Chlamydia is the common type of sexually transmitted disease (STI) (which affects more than 1 million Americans) caused by a bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. As it is transferable, this may make people (sexually active). Kissing seems like a simple act, but understanding whether chlamydia infection can be spread to your partner is important to avoid complications. This article will help to clear this confusion and provide important facts about how chlamydia spreads, symptoms, and how prevention spreads. So let’s go straight to the facts!
Can you get chlamydia from a kiss?
No, according to the studychlamydia cannot be obtained from kissing. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that affects the throat, genitals, or anus. It only spreads through direct contact with chlamydia-infected genital fluids, such as vaginal discharge, semen, or rectal fluid. Because these liquids are not present in saliva, chlamydia cannot be moved with deep kisses, French kisses, or casual kisses.
Other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) that cannot spread through kissing are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis, prime minister, or trichomony.
Note: Kissing does not spread chlamydia, but it is important to know that oral sex can cause throat infections if the person doing it is infected.
How does chlamydia actually spread?
Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact. Here’s how:
- Vagina, oral, or anal sex with an infected person can be sprayed with chlamydia.
- Direct contact with infected genital fluid is the main cause of transmission.
Keep in mind that it is important to test regularly, as it can transmit chlamydia even if you can’t see symptoms.
Symptoms of chlamydia
Symptoms of chlamydia are often mild or absent, making early detection difficult. However, symptoms may differ between women and men.
Symptoms of chlamydia in women
Chlamydia can cause similar symptoms such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the cervix.
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White, gray, or yellow vaginal discharge
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Pyuria in the urine
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Increased urge to pee
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Feeling of burning while urinating
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Bleeding over a period of time.
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Painful period
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Painful sex
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Dull pain in the lower abdomen.
Chlamydia symptoms in men
Chlamydia often infects the urethra in men, causing the following symptoms:
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Mucus-like, watery penis discharge.
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Feeling of burning while urinating
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Swelling and pain in one or both test circles (not very common)
Can chlamydia spread through sex?
Yes, according to A study Chlamydia can spread vaginally, orally, or anal Sex. Chlamydia can easily spread when it infects one partner’s genitals of a partner who is having sex with another partner.
Using condoms or dental dams during sex significantly reduces the risk of acquiring chlamydia. Therefore, always be aware of using these barrier methods.
How much can chlamydia spread without knowing?
You can spread chlamydia to others for months or years without you knowing. This is because most people do not develop symptoms. That means they may be carrying Chlamydia trachomatis without realizing it. If symptoms develop, they may begin to appear around 1-3 weeks after infection, but it will take some time for them to become clear.
Other STIs that can spread through kissing
Chlamydia cannot spread through kissing, but these STIs are:
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Herpes: Herpes simplex virus can travel through a kiss, especially if active herpes is present in the mouth. It can spread even if you don’t have symptoms.
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Syphilis: Can spread through direct contact with the pain of syphilis present in the mouth, tongue, or lips.
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HPV: It can travel through deep kisses by direct contact with infected saliva. It can cause oral cancer.
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Citomegalovirus: Kissing spreads through contact with saliva. It mainly occurs without symptoms.
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Go disease: Oral go disease can move through kissing and usually does not cause symptoms. In most cases, it will be resolved within 7 days.
Apart from STIs, kissing can also transmit bacteria or viruses associated with these conditions.
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Infectious mononucleosis
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influenza
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coronavirus
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Periodontal disease
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Meningitis
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Mumps
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Polio
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rubella
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Ebola
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Zika
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Rabies
Chlamydia-related complications
If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems such as:
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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): It causes inflammation of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes, leading to problems with fertility in women, affects the production of sperm in men, and can lead to infertility.
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Ectopic pregnancy: Blocking the fallopian tubes leads to ectopic pregnancy (extrauterine fertilizer egg implant), increasing the health risks of the fetus and mother.
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Chronic Pain: Due to pelvic inflammatory disease, women may experience pelvic pain for a long period of time.
