Can You Get Gonorrhoea Through Kissing?

A Question That's Challenging Old Assumptions

For decades, gonorrhoea was understood to spread almost exclusively through sexual contact – vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The idea that you could catch it from kissing seemed far-fetched.

But emerging research is challenging this assumption, particularly regarding throat (pharyngeal) gonorrhoea. Here's what we know.

The Traditional View

Historically, gonorrhoea transmission was thought to require:

• Direct contact between infected mucous membranes
• Exchange of infected bodily fluids during sexual activity
• Contact with infected genital, rectal, or throat secretions

Casual contact, including kissing, was considered safe.

What New Research Shows

Several studies, particularly from Australia, have found evidence suggesting kissing may play a role in gonorrhoea transmission:

Key Findings

Oropharyngeal (throat) gonorrhoea and kissing behaviour:

• Studies of men who have sex with men (MSM) found associations between kissing frequency and throat gonorrhoea
• Some participants with throat gonorrhoea reported only kissing (no oral sex) with partners
• The more kissing partners reported, the higher the rates of throat infection

Saliva as a transmission medium:

• Gonorrhoea bacteria (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) have been detected in saliva of infected individuals
• The bacteria can survive briefly in saliva
• Deep kissing exchanges significant amounts of saliva

Partner studies:

• Concordant throat infections between kissing partners (both have throat gonorrhoea without genital involvement)
• Patterns suggesting person-to-person oral transmission

How Significant Is the Risk?

It's important to put this in context:

Still Primarily a Sexually Transmitted Infection

• The majority of gonorrhoea transmission still occurs through oral, anal, and vaginal sex
• Kissing-associated transmission appears less efficient than sexual transmission
• Not every kiss with an infected person will transmit infection

But Not Zero Risk

• The research suggests kissing is a plausible transmission route
• May explain some cases where traditional sexual transmission seems unlikely
• Could be more significant in populations with high rates of pharyngeal gonorrhoea

Implications

• Kissing multiple partners may carry some gonorrhoea risk
• This is particularly relevant for throat infections
• May partly explain why pharyngeal gonorrhoea is difficult to control

Who Is Most Affected?

The research has primarily focused on:

Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)

• Higher rates of pharyngeal gonorrhoea in this population
• More extensive study of kissing behaviours
• Kissing-only transmission documented

People With Multiple Partners

• More kissing partners = more potential exposure
• Casual kissing encounters may carry some risk
• Festival and nightclub settings may be relevant

Important Note

This doesn't mean everyone who kisses is at high risk. Context matters:

• Long-term monogamous partners have low risk
• Brief kisses are different from prolonged deep kissing
• Prevalence of gonorrhoea in your community affects likelihood

What Does This Mean for Prevention?

No Need for Panic

• Kissing remains relatively low risk
• This information shouldn't cause anxiety about normal intimacy
• The vast majority of kisses don't transmit gonorrhoea

Awareness Is Helpful

• Recognise that throat gonorrhoea exists and is common
• Understand that it's usually asymptomatic
• Know that testing requires a throat swab

Consider Testing

If you have:

• Multiple casual partners (including kissing-only encounters)
• Symptoms like persistent sore throat
• Been told a partner has gonorrhoea (any site)

Potential Future Prevention

Research is exploring:

• Antiseptic mouthwash as a prevention measure (results mixed)
• Public health messaging about throat infections
• Better understanding of transmission dynamics

Testing for Throat Gonorrhoea

If you're concerned about throat gonorrhoea:

How It's Tested

• Simple throat swab (similar to a strep throat test)
• Can be done at sexual health clinics
• Results typically within a few days

Who Should Get Tested

• Anyone who gives oral sex (higher risk)
• People with multiple kissing partners (some risk)
• Those with symptoms or partner notification
• As part of regular sexual health screening

Treatment

• Same treatment as genital gonorrhoea (usually ceftriaxone injection)
• Partners need notification and treatment
• Test of cure recommended after treatment

The Bigger Picture

The possibility of kissing transmission highlights several important points:

Throat Gonorrhoea Is Underappreciated

• Often asymptomatic
• Not always tested for
• Can be transmitted to partners' genitals through oral sex

STI Transmission Is Complex

• We're still learning about transmission routes
• Assumptions should be questioned with new evidence
• Science evolves

Regular Testing Matters

• You can't know your status by symptoms alone
• Comprehensive testing includes throat swabs
• Knowledge enables appropriate action

Practical Recommendations

1. Don't panic – kissing remains relatively low risk
2. Be aware – throat gonorrhoea is common and usually asymptomatic
3. Get tested – especially if you have multiple partners or symptoms
4. Include throat swabs – in your STI screening if you give oral sex or have many kissing partners
5. Treat promptly – if diagnosed, complete treatment and notify partners

Stay Informed

The science of STI transmission continues to evolve. What we thought we knew about gonorrhoea is being refined by new research.

Our sexual health services stay up-to-date with the latest evidence. If you have questions or concerns about gonorrhoea or any STI, we're here to help. Book a confidential consultation or test today.