Can you get Gonorrhoea from kissing?

Do you ever worry that kissing someone could put your health at risk? When it comes to the sexually transmitted infection (STI) Gonorrhoea, there is a common misconception that it can be transferred through casual contact such as kissing.

However, while this misconception may lead you to avoid intimate interactions with potential partners, the reality is slightly different – and knowing what puts you at risk of infection is essential for anyone engaging in any kind of intimate activity.

This blog will explore all the facts about catching Gonorrhoea through kissing so that you can make informed decisions about your health.

What is Gonorrhoea and how is it spread?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It used to be commonly referred to as ‘the clap’. It can affect both men and women.

Gonorrhoea is primarily spread through unprotected vaginal and anal sex. It can also be spread by sharing sex toys since the bacteria can survive outside the human body for short periods.

Can you get Gonorrhoea from kissing someone on the mouth or having oral sex with them?

While it is rare, you can get Gonorrhoea in your throat or your mouth. This kind of Gonorrhoea infection is known as oral Gornorrhoea (or pharyngeal Gonorrhoea). People tend to get oral Gonorrhoea during oral sex when the genital fluids of an infected party come in contact with their partner’s mouth or throat.

If you have oral Gonorrhoea, it is possible to transmit the infection to someone else through deep kissing. However, quick, casual kisses are not of concern.

Can you get Gonorrhoea from touching someone or having skin-to-skin contact with them?

There is no evidence to suggest that Gonorrhoea spreads through simple acts of touch like holding hands or hugging. This is because the bacteria can only survive outside the body for very short periods, and so the likelihood of the infection being spread in this manner is very low.

What are the symptoms of oral Gonorrhoea?

Symptoms of oral Gonorrhoea include:

Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Red spots at the back of the throat
Sore throat

Occasionally, someone who has oral Gonorrhoea can get a Gonorrhoea infection in another part of the body, such as the cervix or urethra. If this occurs, other symptoms may present, including:

Vaginal or penile discharge
Pain during urination
Pain during intercourse
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Oral Gonorrhoea can often be confused with other throat conditions, such as strep throat since they share similar symptoms.

The only way to know for certain that you have oral Gonorrhoea is to book a Gonorrhoea test.

How is oral Gonorrhoea treated?

Oral Gonorrhoea infections can be more difficult to treat than other Gonorrhoea infections, but the treatment is the same: antibiotics. However, different antibiotics may be used to treat an oral Gonorrhoea infection than other Gonorrhoea infections.

Are there any long-term effects of untreated oral Gonorrhoea infection?

An untreated oral Gonorrhoea infection can lead to serious health complications. Bacteria can spread through your bloodstream to different parts of the body. In rare cases, this can lead to systemic gonococcal infection, which can cause joint pain, swelling, skin sores, and infection of the heart.

Oral Gonorrhoea can lead to infections in other parts of your body, such as the genitals, rectum, and urinary tract. Long-term complications from a Gonorrhoea infection of these parts of the body can include:

Pelvic inflammatory disease
Infertility
Miscarriage during pregnancy
Premature labour or birth
Pain in the testicles and prostate
Sepsis
Epididymitis

I think I have oral Gonorrhoea. What do I do?

If you think you have oral Gonorrhoea, you should get tested as soon as possible to confirm that you have the infection. You can use Better2Know’s clinic finder to find a sexual health clinic near you.

You should refrain from any sexual activity while you are infected. You may also want to inform any past or current sexual partners about your condition in case they want to get tested as well.

How likely is oral Gonorrhoea to recur?

While there are no figures on the recurrence of oral Gonorrhoea specifically, the recurrence of other types of Gonorrhoea is high, affecting between 3.6% to 11% of people previously treated.

You should get retested 3 to 6 months after completing your treatment, even if you are symptom-free.