer or any other health concern.
Understanding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Symptoms
Protecting Yourself From HPV
Whilecondomsafford some protection against HPV, the most effective means of prevention is to get the HPV vaccine, calledGardasil 9.
The CDC currently recommends HPV vaccination for:
Women with HPV who smoke have a higher risk than normal of developing cervical cancer.
Safer Sex and Testing
A reduction in your number of sex partners can also reduce your odds of exposure.
Because most people with HPV are asymptomatic, it is a good idea to discuss safer sex practices with sexual partners and be open about anysexually transmitted infections (STIs)either of you have or have had—including potentially chronic (long-lasting) ones like HPV.
If you think you may have HPV causing warts, have an evaluation with your healthcare provider. Ask your healthcare provider for any recommended STI screenings (STIs often occur together). In people who have a cervix, HPV screening is often done on a routine schedule as part of cervical cancer screening.
HPV Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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4 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.Dahlstrom KR, Burchell AN, Ramanakumar AV, et al.Sexual transmission of oral human papillomavirus infection among men.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. Dec 2014;23(12):2959-64. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-14-0386Brouwer A, Campredon LP, Walline HM, et al.Incidence and clearance of oral and cervicogenital HPV infection: longitudinal analysis of the MHOC cohort study.BMJ Open. 2022 Jan 3;12(1):e056502. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056502Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human papillomavirus: HPV vaccine schedule and dosing.American Cancer Society.Cervical cancer risk factors.
4 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.Dahlstrom KR, Burchell AN, Ramanakumar AV, et al.Sexual transmission of oral human papillomavirus infection among men.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. Dec 2014;23(12):2959-64. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-14-0386Brouwer A, Campredon LP, Walline HM, et al.Incidence and clearance of oral and cervicogenital HPV infection: longitudinal analysis of the MHOC cohort study.BMJ Open. 2022 Jan 3;12(1):e056502. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056502Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human papillomavirus: HPV vaccine schedule and dosing.American Cancer Society.Cervical cancer risk factors.
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.
Dahlstrom KR, Burchell AN, Ramanakumar AV, et al.Sexual transmission of oral human papillomavirus infection among men.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. Dec 2014;23(12):2959-64. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-14-0386Brouwer A, Campredon LP, Walline HM, et al.Incidence and clearance of oral and cervicogenital HPV infection: longitudinal analysis of the MHOC cohort study.BMJ Open. 2022 Jan 3;12(1):e056502. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056502Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human papillomavirus: HPV vaccine schedule and dosing.American Cancer Society.Cervical cancer risk factors.
Dahlstrom KR, Burchell AN, Ramanakumar AV, et al.Sexual transmission of oral human papillomavirus infection among men.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. Dec 2014;23(12):2959-64. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-14-0386
Brouwer A, Campredon LP, Walline HM, et al.Incidence and clearance of oral and cervicogenital HPV infection: longitudinal analysis of the MHOC cohort study.BMJ Open. 2022 Jan 3;12(1):e056502. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056502
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human papillomavirus: HPV vaccine schedule and dosing.
American Cancer Society.Cervical cancer risk factors.
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