Kissing is a common form of showing affection. It can be casual, intimate, or even used as a friendly greeting in some cultures.
But since bodily fluids transmit STDs, you might wonder if an innocent peck–or make-out–isn’t so innocent after all. Can you get an STD from kissing, or only with genital contact?
You may be surprised to learn that STDs can be transmitted through kissing. This is because STDs are spread through:
- skin-to-skin contact
- shared drug injections or needles
- bodily fluid interchange
- mother-to-newborn transmission
The exchange of bodily fluids is not limited to semen, vaginal discharge, or blood. Saliva can also be a carrier for STDs.
The most common STD you can contract from kissing include is herpes. Herpes is a viral infection that causes sores on the lips or genital region. It can lie dormant for years and reemerge for no apparent reason. You’re more likely to contract this STD if there are open sores.
A main manifestation of herpes is cold sores. It’s common for cold sores to be open, increasing your risk of infection.
Further, many concealers are effective at covering up these unsightly sores, and you may not notice your partner has one before you kiss. By then, it may be too late.
While protecting yourself from STDs is mostly about safe sex practices, you should also be careful about who you kiss. You don’t owe anyone a kiss; it could save you from expensive tests, treatments, and lifelong diseases. Plus, hard-to-get isn’t such a bad game!
Private Testing Center is here to help with all your testing needs. We offer affordable and convenient testing in a constant effort to prevent the spread of Herpes, HIV, and other STDs. We deliver fast results so any necessary treatment can happen quickly. Same Day appointments are available and with over 1500 locations nationwide, your closest location is only a short drive away. We understand your privacy is of the utmost importance and we assure confidentiality for every one of our customers.
