Deep kissing is generally considered a safer sex practice compared to other sexual activities, but it's not entirely without risk. According to research, kissing carries a much lower risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) when compared to activities like oral sex.
Potential Risks of Deep Kissing
While less risky than other sexual activities, deep kissing can still potentially transmit certain STIs and diseases.
- STIs Transmitted Through Saliva: Some STIs can be transmitted through saliva, though this is less common. These include:
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which causes mononucleosis (mono)
- Risk Mitigation:
- Avoid deep kissing if you or your partner have open sores, cuts, or bleeding gums.
- Communicate openly with your partner about your sexual health and history.
Why Kissing Is Considered a Safer Sex Practice
Kissing, particularly nonpenetrative kissing, is often seen as a safer alternative to other sexual activities due to the lower likelihood of transmitting STIs. This is because:
- Limited Fluid Exchange: Kissing primarily involves saliva exchange, while other sexual activities involve more significant exchanges of bodily fluids like blood and semen, which have a higher concentration of pathogens.
- Skin Barrier: The skin acts as a barrier against many infections. Kissing typically doesn't involve breaking the skin, whereas other sexual activities might.
Conclusion
Therefore, while deep kissing poses a relatively low risk of transmitting STIs and STDs compared to other sexual activities, it's essential to practice safe habits and be aware of potential risks.
