• STDs
• Sexual Health

Can You Get Syphilis from Kissing?

Medically reviewed and edited by Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC

Can Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Be Spread Through Kissing?

In general, STDs are spread through the exchange of fluids — including saliva, blood, vaginal fluids, semen, or contact with open sores. 

These fluids all become factors that should be considered when determining whether an STD can be spread through mouth-to-mouth contact. 

Many STDs don’t carry a high risk of transmission via kissing, but it all depends on the circumstances. 

It’s best to exercise caution and get tested if you suspect you’ve been exposed to infection.

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Which STDs Can Be Spread Through Kissing?

STDs are most commonly spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex — but there are a few that can be spread through kissing. 

Listed below are some STDs that have a high possibility of being spread through mouth-to-mouth contact. 

Syphilis 

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium T. pallidum. This can be spread via kissing, but it depends on the stage of the disease. Syphilis spreads quickly during the stages where open sores and rashes are visible on the skin.

In the primary stage of the disease, when the first blister — known as the chancre — is formed, syphilis can easily spread via skin-to-skin contact.

Early sores are typically reddish, rubbery, and painless, and they often appear on the genitals. People who engage in oral sex may develop these sores in their mouths, which greatly increases the risk of transmitting syphilis via kissing. 

In the secondary stage of syphilis — characterized by sores on the soles, palms, mouth, and genitals — the lesions are highly infectious and the disease can spread through skin contact, which includes kissing.

Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) are both highly infectious STDs that cause oral and genital herpes. 

HSV-1 more commonly causes cold sores or oral herpes, while HSV-2 is linked to genital herpes; however, these viruses can affect other parts of the body, too. Therefore, for the purposes of this article, we will call them HSV. 

HSV is known as a chronic-remitting illness. This means that you stay infected for life, but go through periods of symptoms and then periods without symptoms. 

Symptoms usually include a painful blistering red rash at the infection site. These blisters contain highly infectious fluid. 

If lesions are present in the mouth, herpes can be spread via kissing. If herpes is in remission (asymptomatic period), however, the disease does not spread. 

HPV

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI in the U.S. and it causes oral and genital warts. 

If these are present in the mouth, then they can be spread via kissing. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV infections.

Which STDs are Not Spread Through Kissing?

There are certain STDs that have a low risk of transmission via kissing. Some of these are listed below:

HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spread through blood and genital secretions. 

It is not spread through saliva, but in very rare cases — for example, if both partners have bleeding gums or open sores on their mouths — it can be spread through kissing. 

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

This is a collective term for infections of the female pelvis. PID is typically a complication caused by chlamydia and gonorrhea. 

PID is confined to the genitals and the infection cannot be spread via kissing.

Hepatitis B

This virus spreads similarly to HIV but it’s much more contagious. Hepatitis B can be up to 100 times more concentrated in the blood than HIV, so it spreads more easily.

Hepatitis B is currently incurable, but you can protect yourself and your partners from the disease by getting vaccinated.

Can I Kiss If I Have Syphilis?

It’s recommended that people infected with syphilis abstain from sexual contact with new partners until they’ve completed their treatment — this includes abstaining from kissing.

How Can I Protect Myself and My Partner?

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your partner from syphilis as well as other STDs. Some of these include:

Communicating 

Speak to your partner about your sexual history, disclose any conditions you have, and encourage them to do the same.

Setting boundaries

Everything — from what you’re comfortable with in the bedroom, to how often you need to get tested for STDs — should be discussed with your partner(s).

Using protection

Whether you choose to use barrier methods — such as male and female condoms — or practice monogamy, discussing these things with your significant other will help ensure a healthy sex life.

Where Can I Learn More About STDs?

STDs can be a tricky topic to discuss. LifeMD makes it easier to ask those difficult questions and get the help you need through our online portal.

Make an online appointment to get started.

Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC

Amy is a board-certified FHNP with 13 years of experience in Hospital Medicine, Urgent Care, and Primary Care. Amy is an expert in acute/chronic disease management. She's been honored by the Elite American Nurses Association for her achievements.

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