Most of us are aware that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) spread through intimate contact. But can kissing also lead to the spread of  STDs? Read this health article to find out for yourself. Kissing is one of the basic and most popular displays of affection across the world. Be it a short peck on the cheek or a long and passionate protracted kissing, people have their own ways and choices of displaying affection. It is a well known fact that unprotected sexual intercourse, skin-to-skin contact via sharing drug injections and needles, mother-to-new-born transmission are the major ways of transmission of STDs. Bodily fluid interchange is also a way through which STDs can be transmitted. Although less conductive than semen, vaginal fluids, or blood, saliva is a potent enough fluid to spread infection. Thus, the affectionate act of kissing may be detrimental to your health and put you at the risk of getting STDs. Particularly, the risk of transmitting STDs through kissing is higher if any of the involved partners has open wounds or sores. 

Let us know more about which all STDs can be transmitted through kissing.


Herpes

Herpes is the commonest and the most prevalent STDs that can spread through kissing. Herpes is a viral infection that spreads through skin to skin contact and through rashes, sores, ulcers, or open wounds in the mouth and around the lips. Herpes is very contagious and presents as  blisters and rashes that are easily identifiable. The infection is treatable if the treatment is timely initiated. 

HPV

HPV or human papillomavirus infection, is another suspected viral infection that can spread through kissing. Currently there are no studies supporting the direct link of spread of HPV infections through kissing. However, if any of the involved partners has HPV infection and also has open sores or cuts in the mouth, the other partner is at a high risk of contracting the infection.HPV infections can be prevented by various available HPV vaccines. You can always consult your healthcare provider for more information.


Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection. It spreads through sexual contact, oral sex, and kissing. In its initial stages the infection presents as painless sores around the mouth, genitalia, or rectum. If these lesions come in contact with saliva and any of the mucous membranes of the body there is a great risk of transmission of STDs.

How to prevent transmission of STDs through kissing?

Taking precautions is the best way to prevent transmission of STDs. It is always advisable to communicate with your partner about the infections, and also refrain from kissing if either of the partners has any visible cuts, open wounds, rashes, or mouth sores. Better still, you can always choose to know who you’re kissing and also you can  have a quick inspection of the partner’s mouth and lips before engaging in a kiss. If you notice any signs of rashes, blisters, or mouth sores it is recommended that you consult your doctor immediately.

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