• Chlamydia
• STDs

Can You Get Chlamydia from Kissing? Here’s What You Need to Know

Medically reviewed and edited by Samantha Wannos, FNP-C

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis.

This condition typically affects the genitals, causing pain and discomfort. It can also spread to the rectum, throat, and eyes.

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause several serious health complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.

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What are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?

Many people who have chlamydia don’t show symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear within one to two weeks after infection.

If you have chlamydia, you may experience any of the following:

• Abnormal discharge with a foul smell

• Pain during sex and urination

• Unusual bleeding

• Swollen or tender genitals

• Sores on the genitals

Chlamydia can also infect the eyes and throat if it spreads to different parts of the body. If this happens, you might experience pain and discomfort in the affected area.

How Does Chlamydia Spread?

Chlamydia is usually spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. This includes engaging in unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex.

You can also get chlamydia if you’ve been in contact with infected genital fluids.

This condition is rarely spread through casual contact like sharing food and drinks, hugging, holding hands, coughing, or sneezing.

What Happens if You Kiss Someone with a Chlamydia Throat Infection?

A common misconception about chlamydia is that it can spread through kissing. Chlamydia can only be spread through contact with infected genital fluids like semen.

That’s why kissing someone with chlamydia is generally considered safe because the transmission risk is low.

However, it’s important to note that chlamydia can spread through kissing if a person has infected genital fluids in their mouth that are passed to a partner.

The risk of transmission increases if you have sores or open cuts in your mouth that make it easier for chlamydia to infect the body.

You might also be at a higher risk of developing other STIs like the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or syphilis if your mouth comes into contact with chlamydia.

How Can You Avoid Getting Chlamydia When Kissing Someone?

Even though the risk of getting chlamydia while kissing someone is low, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and look after your sexual health.

These may include:

• Getting tested for STIs regularly

• Don’t share sex toys, especially if they haven’t been cleaned

• Asking your sexual partner about their STD history and getting tested

• Avoiding kissing someone with an active chlamydia infection, especially if it has spread to their throat

What is the Best Chlamydia Treatment?

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics that contain azithromycin and doxycycline.

This medication is usually taken for a course of seven days, depending on the severity of your infection.

Your doctor may also recommend a single dose of azithromycin for milder infections.

If you’ve been infected with chlamydia, it’s recommended that your sexual partner(s) get tested and receive treatment as well. This helps to reduce the spread of the infection.

When Should You See a Doctor About a Chlamydia Infection?

You should make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you’ve had unprotected sex and suspect that you’ve been exposed to chlamydia.

It’s also a good idea to see your doctor if you develop any of the symptoms of chlamydia, like foul-smelling discharge, pain during sex, or abnormal bleeding.

Your doctor will likely recommend an STD test to determine if you’ve been infected. Once you’ve received your results, they can prescribe the right treatment.

You can also make an appointment with any of the licensed professionals at LifeMD. They can help through a virtual consultation and provide prescriptions if necessary.

Where Can You Learn More About Chlamydia and Other STIs?

If you suspect that you have chlamydia or are concerned about any of your symptoms, you can speak to a board-certified physician or nurse practitioner from the comfort of your home.

Head over to LifeMD to make a telehealth appointment.

Samantha Wannos, FNP-C

Samantha has 10 years of critical care experience and approximately six years of internal medicine experience. She is skilled in helping patients manage a multitude of chronic health conditions. In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband and children, going boating, and attending concerts.

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