Can You Get Gonorrhea From Sharing Drinks?

Among sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the US, gonorrhea is one of the most prevalent. National studies estimate a whopping 1.6 million cases of gonorrhea in 2018. 

The question is can you get gonorrhea from sharing drinks? Yes, it is possible, though extremely rare. It emphasizes that we cannot undermine the importance of hygiene in daily interactions and activities.

You may avoid sharing items that require direct contact with the skin, like straws, spoons or forks, and cups, and clothing items like pajamas and innerwear. It may prevent any possible, though very rare, cases of infections.  

So, how can you get gonorrhea from sharing drinks? Let’s find out.

Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria Gonorrhea. It spreads through oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected person. 

Now when you share a drink with a person who has gonorrhea, specifically of the oral kind, there is a high likelihood that the bacteria lodged in the person’s saliva is transmitted to your pharynx. It can happen when you drink from the same cup the infected person directly placed their mouth on and may have left some saliva. 

A brief clinical report by BMJ Open studies how gonorrhea may be transmitted indirectly through saliva, though very short-lived. It is because the bacterium that causes gonorrhea has a very short lifespan outside the body. 

To conclude, answering “can you get gonorrhea from sharing drinks?”- possibly, and this kind of transmission may not be as infectious as those acquired during sexual intercourse, but it is essential to observe caution. 

Gonorrhea predominantly spreads through sexual intercourse, either anal, vaginal, or oral, where there is a direct and prolonged skin-to-skin contact involving mucous membranes. So, can you get gonorrhea from sharing drinks? Not very likely. 

Nevertheless, protect yourself against gonorrhea by first getting tested before committing to any sexual relations. More so because gonorrhea mostly doesn’t have symptoms. Symptoms, if any, develop only in later stages.  

Refrain from sexual activities if either you or your partner are infected until effectively cured. Practice safe sex by using contraceptives like condoms and avoiding multiple sex partners. It can help shave down the possibility of getting an infection substantially.

In any case, do get tested, whether just a routine check-up or if you suspect you might have an infection. Consult with a doctor to receive proper and effective treatment for the disease and practice safe sex at all times.

Nevertheless, we hope this has answered your question, “can you get gonorrhea from sharing drinks?”.