Gonorrhea is a common bacterial infection. Understanding its spread is important for prevention. Many people wonder about less obvious transmission routes, particularly through intimate contact like kissing.
Kissing and Gonorrhea Transmission
Casual kissing, such as on the cheek or with closed lips, carries virtually no risk for gonorrhea transmission. While deep, open-mouth kissing (French kissing) involves the exchange of saliva, the risk of transmitting gonorrhea through this activity is very low. Research suggests a possible association between deep kissing and pharyngeal (throat) gonorrhea, but it is not a primary mode of transmission. The bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, does not thrive well in saliva, which inhibits its growth. Public health authorities primarily consider oral gonorrhea to be spread through oral sex, not kissing alone.
Understanding Gonorrhea Spread
Gonorrhea is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria primarily infects the mucous membranes in the genitals, rectum, and throat (pharynx). It can also affect the eyes.
Transmission occurs when mucous membranes contact infected sexual fluids or those of an infected person. Ejaculation does not need to occur for transmission. Oral sex is a significant route for gonorrhea to infect or be transmitted from the throat.
Recognizing Oral Gonorrhea and Testing
Oral gonorrhea, also known as pharyngeal gonorrhea, frequently presents without noticeable symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they can resemble other throat infections and might include a sore throat, redness, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Some individuals might also experience a fever or difficulty swallowing.
Because oral gonorrhea is often asymptomatic, testing is important for diagnosis. Diagnosis typically involves a throat swab, sent to a laboratory for a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). NAATs are highly sensitive, detecting the bacteria’s genetic material.
Treatment and Prevention Strategies
Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics, often a single dose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends ceftriaxone, typically administered as an injection, for uncomplicated infections. Complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve, and get retested about three months after treatment to confirm the infection has cleared. Individuals should avoid sexual activity for at least seven days after completing treatment to prevent spreading the infection. Prevention strategies include consistent and correct use of condoms during all sexual activity, regular STI testing for sexually active individuals, and open communication with sexual partners about their STI status.