Can You Get Chlamydia From Kissing

One common question regarding chlamydia is ‘can you get chlamydia from kissing?' You may be anxious to know if you can get chlamydia from kissing somebody who is infected. After all, chlamydia is one of the most prevalent STDs in the US.

So, what is chlamydia? What causes it, and how does it spread? Can you get chlamydia from kissing?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. The infection can spread to anyone through sexual contact with someone who is infected. The risk of contracting the infection is higher for those who do not use any forms of protection like condoms and dental barriers while indulging in sexual activities. While chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics, lack of treatment may result in long-term health complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.

But can you get chlamydia from kissing? Many people are of the belief that chlamydia can spread through kissing. However, although not impossible, mouth-to-mouth kissing isn't a likely way of spreading the infection. Chlamydia is primarily transmitted through unprotected sex without condoms. Adolescents and sexually active people are at a higher risk of contracting the infection.

So, if you are wondering, ‘can you get chlamydia from kissing,' the possibility is low. But that doesn't mean you should let your guard down. Even if you happen to have contracted chlamydia, the chances are that you may never even know about it. Many people infected with chlamydia do not experience signs and symptoms. This becomes a problem when they have unprotected sex with someone and pass on the infection.

The asymptomatic nature of this STD contributes significantly to its high rate in the nation. Because of its lack of symptoms, chlamydia is often called the silent disease that comes to stay in your body without you knowing about its presence. So, the question ‘can you get chlamydia from kissing' remains vague because even if you may have got the infection, you may not feel any symptoms and never knew that a kiss may have caused it.

However, in some people, symptoms may occur. When it occurs, an infected person may experience the following conditions.

One of the most common symptoms related to chlamydia is abnormal discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum. The discharge may have a foul odor that can be considered a fishy smell. It may get stronger after sex.

Chlamydia may also cause pain while urinating. You might experience a burning sensation when you urinate. But it can also be caused by other conditions, such as UTIs.

Women with chlamydia may experience abdominal pain, spotting between periods, or bleeding after having sex. Infected men may experience swollen testicles with or without pain.

Chlamydia may also cause rashes around the genitals and may even lead to eye infections commonly known as ‘pink eyes.'

The symptoms of chlamydia may or may not appear. It may not even appear immediately after contracting the disease. So it can be very misleading. No matter if can you get chlamydia from kissing, if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it may not always mean you have chlamydia. But if you're a sexually active person, having these symptoms may indicate signs of an STD. So, if you get these symptoms after having sex with somebody suspicious, make sure you get an STD test to confirm your status and get proper treatment if you happen to turn out positive for chlamydia. You don't have to panic even if you learn you have chlamydia. It is easily treatable with antibiotics. Get tested today to prevent possible health risks in the future.