Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are contagious, and transmission occurs when a person comes in intimate contact with an infected individual, according to "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing" by Linda Williams and Paula Hopper. You can spread STDs through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. A condom can help reduce the chances of contracting an STD, but it is not 100 percent effective. The best protection against STDs is abstinence. Infected individuals can be asymptomatic, but still spread the disease to partners. Be on the lookout for common symptoms, and if you develop any, seek medical help immediately.
Discharge
Unusual discharge can be a symptom of several STDs. Discharge from the penis that is yellow may be a sign of gonorrhea, while women can experience unusual menstrual periods, "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing." A white, odorous discharge might be a symptom of vaginosis, an infection more commonly to women, but one that can cause inflammation in men. Chlamydia can cause unusual discharge from genital areas.
Painful Urination
Pain during urination is a common symptom of STDs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, in both men and women. A burning sensation may be present during urination, making the process painful, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Genital Sores and Ulcers
Genital sores also also be a sign of STDs. Diseases such as genital herpes and genital warts can produce visual sores on the genital areas during an outbreak, according to "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing." An outbreak of ulcers (chancre) can occur when a person contracts syphilis from an infected individual. The sore and ulcers, which appear on the genital area of an infected person, are usually painful.
Other Signs
Abdominal pain can sometimes occur when there is an active STD, such as chlamydia, and may affect the right shoulder and arm, according "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing." Rashes, fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands, hair loss, joint pain, weight loss and fever can be signs of a STD. Women who have bleeding between periods might have chlamydia or gonorrhea. If an STD goes untreated, it could damage the heart, nervous system or circulatory system, and could lead to mental and physical disabilities. The Centers fro Disease Control and Prevention notes that some STD symptoms can go unnoticed, and some people who have chlamydia show no symptoms.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chlamydia--CDC Fact Sheet
- "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing"; Linda S. Williams and Paula D. Hopper, 2003
