STD Test – It’s in his kiss
There can be confusion about the risks of catching an STD just from kissing, but in the States one couple is seeking an STD test after a forced sloppy kiss.
The idea that you can catch an STD just from a kiss is something of an urban myth. Confusion abounds over the question – the answer is that you can catch an STD from a kiss, but it’s very rare. Only an STD test will confirm whether you have caught an STD or not. But prevention is always better than cure.
Should I take an STD test after kissing?
It is extreme to take an STD test after a kiss with a stranger or someone you’ve kissed and you might suspect of carrying an STD for whatever reason. But it is possible (if rare) to catch herpes. Oral herpes (cold sores) are not an STD but can be transmitted to the genital area. If the person you kissed touched his or her mouth to an infected body part, you could be at risk of an STD after kissing, but it is not as contagious as the genital areas. It’s recommended that if you are sexually active that you take a regular STD test and sexual health check, which can help address any fears. Blood-borne infections (such as HIV) are only transferred through kissing if there is an exchange of infected blood.
Take a regular STD test
But in America, the Houston Chronicle reported on one husband and wife who filed a lawsuit against a man who forced a kiss on the woman. The man accused of planting the kiss, Borris Miles, is being sued by the couple who are asking that he take an STD test as they fear he could have contaminated the woman. The couple claim Miles forcefully kissed her at a party where Miles turned up “uninvited, confronting guests, displaying a pistol and forcibly kissing another man’s wife”.
Can’t catch AIDS from kissing
The couple said they feared AIDS and other STDs as the kiss consisted of ‘unwanted bodily fluids’. They felt Miles should have an STD test because of his reputation of being a ‘man about town’. Although it’s true that some STDs can be transmitted orally, it’s not possible to catch AIDS unless infected blood is transmitted. The story highlights some of the confusion around how people can catch an STD, as well as confirming the importance of taking an STD test regularly to safeguard sexual health.
Looking for an STD test? CITYDOC can help
For a complete range of STD tests, London based CITYDOC is ideally and discreetly located in the City of London for fast, professional and discreet service. Based at the junction of City Road and Finsbury Square, CITYDOC is open for walk-in patients or you can book your appointment by contacting the practice now on 0207 256 8668. The clinic offers full sexual screens for men and women. If you are thinking about an STD Test, contact CITYDOC today.
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