Kissing can spread sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea, it has been reported, with the number of UK cases on the rise.
The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre has told The Sun that their research has suggested disease can be transferred via tongue kissing, and not only having sex.
The new research from Australiacontradicts NHS advice.
The UK Health Security Agency advised on March 16 that those with multiple sexual partners should be tested for the infection.
The agency said diagnoses from January to September 2022 were 21 per cent higher than those reported over the same period in 2019.
Data also indicated that, during the first nine months of 2022, gonorrhoea cases were higher than those reported over the same period in each of the past three years.
Dr Katy Sinka, consultant epidemiologist and head of the STI section at the agency, said: “Condoms aren’t just about preventing unwanted pregnancy; they are the main defence against STIs.
“If you have had condomless sex with a new or casual partner, it is even more important to get tested to detect any potential infections early and prevent passing them on to others.”
While unprotected sex is the most frequent method of gonorrhoea transfer, the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre has reportedly gathered data to suggest kissing can also increase someone’s odds of catching it.
Professor Eric Chow told The Sun that researchers conducted a review of six studies and ruled that it did pose a risk factor.
“We think it is possible to catch gonorrhoea via kissing,” he said. "I think the guidelines should be updated.”
It is understood no further guidance has been given for the UK and the NHS has said that the disease cannot be spread via kissing.
An NHS statement reads: “You can catch gonorrhoea by having any type of unprotected sexual contact, including oral sex or by sharing sex toys.
“Gonorrhoea is not caught by kissing, even if one partner has the infection in his or her throat. You or your partner could have picked up the infection from a previous partner without even knowing it.”
The UK Health Security Agency has said free condoms can be collected from your local sexual health clinic and, if you are under 25, also online.
The agency has been approached for further comment.
