Kissing is often more than just a romantic gesture. It can be a gateway to learning more about your new partner. Through kissing, you can discover even their personality. It’s a way to build intimacy and connection.
However, as exciting as kissing can be, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved, particularly with sexually transmitted infections (STI).
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is an STI caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This disease progresses through multiple stages if not treated, each characterized by distinct symptoms.
Pregnant women with syphilis can also pass the infection to their unborn child, which results in congenital syphilis, a condition that poses serious risks to the infant.
How is syphilis transmitted?
You can get syphilis through direct contact with a syphilitic sore during sexual activities, such as:
- Vaginal sex
- Anal sex
- Oral sex
A particularly concerning aspect of syphilis transmission is if you’re pregnant and have syphilis, you may pass it to your baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
Lastly, though rare, it’s also possible to contract syphilis via blood transfusion.
Is it common to get syphilis from kissing?
While contracting an STI from kissing is less common compared to other forms of sexual contact, it’s still possible. You can contract syphilis when kissing another person with syphilitic sores in or around their mouth.
How can you reduce the risk of spreading or getting syphilis?
To minimize the risk of spreading or contracting syphilis, do regular STI screenings, especially if you’re sexually active.
When engaging in oral sex, use dental dams to diminish the risk of exposure to syphilitic sores.
Aside from that, practice safe sex by using condoms regularly.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
Syphilis progresses through several stages, each with distinct signs. Here are the symptoms you’ll experience for every stage:
- Primary stage. This initial phase is often marked by single or multiple sores that are firm, round and painless, which appear where syphilis entered the body.
- Secondary stage. The next phase may include a skin rash, lesions on mucous membranes, and flu-like symptoms such as fever and sore throat. The rash can appear on any part of the body and is usually not itchy.
- Latent stage. During this stage, syphilis can remain in the body without causing symptoms. While you’re asymptomatic, the infection can progress to the tertiary stage if not treated.
- Tertiary stage: The most severe stage of syphilis can lead to significant damage to your brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints. This stage can also be life-threatening.
How is syphilis diagnosed?
There are multiple methods to diagnose syphilis.
- Blood tests. Your healthcare provider may order a blood test to detect the antibodies produced in response to the infection. This approach is effective for identifying both current and past infections.
- Physical examination. Your doctor will examine any visible sores or rashes that you may have.
- Darkfield microscopy. This procedure allows your doctor to observe the syphilis spirochete directly. Visualizing the bacterium itself can help them provide a definitive diagnosis.
Can you get an at-home STI test without seeing a doctor?
Yes, you can get an at-home STI test without a doctor’s visit.
If you suspect that you have syphilis or if you want to learn your infection status, you can use a reliable at-home testing kit. With this, you can collect a sample in the privacy of your home and test for syphilis.
Browse our selection for syphilis antibody test options here
If you test positive, early detection means early treatment as well.
What treatments are available for syphilis?
The primary treatment for syphilis is antibiotic therapy, with penicillin injections being the standard and most effective approach for all stages of the disease.
If you’re allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics are also available and will be prescribed by your doctor.
To confirm the disease has been eradicated, your doctor may advise you to do follow-up blood tests.
If your sexual partner has syphilis, they also need to undergo treatment to prevent reinfection and spread to others.
What should you do if you think you have syphilis?
If you suspect you might have syphilis, you can take an at-home STI test to learn of your infection status. For proper guidance and treatment, consult your healthcare provider.
Next, inform your sexual partners about the potential exposure to allow them to seek testing and treatment as necessary.
Adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen and complete any recommended follow-up tests to see to it that the infection is gone and to prevent its further spread.
Can an oral STD spread to other parts of the body?
Yes, an oral STD can indeed spread to other parts of your body. Infections such as syphilis and herpes are not confined to the initial site of infection and can impact various areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can syphilis be transmitted through kissing?
Yes, syphilis can spread through kissing if one partner has an active syphilis sore or lesion in or around the mouth. Direct contact with these sores can transmit the bacteria.
What are the risks of contracting syphilis from a kiss?
The risk hinges on the presence of active syphilis sores in the mouth or on the lips. If such sores exist, the bacteria can easily transfer to another person through saliva.
How can one prevent the spread of syphilis through kissing?
Preventing syphilis transmission through kissing involves avoiding intimate contact with individuals who have visible sores or who have been diagnosed with syphilis until they have completed treatment.
Are syphilis sores in the mouth contagious?
Syphilis sores, whether located in the mouth or elsewhere on the body, are highly contagious. Direct contact with these sores can result in transmission of the bacteria.
Key takeaway
While the risk of contracting syphilis through kissing is lower compared to other forms of sexual contact, it’s still possible if syphilitic sores are present in or around the mouth.
Open communication with your partner and regular STI screenings can help reduce the risk while establishing a safer and more informed approach to intimacy.
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