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Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex and can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Many people infected with gonorrhea do not experience any symptoms, making it easy to spread without knowing. When symptoms do appear, they may include discharge, burning during urination, or pain in the pelvic area. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and increased risk of HIV. It can also cause complications during pregnancy and be passed to newborns during childbirth.

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Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This pathogen is a gram-negative diplococcus, meaning it appears as two round bacteria joined together. It infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, as well as the rectum, throat, and eyes. The bacteria spread through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Once inside the body, Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiplies quickly and can cause inflammation, discharge, and other symptoms—or remain hidden without any noticeable signs.

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Gonorrhea can cause a range of symptoms, though many people experience no symptoms at all. In females, common signs include unusual vaginal discharge, pain or burning during urination, abdominal or pelvic pain, and bleeding between periods. In males, it may cause white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis, painful urination, and swollen or painful testicles. Because symptoms can be mild or absent, many people don’t realize they’re infected and may spread the infection without knowing. That’s why regular STI testing is so important.

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If a pregnant person has untreated gonorrhea, the infection can be passed to the baby during childbirth. This can cause serious complications, particularly affecting the baby’s eyes. One of the most common issues is neonatal conjunctivitis, a painful and severe eye infection that can result in permanent blindness if not treated quickly. In more severe cases, the bacteria can also spread to the baby’s bloodstream or joints, leading to dangerous infections like sepsis or arthritis. These complications can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention. To prevent this, pregnant individuals are routinely screened for STIs and treated with antibiotics before delivery to protect both mother and child.

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If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious long-term health problems. In females, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may result in chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy. In males, untreated gonorrhea can lead to epididymitis, a painful inflammation of the testicles that may also cause infertility. The infection can also spread beyond the reproductive system to the joints and bloodstream, resulting in septic arthritis or sepsis, both of which are potentially life-threatening. Additionally, having gonorrhea increases a person’s risk of contracting or spreading HIV due to inflammation and open sores. These long-term consequences highlight the importance of early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

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In the short term, gonorrhea can cause noticeable discomfort and infection in the genital area. Common symptoms include a burning sensation during urination and abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina. Women may also experience pelvic or abdominal pain and bleeding between periods. In men, swelling or pain in the testicles may occur. Gonorrhea can also infect the rectum or throat, causing irritation, soreness, or discharge, depending on the location. These symptoms may appear within a few days of exposure, but some individuals may not notice any signs at all, making early detection and testing very important.

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Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics, usually a combination of an injection (such as ceftriaxone) and oral medication (like azithromycin or doxycycline). However, drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are becoming more common, making early diagnosis and proper treatment more important than ever. It’s crucial that both sexual partners are treated at the same time to prevent reinfection. If only one person is treated, the infection can be passed back and forth. Follow-up testing may be recommended to ensure the infection has been fully cleared. To reduce the risk of resistance, patients must follow their prescribed treatment exactly as directed.

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The best way to prevent gonorrhea is to practice safe sex, including using condoms or dental dams during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Getting regular STI screenings is important for anyone who is sexually active, especially those with new or multiple partners. Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative can significantly reduce the risk of infection. If someone is diagnosed with gonorrhea, they should avoid all sexual activity until their treatment is complete and their healthcare provider confirms the infection is gone. Open and honest communication with partners about STI testing and prevention is also key. Education, awareness, and routine testing are essential tools in stopping the spread of gonorrhea.

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In addition to affecting the genitals, rectum, and throat, gonorrhea can also infect the eyes and joints. Eye infections, especially in newborns, can occur when infected fluids come in contact with the eyes, and in rare cases, gonorrhea can lead to disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which spreads through the bloodstream and affects the skin, joints, heart, or brain. People with gonorrhea are also more likely to contract or transmit HIV due to the inflammation and increased susceptibility of infected tissues. Gonorrhea is one of the most commonly reported STIs in the United States, particularly among people aged 15 to 24. The CDC recommends annual screening for sexually active women under 25 and for others at increased risk. Because reinfection is common, retesting three months after treatment is also advised for those who test positive.

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Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States, following chlamydia. It affects hundreds of thousands of people each year, with the highest rates among adolescents and young adults. Many people infected with gonorrhea do not show symptoms, which makes it easy to spread unknowingly. The infection can be passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. Because it is so common and often silent, regular screening is essential for sexually active individuals. Public health efforts continue to focus on education, prevention, and early treatment to reduce the impact of this widespread STI.

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Testing for gonorrhea is simple and can be done through a urine sample, a swab from the genitals, throat, or rectum, or a lab test. Most people do not experience symptoms, so regular testing is important, especially for those with new or multiple sexual partners. Early detection through testing helps prevent the spread of the infection and avoids serious health complications. Testing is quick, confidential, and available at most clinics and doctor’s offices. The CDC recommends annual screening for sexually active women under 25 and others at higher risk. Getting tested regularly and encouraging partners to do the same is one of the best ways to protect your sexual health.

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Gonorrhea is primarily spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. The bacteria can infect the genitals, rectum, throat, and even the eyes if exposed to infected fluids. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant person to their baby during childbirth. Sharing sex toys without cleaning them or using protection can also contribute to the spread of gonorrhea. Even if someone doesn’t have symptoms, they can still pass the infection to others. Using protection like condoms and dental dams is essential to reduce the risk of transmission.