Gonorrhea

Updated: 2024-03-09

Description

An illness caused by infection with bacteria and spread mainly by contact with genitals or body fluids.

Overview

Gonorrhea is an infection by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. The bacteria usually spread from person to person during sexual contact. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to more medical issues, such as infertility and pregnancy complications.

Symptoms

Some people have no symptoms of gonorrhea. If they do happen, symptoms include painful urination and discharge from the penis or vagina. Pain or swelling in one testicle, or pain in the belly or pelvis may be another symptom.

Treatments

Medicines that target bacteria, called antibiotics, treat gonorrhea. Screening and treating sex partners helps to prevent catching the bacteria again.