Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that’s typically spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Because it’s so common, people wonder about other ways it might spread.
One frequent question is, “Can you get chlamydia from kissing?”
In this article, we’ll explore the real risks of transmission, discuss safe kissing practices, and explain how to prevent chlamydia.
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. A lot of people who have chlamydia don’t even know it because they don’t have any symptoms.
If chlamydia goes untreated, it can lead to serious problems, especially for women. These complications can include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and even infertility.
How Does Chlamydia Spread?
Chlamydia is mainly spread through unprotected sex — vaginal, anal, or oral. You don’t have to ejaculate to pass it on. Sharing uncleaned sex toys can also spread the infection.
Chlamydia and Kissing: What’s the Real Risk?
Here’s the good news: Chlamydia isn’t typically spread through casual contact like kissing. The risk of getting chlamydia from kissing is generally very low.
That said, it could happen if infected genital fluids get into someone’s mouth, but that’s pretty rare.
The risk might go up a bit if there are sores or cuts in the mouth, but in general, you don’t have to worry about getting chlamydia from kissing.
What happens if you kiss someone with a chlamydia throat infection?
Chlamydia most often infects the genitals, rectum, or throat. Throat infections are less common than genital infections. Keep in mind that the most common way to get chlamydia is through sexual contact, not kissing.
If someone has a chlamydia throat infection (usually contracted from oral sex), it’s theoretically possible to transmit it through deep kissing, but the risk is still very low. The best way to avoid any risk? Talk openly with your partners about sexual health and any potential infections.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
Chlamydia is often asymptomatic, which is why regular STI testing is so important. You might not know you have it!
If symptoms do appear, they usually show up weeks after exposure and may include:
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Pain during sex (in women)
- Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
- Bleeding between periods
- Swollen or painful testicles
- Pain, discharge, or bleeding around the rectum or anus
What can you catch from kissing? Other STIs and infections
While chlamydia isn’t likely to spread through kissing, plenty of other infections can be transmitted that way. So, while you can breathe easy about chlamydia, here’s what you can catch by smooching:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1)
- Syphilis (though this is rare and usually only through direct contact with a sore)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
And, of course, there are plenty of other germs and conditions that can be spread through saliva, including:
- Mononucleosis
- Influenza
- Coronaviruses (like the ones that cause COVID)
- Meningitis
Prevention: Safe kissing and sexual health practices
While chlamydia isn’t transmitted through kissing, it’s still smart to follow some safe kissing practices.
Safe kissing tips
- Avoid kissing when you’re sick.
- Avoid kissing when you or your partner has active cold sores, warts, or ulcers in the mouth.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
Here are some ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs):
Sexual health practices
- Use condoms and dental dams during sex to reduce the risk of STIs.
- Talk openly with your partner about sexual health and STI history.
- Get tested for chlamydia and other STIs regularly, especially if you’re sexually active.
Chlamydia Treatment and Follow-up
The good news is that chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics, like azithromycin and doxycycline. It’s important to take all of your antibiotics, even if you start feeling better quickly. After finishing your treatment, wait a full seven days before you have sex again.
You should also get retested three months after treatment to make sure the infection is gone. Finally, it’s critical that your partner(s) get treated, too, to prevent you from getting re-infected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oral chlamydia look like?
Oral chlamydia is often asymptomatic, meaning you might not see or feel anything unusual. However, in some cases, it can present as a sore throat or redness. Because symptoms are often absent or mild, getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have it.
Can chlamydia be spread through saliva?
Chlamydia is primarily spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. While it’s theoretically possible for chlamydia to be spread through saliva if there’s direct contact with infected fluids, it’s not considered a common mode of transmission. Kissing is generally considered low-risk.
What STDs are not curable?
Unfortunately, some STDs are not curable, meaning the virus or bacteria remains in your body for life. These include HIV, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV). While there’s no cure, treatments are available to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
Can a UTI turn into chlamydia?
A UTI (urinary tract infection) cannot turn into chlamydia. They are distinct infections caused by different types of bacteria. However, it’s possible to have both a UTI and chlamydia at the same time.
What can be mistaken for chlamydia?
Several conditions can mimic chlamydia symptoms, making diagnosis tricky. These include other STIs like gonorrhea or trichomoniasis, as well as UTIs or bacterial vaginosis in women. Because the symptoms can overlap, getting tested by a healthcare professional is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
In Summary
Chlamydia is almost always spread through sexual contact, not through kissing. But it’s important to practice safer sex, get tested regularly, and talk openly with your partners about sexual health.
If you’re concerned about STIs or if you have any symptoms that worry you, reach out to your healthcare provider for information and guidance.