Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. When chlamydia infects the throat, it is called oral chlamydia. Oral chlamydia is usually spread through oral sex with someone who has a chlamydia infection. Many people wonder if they can get oral chlamydia through kissing someone who is infected.
Can You Get Oral Chlamydia From Kissing?
The short answer is no, you cannot get oral chlamydia from kissing someone who is infected. Chlamydia bacteria live and multiply in mucous membranes which are the soft, moist tissues that line areas like the eyes, mouth, genitals, and anus. Saliva does not provide an environment where chlamydia can survive for long outside of the body. Additionally, simple mouth-to-mouth contact like kissing is very unlikely to transfer the bacteria.
While it is theoretically possible for chlamydia to be passed through deep, prolonged French kissing with significant saliva exchange, there are no documented cases. Most experts believe the risk is extremely small. The vast majority of oral chlamydia transmission occurs through direct oral contact with infected genital fluids.
Ways Oral Chlamydia is Typically Spread
– Oral sex with someone who has a genital or anal chlamydia infection
– Using contaminated sex toys that have been exposed to genital or anal fluids
– Fingers or other body parts that have touched infected genital areas and then come into contact with the mouth
– Childbirth if the mother has an untreated chlamydia infection
Simple kissing is very low risk for transmitting oral chlamydia. The bacteria generally cannot survive long enough outside of the warm, moist mucous membranes to be transferred by casual mouth contact.
Symptoms of Oral Chlamydia
Many people with oral chlamydia do not have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Sore throat
- Swollen tonsils
- Pain or tenderness in the throat
- Redness or inflammation in the throat
- White or yellow patches in the throat
- Cough
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
These symptoms can develop between 1 and 3 weeks after becoming infected. Even without symptoms, oral chlamydia can persist and be transmitted to partners.
Testing for Oral Chlamydia
Oral chlamydia testing may be done if:
- You have symptoms of oral infection
- You have engaged in oral sex with new or multiple partners
- You have been diagnosed with a genital chlamydia infection
- Your partner has tested positive for oral, genital, or anal chlamydia
A healthcare provider will take a swab sample from the throat to test for chlamydia bacteria. This is a quick and painless procedure. Results are usually available within a few days to a week.
Who Should be Tested for Oral Chlamydia?
The CDC recommends the following groups get tested regularly for oral chlamydia:
- Sexually active women under age 25
- Sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM)
- People with multiple or anonymous sex partners
- Sex workers
- Anyone who has been diagnosed with another STI
If you are in one of these groups or otherwise at risk, speak to your doctor about getting tested for oral chlamydia along with genital testing. Getting tested is an important step toward preventing transmission.
Treating Oral Chlamydia
Oral chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, usually:
- Azithromycin – single 1g dose taken orally
- Doxycycline – 100mg twice per day for 7 days
It is important to take all medication as prescribed and avoid sex for 7 days after treatment is complete. Make sure your partner(s) get treated too. Retesting 3-4 weeks after finishing antibiotics is recommended to confirm the infection has cleared.
Untreated Oral Chlamydia
Without treatment, oral chlamydia can persist for months or longer. It can spread to genital areas and cause serious complications. In women, untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease which may cause infertility.
Protecting Yourself from Oral Chlamydia
You can reduce your risk of getting oral chlamydia with these steps:
- Use protection (condoms, dental dams) when having oral sex
- Limit your number of oral sex partners
- Ask partners to get tested before having oral sex
- Get regular STI testing if you are sexually active
- Avoid sharing food, drinks, cigarettes, lipstick, or other items that come in contact with the mouth
While you cannot get oral chlamydia from kissing, it’s always smart to avoid contact if you know a partner has the infection. Wait until 7 days after they have completed treatment.
The Bottom Line
You cannot get oral chlamydia from kissing someone. The bacteria is primarily spread through direct oral contact with infected genital fluids, such as during oral sex. Simple mouth-to-mouth kissing carries little to no risk, even deep kissing. Oral chlamydia can be asymptomatic so get tested regularly if you are sexually active. Antibiotic treatment cures oral chlamydia. Using protection during oral sex helps prevent transmission.
| Can you get oral chlamydia from: | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Kissing on the lips | Extremely Low |
| Deep kissing with saliva exchange | Very Low |
| Oral sex | High |
| Vaginal sex | Low-Moderate |
| Anal sex | Moderate |
| Sharing food/drinks | Low |
| Sharing cigarettes/joints | Low |
Key Points
- Oral chlamydia is a bacterial infection transmitted through oral sex or other contact with infected genital fluids.
- You cannot get oral chlamydia from kissing, even deep kissing with saliva exchange.
- Symptoms of oral chlamydia can include sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes but many people have no symptoms.
- Get tested for oral chlamydia if you have had multiple oral sex partners, other STIs, or a partner diagnosed with chlamydia.
- Oral chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics. Take all medication as directed.
- Use protection like condoms or dental dams during oral sex to help avoid oral chlamydia transmission.
Conclusion
While oral chlamydia is a common STI, transmission through simple mouth-to-mouth contact like kissing is very unlikely. The bacteria generally cannot survive outside the body long enough to be passed through casual saliva contact. However, oral chlamydia can be spread through oral sex and other direct contact with infected genital secretions. Using protection during oral sex and getting tested regularly are important to avoid contracting or passing oral chlamydia. If diagnosed, oral chlamydia is easily cured with a course of antibiotics. Avoid kissing or oral contact during treatment and until partners have also been treated.