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Recurrent infections: Repeated chlamydial infections and continuous damage to the entire germ system.
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Increased risk of HIV: Increases the risk of communicating or ingesting HIV by forming an environment in endogenous areas that promote HIV invasion into the body.
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Pregnancy Complications: According to One discoveryUntreated chlamydia can contribute to early delivery. Additionally, it can lead to the movement of infections from pregnant women to babies, which can cause pneumonia and eye infections in the newborn.
Therefore, chlamydia should not be left untreated and should not be seen immediately if you experience abnormal symptoms to get the correct treatment.
Chlamydia treatment
Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics. The most common treatments are:
- Doxycycline (7-day course)
- Azithromycin (single dose)
These drugs can help relieve infection in 1-2 weeks. Please be sure to stop the medication after consulting your doctor.
important: Always complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you are not symptomatic. Avoid sexual contact until it is confirmed that it is free of infection.
Additional steps for treatment:
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Avoid sexual activity: Avoid gender until infection is clear to avoid reinfection. Drug therapy lasts longer than 7 days, so avoid sexual intercourse during that time.
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STI Test: Tested for all types of STIs, including go disease, HIV, herpes, or syphilis. This is because it is common to infect different STIs and knowing the exact STIs will help you get a customized treatment plan.
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Tell your sexual partner to take the test: You should make sure you are testing your STI sexual partner to prevent reinfection issues.
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Follow-up Test: This test helps ensure that chlamydia is completely gone, especially if symptoms are persistent or recurrent.
Tips for preventing chlamydia
Kissing does not spread chlamydia, but sexual activity does. This is how you can protect yourself:
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Use contraception: To reduce the likelihood of chlamydia, use condoms or dental dams when engaged in the oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
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Avoid washing: Do not water your vagina as it poses a risk by lowering good bacteria in the vagina.
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Take regular STI tests: If you have multiple sexual partners, regular tests can help you detect, treat and prevent symptoms early before causing complications.
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Reduce the number of sexual partners: You can limit the number of sexual partners to increase the likelihood of exposure to chlamydia.
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Communicate with your partner: openly and honestly discuss your sexual health with your partner, including symptoms and tests. Take a test before starting a sexual relationship.
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Seeking treatment: If symptoms are suspected, see your doctor for effective diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
Professional hints: If you are sexually active, schedule an STI test at least once a year.
Myths about chlamydia
There are some general myths about chlamydia and the truth behind it.
mythology
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fact
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You can catch chlamydia from the toilet seat.
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Chlamydia spreads only through sexual contact, not through toilet seat.
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Only people with multiple sexual partners get chlamydia.
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No matter how many partners you have, any sexually active person can get chlamydia.
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You cannot infect chlamydia using condoms.
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Condoms reduce the risk, but there is no effective way to prevent the spread of infection.
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Chlamydia can be obtained through vaginal sex only.
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It may spread through oral and anal and genital contacts without penetration.
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Chlamydia can be resolved on its own.
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Without treatment, chlamydia can cause long-term damage and infertility.
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Final thoughts
So, can you get chlamydia from kissing? No, but it can spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications, including infertility and the risk of pregnancy. Protect your sexual health by practicing safe sex, taking regular STI tests, and communicating openly with your partner. If you notice symptoms of chlamydia, See your doctor immediately for proper treatment.
FAQ
Can chlamydia be spread by saliva?
No, it cannot spread through saliva. This means that you cannot get chlamydia infection from kissing.
Can I get an STI from oral sex with swallow?
Yes, it can be done even if you don’t have any significant symptoms in your mouth.
What are the signs of STI in your mouth?
Symptoms of STI in the mouth include stiff blood, blisters, swollen tonsils, redness, inflammation, white spots, yellow or whitish drainage, and swollen lymph nodes.
Can you get chlamydia from kissing your tongue?
No, that’s not possible. Chlamydia can be caught using oral sex alone.