Find out how saliva is involved in the transmission of some sexually transmitted diseases and what you need to know to be safe.

Quick Facts

  • Herpes and syphilis can be transmitted through saliva during kissing or oral sex.
  • Saliva is not the primary mode of transmission for chlamydia, gonorrhea or HIV.
  • Safe oral sex practices, regular testing and not having contact during outbreaks will reduce risk.

Saliva-Transmitted STDs

While saliva is not the primary mode of transmission for most sexually transmitted diseases, it can still be involved in the spread of some infections. Knowing how STDs can be transmitted through saliva is key to good sexual health. For example, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be spread through mouth-to-mouth contact (kissing) or oral sex. Syphilis can be transmitted through direct contact with open sores in the mouth. By knowing these transmission routes you can take precautions to protect yourself and your partners.

STDs That Can Be Transmitted Through Saliva

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

HSV-1 (oral herpes):

  • This is the most common infection linked to saliva. Spreads through kissing, sharing utensils or even close contact with someone who has a visible cold sore.
  • HSV-2 (genital herpes): While HSV-2 is most often transmitted through genital contact, oral-genital contact can also spread the infection.

Syphilis

  • Syphilis can spread through direct contact with open sores (chancres) in the mouth, lips or genitals. If these sores are present even a small amount of saliva can spread the infection.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV):

  • CMV, a herpesvirus, can be spread through saliva and can cause complications in people with weakened immune systems. People with compromised immune systems may experience more severe symptoms of CMV including painful ulcers and difficulty swallowing.

Oral HPV

  • Oral HPV can infect the throat and mouth and cause oropharyngeal cancer. Know the HPV strains that can cause oral infections and take precautions through vaccination and safe sex.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Not Spread Through Saliva

Chlamydia:

Chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex—not casual contact with saliva.

Gonorrhea:

While rare, gonorrhea can infect the throat through oral-genital contact. Saliva alone is not a risk factor.

HIV:

HIV is not spread through saliva. According to the CDC, the virus can’t survive in saliva in sufficient quantities to cause an infection unless there is blood involved.

Oral STD Symptoms

Herpes Symptoms

Herpes symptoms can be mild to severe. Oral herpes caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) will often show up as cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. These sores can be painful and may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, fever and fatigue. The virus is transmitted through mouth-to-mouth contact (kissing) or oral sex. In some cases people may not show any symptoms at all so it’s important to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to catch them early.

Other Oral STD Symptoms

Other oral STDs like gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia can also show symptoms in the mouth and throat. These may be a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and difficulty swallowing. But these infections can also be asymptomatic meaning no visible signs. So regular testing is important for good sexual health and to prevent spreading the infection to others.

How Much Saliva Is Needed to Transmit a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

The amount of saliva is less important than:

  • The type of STD.
  • Sores or lesions in the mouth or on the genitals.
  • Viral load (how much of the virus is present).

For example:

  • Herpes: A tiny amount of saliva from someone with an active cold sore can transmit the virus.
  • Syphilis: Contact with visible sores or ulcers, not the saliva itself is the main route of transmission.

Can You Get Chlamydia From Spit or Oral Sex?

Chlamydia is not spread through spit alone but can be spread through sexual contact including oral sex with an infected partner. But oral sex with an infected partner can cause throat or genital infections. Throat chlamydia symptoms are often mild or none so it’s harder to detect without testing.

Real Life Example:

If your partner is diagnosed with genital chlamydia and you’ve had oral sex, get tested for throat chlamydia even if you feel fine. Testing will catch it early and prevent complications.=

Testing and Diagnosis

Testing for oral sexually transmitted infections may involve a physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. A healthcare provider may do a swab test to collect a sample from the affected area, which is then sent to the lab. Blood tests may also be used to test for certain STDs like HIV or syphilis. Regular STD testing is important, especially if you are sexually active or have had multiple partners, so testing will catch infections early and treat them to maintain overall sexual health.

HIV Transmission Myths

One of the myths about HIV transmission is that it can be spread through saliva. HIV can be present in saliva but it’s not transmitted through kissing or mouth-to-mouth contact. HIV is mainly spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids like blood, semen or breast milk. Bleeding gums or other oral health issues can increase the risk of HIV transmission but this is still rare. Antiviral medications can manage HIV and reduce the risk of transmission but practice safe sex and get tested regularly to maintain good sexual health.

How to Prevent STDs from Saliva or Oral Contact

The good news is that preventing STDs spread through saliva is easy:

  1. Avoid Kissing During Outbreaks:
    If you or your partner have a cold sore or other visible lesions, don’t kiss or have oral sex until the area heals.
  2. Use Barriers During Oral Sex:
    Dental dams or condoms during oral sex will act as a barrier to saliva and bodily fluids.
  3. Regular Testing:
    Testing for STDs especially if you or your partner are sexually active with multiple partners.
  4. Open Communication:
    Talk to your partners about their sexual health and any symptoms they may have.

Living with an STD Transmitted Through Saliva

Living with an STD like herpes or syphilis can be overwhelming but these conditions are treatable and manageable. Here’s how:

  • Get Treatment: Antivirals (for herpes) or antibiotics (for syphilis) can reduce symptoms and transmission risk.
  • Self-care: Stress management and healthy habits will strengthen your immune system and reduce outbreaks.
  • Find Support: Whether through a healthcare provider, online forums or support groups, connecting with others will make the journey easier.

FAQs

What STD can be transmitted from saliva?

Saliva can be a vehicle for transmitting certain sexually transmitted diseases through oral contact or kissing. Here are the most common STDs that can be transmitted through saliva:

  1. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Both HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes) can be spread through saliva especially during an active outbreak with visible cold sores or blisters.
  2. Syphilis: This can be transmitted through direct contact with open sores (chancres) in the mouth, lips or genitals. Saliva can be a vehicle for transmission if these sores are present.
  3. Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Part of the herpesvirus family, CMV can be spread through saliva and can cause serious health issues in people with weakened immune system.
  4. Oral HPV

Can you get chlamydia from mouth saliva?

Chlamydia is not transmitted through mouth saliva alone. The primary modes of transmission for chlamydia are through vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner. While saliva itself is not a risk factor, having oral sex with someone who has chlamydia can lead to throat or genital infections.

Can you get an STD from spit?

Yes, STDs like herpes and syphilis can be transmitted through saliva especially during oral contact or kissing when sores are present.

Can STDs be transmitted through saliva alone?

Yes for some infections like herpes, no for others like HIV or chlamydia.

How can I reduce my risk of getting an STD from saliva?

Avoid kissing during outbreaks, use condoms or dental dams during oral sex, and test regularly.

Can you get chlamydia or gonorrhea from spit?

It’s unlikely but oral sex with an infected partner can spread these to the throat or genitals.

How much saliva is needed to transmit a disease?

A small amount of saliva can transmit herpes during an active outbreak. For syphilis, contact with sores is required.