Scarleteen

Does ‘not exchanging bodily fluids’ as a safe sex practice include not using spit as lubricant?
What are risks of using spit as lube? (Mouth to hand to genitals.)
Are there any transmission risk factors?

Thank you.

Besides the fact that it just isn't a very good lubricant - all the more so if using barriers - yes, any STIs which can be transferred via saliva, which are most, could be transferred that way.

Thank you Heather
If it’s all you’ve got, it’s gotta do...

In my experience, kissing isn’t seen as ‘risky’ behaviour, but according to your answer, it’s pretty much as ‘risky’ as anything else. Would you say this is correct?

Hi mawwall,

You can check out this article about behaviors' risk levels for STI transmission:

Can I Get Pregnant, or Get or Pass On an STI From That?

Kissing is considered no risk to low risk of STI because you could potential get or transmit to someone else oral herpes (HSV-1), and common illnesses like colds, flu, or mononucleosis while kissing.