Can You Transmit Chlamydia By Kissing?
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), but there are plenty of myths around its routes of transmission. With all the misinformation, one popular question is: Can you get Chlamydia by kissing? Let’s analyze how this infection is—or isn’t—spread.
What Is Chlamydia?
The infection is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis that multiplies on the mucous membranes within the genital, rectum, and throat. It spreads through:
- Sexual contact: Vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse with an infected individual.
- Mother-to-child: During birth, this can be avoided with appropriate healthcare prior to delivery.
Chlamydia mostly shows no symptoms, which makes routine checkups very important. If neglecting treatment, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or some other complications.
Can Kissing Transmit Chlamydia?
The short answer: No, it is highly improbable.
Here is why:
- Chlamydia requires some form of contact with infected genital, anal, or throat fluids.
- Saliva does not contain enough bacteria to cause infection.
- The germ cannot endure to live outside of the body for a prolonged period of time, eliminating the possibility of casual interaction.
Exception: If a person has oral Chlamydia (due to oral sex) and engages in prolonged deep kissing while exchanging throat secretions, some theoretical risk exists. Such documented cases, however, are extremely rare.
How Chlamydia Actually Spreads
- Unprotected Sexual Activity
The main pathway is penetrative sex (vaginal, anal) without the use of condoms, dental dams and other protective barriers. - Oral Sex
Chlamydia can be transmitted through the pharynx via oral sex or by performing fellatio on a suffering partner. - Shared Sex Toys
The shared use of unwashed items such as dildos and vibrators can act as a medium for infectious transference between partners and transfer germs. - Vertical Transmission
This refers to the transmission process where a child can be infected by a pregnant woman during delivery.
Additional Safe Practices to Reduce Risk
- Use Protection: During all forms of sexual interaction, use protective measures like condoms and dental dams.
- Regular Testing: This should be done especially for new partners or when a new partner is asymptomatic.
- Do Not Share: Underwear, sex toys, and other hygiene materials should not be shared.
- Discuss: Talking with your partners about STI status and their testing history is recommended.
FAQs About Chlamydia
- Can Chlamydia be contracted through a toilet seat?
No, as the Chlamydia bacterium is known to die outside the body relatively fast. - What are the symptoms?
Symptoms most of the time do not exist, however, in some rare cases possible symptoms include an abnormal discharge, burning sensation during urination, or pelvic pain. - How is it treated?
Reinfection is possible, so it is important that partners are treated as well. A simple antibiotic course will suffice.
Final Thoughts
Chlamydia can be risked during kissing, but it is not a high-risk activity. However, having knowledge on proven transmission routes is vital to managing your health. Safe sex, healthy conversations, routine sex-related checkups, and if unsure, a head is the best course of action. With such situations, healthcare professionals should be consulted instead of trusting online sources.
Stay safe, stay cautious, and most importantly, stay curious.
