Can you get Chlamydia by Kissing?
It’s a common myth that Chlamydia can be passed on through mouth-to-mouth contact or kissing. As with other STI’s, this is not the case: you cannot get Chlamydia from mouth-to-mouth kissing with somebody infected.
Additionally, you cannot contract Chlamydia from any of the following:
- Sharing toilet seats with somebody infected with Chlamydia.
- Sharing bed linens or clothes with an infected partner.
- Touching a doorknobs or household items that have been used by someone with Chlamydia.
- Using a swimming pool, hot tub, or bathtub or sharing water activities with somebody who has Chlamydia.
You shouldn't worry about kissing your partner if they have Chlamydia: it is perfectly safe to do so.
However, it should be noted that it does depend where you kiss or touch! If you kiss a partner on the genitals or engage in oral sex with your partner then you may be at risk from Chlamydia, as it can be transmitted via fluid form the penis or vagina.
Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis which can pass from one person to another even if the penis does not enter the vagina or mouth. This means you may be at risk from Chlamydia if you have any genital contact with someone who has the infection - even if there is no penetration, orgasm or ejaculation.
Remember - practice safe sex at all times: use a condom or other oral-barriers during oral sex and always take responsibility for you own actions. Remember that you may be putting your sexual health at risk for one moment of passion.
If you have had oral or other forms of unprotected sex it is always sensible to seek Chlamydia testing. Additionally you should test for Chlamydia each time you have a new sexual partner.
Freetest.me offers free home Chlamydia tests for under 25s that can be carried out in the comfort of your own home. Don’t put yourself at risk and order a free Chlamydia testing kit online from www.freetest.me and take back control of your sexual health.