Sexual Health STIs HPV Can You Get HPV From Kissing? By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 30, 2023 Medically reviewed by Renita White, MD Medically reviewed by Renita White, MD LinkedIn Renita White, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist. She practices at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology, and cares for women all over the metro Atlanta area in Georgia. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to be spread through oral sex, so it may seem reasonable to assume that kissing—particularly deep kissing or "French kissing"—is a risk factor for infection. While theoretically possible, there have yet to be any studies that have definitively made this connection. This article walks you through what the current research says about HPV and kissing. It also describes the most common modes of HPV transmission and the best ways to protect yourself from infection. Thanasis Zovoilis / Getty Images Research on Kissing and HPV Transmission At present, the only fair response to whether kissing can cause HPV is maybe. Some studies have suggested that open-mouth kissing may be linked to HPV transmission, but the evidence supporting the claim is often contradictory or ambiguous. A 2014 study involving 222 heterosexual couples found individuals with a partner with oral HPV faced a higher risk of having oral HPV themselves. The findings were limited by the fact that the participants engaged in both deep kissing and oral sex, so the actual route of transmission remains unclear. This is a common theme with studies involving HPV and kissing: It is hard to isolate couples with HPV who only engage in deep kissing. With that said, a 2022 study from the University of Michigan examined oral swabs from 392 sexually active adults and found that people with two or more deep kissing partners were twice as likely to have oral HPV than those who had one or none. Even so, the findings were limited by the fact that participants engaged in both kissing and sex, meaning the route of infection remains unclear. This suggests kissing may play a role in the oral transmission of HPV. It doesn't prove a link. Causes and Risk Factors of HPV Proven Methods of HPV Transmission According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 80% of people who are sexually active will become infected with HPV at some point during their lives. While kissing may or may not pose a significant risk of HPV, vaginal, anal, or oral sex are extremely effective routes of transmission. The virus can even be passed through close skin-to-skin contact during sex, often from a partner with HPV who is asymptomatic (without symptoms). Does HPV Always Cause Cancer? Although some types of HPV are linked to cervical cancer and other types of cancer, the majority of infections clear on their own and pose no threat of cancer or any other health concern. In fact, fewer than 1% of all HPV infections annually lead to HPV-associated cancer. Protecting Yourself From HPV While condoms afford some protection against HPV, the most effective means of prevention is to get the HPV vaccine, called Gardasil 9. The CDC currently recommends HPV vaccination for: Children 11 to 12 yearsAnyone under 26 who was not adequately vaccinated during childhood The CDC does not recommend HPV vaccination for adults over 26, mainly because the odds of exposure to the virus by this age are high. With that said, adults 27 to 45 may opt for vaccination based on the potential benefits of vaccination in their case as outlined by a healthcare provider. Safer Sex and Testing A reduction in your number of sex partners can also reduce your odds of exposure. Because most people with HPV are asymptomatic, it is a good idea to discuss safer sex practices with sexual partners and be open about any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) either of you have or have had—including potentially chronic (long-lasting) ones like HPV. If you have signs or symptoms of HPV, ask your healthcare provider for an HPV test and other recommended STI screenings (STIs often occur together). By getting diagnosed, you can better protect your health and the health of your sexual partners. HPV Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Dahlstrom KR, Burchell AN, Ramanakumar AV, et al. Sexual transmission of oral human papillomavirus infection among men. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. Dec 2014;23(12):2959-64. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-14-0386 Brouwer A, Campredon LP, Walline HM, et al. Incidence and clearance of oral and cervicogenital HPV infection: longitudinal analysis of the MHOC cohort study. BMJ Open. 2022 Jan 3;12(1):e056502. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056502 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human papillomavirus: HPV vaccine schedule and dosing. By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit