Let’s sort the facts from the fiction when it comes to kissing…
A snog, smooch, making out… whatever you call it, there’s a LOT of misinformation about kissing. If you’ve ever worried you might catch something from kissing or don’t know what French kissing is, don’t worry. We’re here to break down the facts for you.
CAN I CATCH HIV FROM KISSING?
FALSE – HIV is a virus that, if left untreated, can lead to AIDS. There is no cure for HIV or AIDS but there are effective treatments for HIV which enable people to live long and healthy lives.
You cannot catch HIV from kissing. You also cannot catch it from sweat or urine. HIV is passed on through unprotected sex because it is found in semen, vaginal and anal fluids. It’s also found in blood, meaning some people can get HIV when they share needles or syringes. HIV can also be found in breast milk.
As well as kissing, you cannot get HIV from:
- Hugging
- Toilet seats
- Bathing with someone else
- Sharing food
- Insect bites
- Sneezes and coughs
- Sweat
- Shaking someone’s hand
- Tears
- Animals
CAN KISSING OR HUGGING GET YOU PREGNANT?
FALSE – You can only get pregnant (or make someone else pregnant) through vaginal sex. There is no way to get pregnant simply by kissing or hugging.
CAN YOU SPREAD OR CATCH GERMS THROUGH KISSING?
TRUE – There are a few viruses that can be transmitted by kissing, including colds, glandular fever and warts. You can’t get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from kissing, but you can pass on cold sores so avoid kissing if either of you has one.
DOES KISSING MAKES YOU LESS STRESSED?
TRUE – Kissing has been shown to lower cortisol – a stress hormone. So, pucker up and let your stresses drift away as you enjoy being closest to the one you love most.
Kissing can also release feel-good hormones and adrenaline, making you feel excited, happy and super alert.
CAN YOU CATCH SPOTS FROM KISSING?
FALSE – Spots and acne aren’t contagious so you can’t ‘catch’ spots. You might, however, notice you have some extra spots or breakouts after kissing. This can be caused by friction – often caused by stubble or facial hair – or a reaction to a perfume or aftershave.
DOES FRENCH KISSING MEAN USING TONGUES?
TRUE – French kissing (also known as a tongue-kiss) is when you kiss with a parted mouth and both use your tongues to touch and explore each other’s tongue and lips. There’s all kinds of kissing, from a peck on the cheek or lips where your lips are closed and puckered, to a full-on, open-mouthed snog. Talk to your partner to work out what you both like best and don’t be afraid to try different techniques or adapting your kissing style. Want more help and advice about intimacy? Click here to read about sex, pressure and consent.
