Can you Get an STD from Kissing? Your Sexual Health Questions, Answered
Sexual health is an important topic and can be intimidating and confusing for many people. Having open and honest conversations with partners about sexual health and safety can help you to make informed decisions about your relationship. You can also speak to doctors when you have questions or concerns, but it can sometimes feel embarrassing or "too personal" to discuss these things someone else.
iPlaySafe is here to answer the sexual health questions you may feel too shy to ask your doctor. These include "are HIV and AIDS the same thing?", "what is syphilis?" and "can you get an std from kissing?" We've compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions and myths about sexual health. Read on to learn more!
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
This is one of the most searched-for questions about one of the most common STIs! The symptoms of chlamydia include abnormal vaginal discharge, pain or burning during urination, pain during sexual intercourse, and lower abdominal pain. If you're experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has chlamydia the best thing to do is get tested. It may feel scary but chlamydia is actually very easy to treat! The most important thing to do is take action on it - chlamydia can develop into more serious conditions if left untreated. Order a home STI test here.
Are HIV and AIDS the same thing?
No, HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and is a virus that weakens the immune system. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. While HIV is a virus, AIDS is a condition caused by HIV.
How long does it take for HIV symptoms to appear?
Most people will experience flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks after being infected with HIV. If you have reason to believe you may have been infected with HIV you should get tested as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the virus from progressing and causing more serious health problems. Learn more about HIV symptoms here.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is sometimes thought of as an epidemic of the past (historians estimate that in the late 18th century, 1 in 5 Londoners contracted syphilis by their mid-30s) but it may surprise you to know that it is still a very real issue today. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum. It can be contracted through unprotected sexual contact, or even through contact with infected blood. Symptoms of syphilis include sores or rashes, fever, swollen lymph glands, and headaches, and it can cause serious, long-term health problems if it is not treated.
Can you get an STD from kissing?
Unfortunately, yes. It is possible to transmit some STDs through kissing, although the risk is low. Most STIs are spread through unprotected sexual contact, not through kissing. However, there is a small risk of contracting herpes and syphilis through saliva. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 3.7 billion people (two-thirds of the world's population) are infected with at least one type of herpes virus. The most common form, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), affects around 67% of the population, while herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) affects around 11%.
HSV-1 (oral herpes) can be easily spread through kissing. To reduce the risk, avoid kissing anyone who has visible cold sores around their mouth or any other signs of an infection. If you have caught oral herpes - don't panic. It may be uncomfortable but it isn't dangerous, and you can take antiviral medications to manage outbreaks. Learn more about living with herpes here.
What are signs of STDs in your mouth?
Some of the most common STIs that can be spread through oral sex are herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and oral HPV. Symptoms of these can include cold sores or fever blisters around or inside your mouth, a sore throat and difficulty while swallowing, swollen tonsils or lymph nodes, and redness with white spots resembling strep throat. Dental dams can be an effective way to prevent STIs being passed on during oral sex.
What is the difference between genital warts and herpes?
Genital warts and herpes are both sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are usually visible as small, flesh-coloured bumps on the genitals. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and usually appears as painful blisters in the genital area. Both warts and herpes can be spread through genital-to-genital contact.
Can you catch sexually transmitted infections from toilet seats?
No, you cannot catch a sexually transmitted infection from a toilet seat. In the past, there was a myth about the transmission of gonorrhoea. It was a common misconception that if someone with gonorrhoea used a public toilet, whoever next used it could catch the infection. Thankfully, we now know that it doesn't spread via toilets or casual contact, only through sexual activity. No need to avoid public toilets, just practice safe sex!
Is HPV an STD?
Yes, HPV (human papillomavirus) is an STD. This is a virus transmitted through sexual contact, including oral, vaginal and anal sex. It's extremely common and often displays no symptoms. Many women only discover they have HPV because it shows up on their cervical smear test as an HPV positive result. This can be really upsetting and confusing, as there's a lot of misunderstanding around this infection.
There are over 100 types of HPV and most of them are harmless and will be cleared from your body over time. It can sometimes cause genital warts, and in rare cases cervical cancer in women, this is why it's important to always attend your cervical screening appointments. If you're worried about HPV, learn more about it here.
What causes thrush?
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast called candida albicans. It is usually found in small amounts inside the vagina, but when the balance of bacteria and yeast changes it can cause an infection. It can be transmitted through both vaginal and oral sex, so it's possible you have caught thrush from your partner, but there are many other causes too.
Recurring thrush is when you’ve had four or more episodes in a year. It may be caused by taking antibiotics, which can upset the balance of bacteria in the body, as well as poor hygiene practices and a weakened immune system. If you keep getting thrush, it could be due to an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or an immune system disorder, so it's best to speak to your doctor.
Is it normal to bleed from your vagina when you first have sex?
This is a very common question! Some people experience bleeding when they first have sex, which is usually a sign of a tear in the hymen. Remember that everyone is different, and many people do not experience any bleeding at all. If you are concerned, or if bleeding during or after sex persists, it's best to talk to a medical professional to make sure everything is ok.
How do I get an STI test?
Sexual health tests are an important part of being sexually active, even if you do not have any signs or symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases. Remember, many STDs show no noticeable symptoms at all. iPlaySafe provides home STI test kits which are quick and easy to do in the form of urine and blood samples. Shop home STI test kits here and remember to get tested regularly and use condoms to prevent STIs.
