5 Surprising Ways KISSING Your Guy Can Spread Syphilis And Herpes; Protect Your Health With These Tips
Kissing is often the gateway to intimacy, a tender expression of affection that can ignite passion and strengthen bonds. But beneath the surface of this romantic gesture lies a potential health risk: the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis and herpes. While these diseases are commonly associated with sexual activities, they can also be spread through kissing. Here are five reasons why you should be aware of the risks.
Oral Sores And Lesions Syphilis and herpes can manifest as sores or lesions in the mouth, which are highly contagious. Syphilis sores, known as chancres, can appear on the lips or inside the mouth during the primary stage of infection. Similarly, oral herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), often leads to cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. When you kiss someone with these visible symptoms, the bacteria or virus can easily transfer to you.
Asymptomatic Shedding
One of the most insidious aspects of herpes is asymptomatic shedding. This means that even when your partner doesn’t have visible sores or symptoms, the virus can still be present on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth. This silent shedding allows the virus to spread without anyone realizing it, making kissing a seemingly safe act potentially hazardous.
Open Cuts Or Scrapes
Tiny cuts or abrasions in your mouth, which can occur from something as simple as brushing your teeth too hard, create an entry point for infections. If your partner has an active syphilis or herpes infection and you have even the smallest open wound, the risk of transmission increases significantly. The pathogens can enter your bloodstream through these microscopic openings, leading to infection.
High Viral Load The risk of transmission is higher if your partner has a high viral load, which refers to the amount of virus present in their system. During initial outbreaks or untreated syphilis and herpes infections, the viral or bacterial load can be particularly high. This increases the chances of transmission during intimate contact such as kissing. Knowing your partner’ s STI status and if they are undergoing treatment can help mitigate this risk.
Lack of Awareness And Testing Many people are unaware they carry syphilis or herpes because they may never exhibit noticeable symptoms or they mistake the symptoms for something less serious. Without regular STI screenings, the infections can go undetected.
This lack of awareness leads to unintentional transmission, especially through acts perceived as low-risk, like kissing. Encouraging regular STI testing for both you and your partner can help detect and manage these. infections early.