Is It Possible to Get a STD From Kissing?

You’ve probably heard of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — diseases that spread most commonly though vaginal, oral, or anal sex. 

But you might be surprised to learn that a few STDs can also be spread by mouth-to-mouth kissing. That’s right — even though kissing is pretty low risk compared to sex, there are actually a couple of STDs that you can get (or give) when kissing another person. 

Read on for more information about which STDs can be spread by kissing along with information about oral STDs and how to make safe choices when you kiss. 

What STDs can be spread through kissing? 

Small microorganisms (germs) can cause STDs. Some of these microorganisms can live in your saliva, or they can cause sores in your mouth. This makes it easier for them to spread between people when they kiss, especially during deep, open-mouthed kissing. 

Let’s break it down into what STDs you can — and can’t — get from kissing. 

STDs that can spread easily through kissing

• Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1): This is a common virus that spreads easily in body fluids. It’s easy to get from kissing. You can also get it from touching infected items like dishes, towels, or shaving razors. HSV-1 is very common. About 2 out of every 3 people in the world have HSV-1. It can cause painful blisters in your mouth (and less often, in your gential area), but most people with HSV-1 don’t have any symptoms — or even know they have it. 

• Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a virus that usually spreads through sexual contact — but it can also spread through deep (open-mouth) kissing. In 9 out of 10 people with HPV, the virus will go away on its own without ever causing problems. If it doesn’t go away, some types of HPV can lead to mouth and throat cancer.

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STDs that are less likely to spread through kissing 

• Syphilis: This is a bacterial infection that can be spread by having sex. It isn’t usually spread by kissing — unless you and your partner both have syphilis sores present in your mouth when you kiss. 

• Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2): This is a virus that spreads easily in body fluids. HSV-2 can cause painful blisters in your genital area, but it rarely affects your mouth. This means it’s less likely than HSV-1 to spread through kissing. 

STDs that are very unlikely to spread through kissing

• HIV: HIV is a virus that causes problems with your immune system. Though HIV is spread in many different body fluids — like blood and semen — it does not spread in saliva. This means HIV is almost impossible to spread by kissing. It can only spread by deep kissing if you and your partner both have mouth sores or bleeding gums.

• Trichomoniasis: This is a parasite that spreads through genital contact. It cannot survive in the mouth, and it’s very unlikely to spread by kissing. 

• Hepatitis B: This is a virus that spreads in body fluids. Though it can be present in your saliva, it doesn’t seem to spread by kissing — unless you or your partner both have mouth sores or bleeding gums, and you’re kissing very deeply.

You may have noticed that there are two STDs not listed above: gonorrhea and chlamydia. That’s because we don’t know for sure whether they spread during kissing. 

Experts used to think that gonorrhea and chlamydia did not spread through kissing — but now we’re not so sure. There’s new evidence that they can be transmitted in saliva, especially in people who also have oral-genital or oral-anal sex. More research is needed in this area. 

Is it common to get an STD from kissing?

It’s hard to say. We do know that HSV-1 and HPV spread easily through kissing, but it’s not as clear when it comes to other types of STDs. 

Why don’t we know more? Well, the truth is that it’s hard to do research studies on kissing and STDs. This is because many people who kiss also have oral, vaginal, or anal sex with the same partner(s). 

All the same, experts say that kissing is a low-risk activity when it comes to STDs.  

How long does it take for an oral STD to show up?

It depends. Different STDs take different amounts of time to appear. Some STD symptoms show up in a few weeks, others can take months or years. And remember: Many people with oral STDs don’t have any symptoms at all.  

Should I get tested for oral STDs?

It depends. According to the CDC, only two groups of people need to have regular testing for oral STDs:

1) Women should get tested as needed, “based on their reported sexual behaviors and exposure.”
2) Men who have oral sex with men should get tested at least once a year.

If you think you’ve been exposed to an STD, notice blisters or sores in your mouth, or have other symptoms — talk to your provider. They can help you understand whether oral STD testing is right for you. 

Testing is available for these oral STDs:

• Herpes

• Gonorrhea

• Chlamydia

• Syphilis

Keep in mind: There’s currently no FDA-approved test for oral HPV. 

Can an oral STD spread to other parts of the body?

Yes. Oral STDs can affect other parts of your body — like your skin, genitals, and internal organs. 

Is there a way to prevent STDs from kissing?

Abstinence (not kissing at all) is the only way to completely prevent oral STDs. But kissing is enjoyable, and may even have some health benefits. 

If you like kissing, here are some strategies for lowering your chances of getting an oral STD:

• Avoid kissing if you or your partner(s) have any sores or cuts in the mouth.

• Don’t bite while kissing.

• Don’t brush or floss right before/after kissing.

• Practice good, regular dental hygiene.

• Avoid kissing if you feel sick.

• If you enjoy using your mouth for other sexual activities, like oral sex, use a barrier like a dental dam or condom.

• Get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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